global warming + climate change

• As the sun's heat energy comes down towards the Earth in the form of light rays, it passes through the atmosphere and hits the surface of the Earth.

  • Some of this energy is absorbed and heats up the ground.
  • Most of it is either re-emitted or reflected back into the atmosphere.
• Although some of the radiation makes it back to space, most of the radiation hit particles of gas in our atmosphere which will absorb all of the energy.

  • After a short delay, the particles then re-emit this energy in random directions.

  This process happens repeatedly which means the heat energy stays close to Earth longer than if there was no atmosphere.

  • This process keeps the Earth at a warm and stable temperature.
• The process of particles absorbing and re-emitting radiation is done by;

  • Carbon dioxide.
  • Methane.
  • Water.

  This group of gases are called the 'greenhouse' gases.
• Humans release lots of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.

  • As these gases accumulate, the greenhouse effect gets stronger and the Earth warms up.

  This is called 'global warming'.
• Climate change is the effects of global warming.

  • 'Climate' describes long-term weather patterns.
• One of the consequences of global warming is;

  • Rare weather events (such as droughts, hurricanes, and floods) will become more common and more severe.

  These changes are referred to under the term 'climate change'.
• A consequence of global warming is the sea-level rising. This happens for two reasons;

  • Higher temperatures will cause more ice to melt which will then flow into the ocean.
  • As the water in the oceans warms up, it expands so its volume will increase.

  This rise in sea-levels will lead to seasonal flooding across the world or, in some places, a submersion of entire islands/costal towns.
• As temperatures and rainfall patterns change, species that were adapted to their environment, may not be able to survive anymore.

  • In some cases, some species may be able to adapt to new conditions or migrate to other regions where the conditions are better.

  However, a lot of species cannot adapt or migrate enough so biodiversity is likely to decrease.