Interconnected Factors Contributing to Climate Change
Albedo Effect
What is it?
Is the reflection of sunlight off the Earth's surface.
Changes
Snow or ice
Dark forests or oceans
When the Earth's surface is covered in snow or ice, it reflects more sunlight back into space, which can cool the planet.
When the Earth's surface is covered in dark forests or oceans, it absorbs more sunlight, which can warm the planet
Global Warming
What is it?
Is the long-term increase in the Earth's average temperature
Why?
Due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
These gases trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, leading to a warming effect
Carbon Footprint
What is it?
Is the amount of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, that are released into the atmosphere
Why?
A as result of human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
These emissions contribute to global warming
Thermal or Temperature Inversion
What is it?
Is a weather phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground.
Consequences
This can lead to the buildup of pollutants, such as smog, which can have negative health effects
Relation between Albedo Effect, Global Warming and Carbon Footprint
The Albedo Effect, Global Warming, and Carbon Footprint are related in several ways. The Albedo Effect is the reflection of sunlight off the Earth's surface, and it can impact global warming by reflecting or absorbing sunlight12. A decrease in surface albedo over ice-covered ocean leads to global warming and Arctic-amplified warming3. Carbon Footprint, on the other hand, contributes to global warming by releasing greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere45. Therefore, reducing carbon footprint can help mitigate global warming, while increasing surface albedo can help reduce global warming. Overall, these factors are interconnected and contribute to climate change, which has significant impacts on the environment and human societies.
References:
Albedo Effect:
NASA Climate Kids. (n.d.). Albedo. https://climatekids.nasa.gov/albedo/
National Geographic. (2019, December 3). Albedo effect. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/albedo-effect/
Global Warming:
Environmental Protection Agency. (2022, April 22). Climate change indicators: Global temperature. https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-global-temperature
NASA Global Climate Change. (n.d.). Evidence. https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
Carbon Footprint:
Carbon Trust. (n.d.). What is a carbon footprint? https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/what-is-a-carbon-footprint
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (n.d.). What is a carbon footprint? https://unfccc.int/climate-action/momentum-for-change/planetary-health/what-is-a-carbon-footprint
Thermal or Temperature Inversion:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). Temperature inversion. https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/inversion.html
Environmental Defense Fund. (n.d.). Temperature inversion. https://www.edf.org/glossary/temperature-inversion