Climate Change

• What are the two terms often associated with the increase in Earth's temperature?

  Global warming and climate change
• What role does the atmosphere play in regulating Earth's temperature?

  It acts like an insulating blanket, keeping the perfect amount of the sun's heat energy.
• How does the sun's heat energy interact with the Earth's surface?

  It passes through the atmosphere, is absorbed by the ground, and is then re-emitted or reflected back into the atmosphere.
• What happens to the energy that is re-emitted from the Earth's surface?

  It is absorbed by gas particles in the atmosphere and then re-emitted in random directions.
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  It is the warming caused by greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
• What are the two main reasons for the rising levels of carbon dioxide?

  Burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
• How does deforestation contribute to rising carbon dioxide levels?

  It reduces the number of trees available for photosynthesis, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• What are the two main sources of methane emissions?

  Farm animals during digestion and waste decomposition by microorganisms.
• Why is it certain that the Earth is getting warmer?

  Because we have historical records showing a steady increase in temperature over hundreds of years.
• What does climate change refer to?

  It refers to all the effects of global warming on the climate, including long-term weather patterns.
• How do rare weather events relate to climate change?

  They are becoming more common and severe due to global warming.
• What are the two reasons for sea level rise due to global warming?

  Melting ice and the expansion of warming ocean water.
• What impact does climate change have on wild organisms?

  It alters temperatures and rainfall patterns, affecting species survival.
• What is likely to happen to biodiversity in the coming decades due to climate change?

  Biodiversity is likely to fall dramatically.
• What are the main components of the greenhouse effect?

  • Absorption of heat by greenhouse gases
  • Re-emission of heat in random directions
  • Increased concentration of greenhouse gases due to human activities
• What are the consequences of global warming on weather patterns?

  • Increased frequency of rare weather events (droughts, hurricanes, floods)
  • Changes in long-term weather patterns (climate change)
  • Impact on sea levels and biodiversity