Global Warming & Climate Change

• What are the two terms often used interchangeably regarding 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 sun's heat energy close to Earth.
• How does the sun's heat energy interact with the Earth's surface?

  It is absorbed by the ground and 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 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 rise in carbon dioxide levels?

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

  It reduces the amount of 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 difficult to predict the consequences of global warming?

  There are many variables to consider, making modeling complex.
• What does climate change refer to?

  It refers to all effects of global warming on the climate.
• What is one consequence of global warming related to weather events?

  Rare weather events like droughts, hurricanes, and floods will become more common and severe.
• What causes sea level rise due to global warming?

  Melting ice and the expansion of warming ocean water.
• How does global warming affect biodiversity?

  Species may not adapt or migrate fast enough to survive changing conditions, leading to a decline in biodiversity.
• What are the main greenhouse gases and their sources?

  • Carbon dioxide: from burning fossil fuels and deforestation
  • Methane: from farm animals and waste decomposition
  • Water vapor: naturally occurring in the atmosphere
• What are the potential impacts of climate change on the environment?

  • Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events
  • Rising sea levels leading to flooding and submersion of land
  • Changes in species distribution and loss of biodiversity
• What is the difference between weather and climate?

  • Weather: short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific area
  • Climate: long-term weather patterns across the entire planet