AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Global Climate Change
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
Term: Positive Feedback Loop (in climate change)
A cycle where an initial change causes a secondary change that further amplifies the original effect, such as melting ice leading to increased warming.
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Term: Positive Feedback Loop (in climate change)
A cycle where an initial change causes a secondary change that further amplifies the original effect, such as melting ice leading to increased warming.
What are four major effects of global climate change mentioned in the text?
Effects include rising temperatures, the melting of permafrost and sea ice, rising sea levels, and the displacement of coastal populations.
Has Earth's climate been historically stable?
No, the Earth has undergone significant climate change throughout geologic time, with major shifts between periods of global warming and cooling.
What greenhouse gas is specifically mentioned as being released by thawing tundra?
The thawing of tundra in regions like the Arctic leads to the release of greenhouse gases, including methane.
Describe the positive feedback loop in the Arctic related to thawing tundra.
As the Arctic warms, the tundra thaws and releases greenhouse gases like methane, which in turn causes more warming and more thawing.
What is the role of snow and ice in the polar climate system?
Ice and snow in the polar regions play a critical role by reflecting the most solar energy back out to space, which helps to cool the planet.
How do scientists have records of Earth's past climate changes?
Earth's history of major shifts in global temperatures, including periods of warming and cooling, has been recorded using CO2 data and ice cores.
Why are Earth's polar regions responding faster to global climate change than other areas?
Ice and snow in polar regions reflect the most solar energy back into space; as this cover melts, more energy is absorbed, creating a positive feedback loop that accelerates warming.
How do changes in climate impact ecosystems?
Both short-term and long-term changes in climate have significant impacts on the functioning and stability of ecosystems.
What two specific phenomena create positive feedback loops in the Arctic?
The rapid climate change response in the Arctic is due to positive feedback loops involving both the melting of sea ice and the thawing of tundra.
What is a major social consequence of rising sea levels due to climate change?
A significant effect of rising sea levels is the displacement of human populations living in coastal areas.