Global Change Biology

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Across
  1. 8. A structure or atmospheric phenomenon that traps heat from the sun, warming the Earth's surface. In the context of climate change, the "greenhouse effect" refers to the increase in global temperatures due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
  2. 10. The reflectivity of a surface, typically referring to the percentage of incoming sunlight that is reflected back into space. Changes in albedo can influence climate by affecting the amount of solar radiation absorbed or reflected by the Earth's surface and atmosphere.
  3. 11. The ability of individuals, communities, ecosystems, or systems to adapt to and recover from environmental disturbances and shocks, maintaining functionality and structure.
  4. 13. The release of gases, particles, or substances into the atmosphere, particularly those generated by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
  5. 14. Ground that remains frozen for two or more consecutive years, typically found in polar regions and high-altitude mountain areas. Permafrost contains large amounts of organic carbon and methane, which can be released into the atmosphere as it thaws due to global warming, contributing to further climate change.
  6. 16. A dense forest characterized by high levels of rainfall and biodiversity, typically found in tropical regions near the equator. Rainforests play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and releasing oxygen.
  7. 18. Referring to human activities or human-induced changes to the environment. In the context of climate change, "anthropogenic" factors include the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices that release greenhouse gases and contribute to global warming.
  8. 19. Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the environment and society.
  9. 21. A reduction or decrease in the extent, size, or magnitude of something. In the context of climate change, "contraction" may refer to the shrinking of glaciers, ice sheets, or the range of certain species due to rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions.
  10. 23. The deliberate replanting of trees in areas where forests have been depleted or removed, with the aim of restoring ecological balance and biodiversity.
  11. 24. The process by which the pH levels of seawater and freshwater bodies decrease due to the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, leading to harmful impacts on marine ecosystems.
Down
  1. 1. The sustainable management and protection of natural resources, habitats, and biodiversity to maintain ecosystem health, functionality, and resilience in the face of environmental challenges and human activities.
  2. 2. The concept of maintaining ecological balance and meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  3. 3. The process by which habitats become divided into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities such as land development and infrastructure expansion, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline.
  4. 4. Energy sources derived from natural processes that are constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat, which offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
  5. 5. The study of seasonal phenomena in plants and animals, such as flowering, leaf emergence, and migration patterns, in response to environmental cues such as temperature, rainfall, and day length. Changes in phenology can be indicators of climate change impacts on ecosystems.
  6. 6. The capture and long-term storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases to prevent their release into the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.
  7. 7. The expansion of shrub-dominated vegetation in response to changing environmental conditions, such as warming temperatures and altered precipitation patterns.
  8. 9. A potent greenhouse gas, primarily produced by natural processes such as wetland decomposition and by human activities such as agriculture (e.g., livestock digestion, rice cultivation) and fossil fuel extraction (e.g., natural gas production, coal mining). Methane has a much higher warming potential than carbon dioxide over shorter time frames.
  9. 12. The authority of a nation-state to govern itself and its territory independently. In the context of climate change, "sovereignty" may refer to a country's right to pursue its own policies and strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change without external interference.
  10. 15. Geological formations caused by the thawing of permafrost, resulting in land subsidence, formation of depressions, and changes in landscape features.
  11. 17. A phenomenon where the timing of natural events, such as migrations, flowering, and breeding, becomes out of sync with seasonal changes, often due to climate change-induced shifts.
  12. 20. The variety and variability of life forms on Earth, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity, which are essential for ecosystem resilience and stability.
  13. 22. The physical and organizational structures and facilities essential for the functioning of societies, economies, and ecosystems, which are vulnerable to climate change impacts such as extreme weather events and sea-level rise.