climate change

• What are the two human activities that increase greenhouse gases?

  Burning fossil fuels and deforestation
• What are the four potential effects of global climate change?

  Rising temperatures, increased sea levels, more severe weather, and changing animal distributions
• Why are models of climate change not always accepted by everyone?

  Because climate change is complex and difficult to model
• What are the three main greenhouse gases mentioned?

  Water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane
• How does burning fossil fuels contribute to carbon dioxide levels?

  It releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
• What happens to carbon dioxide levels when forests are burned for land?

  Carbon dioxide levels increase due to the release from burning
• What agricultural practice releases methane?

  Growing rice in flooded paddy fields
• How do cattle contribute to methane emissions?

  Cattle release methane when they pass wind
• What is one consequence of rising temperatures on polar ice sheets?

  They will melt, leading to increased sea levels
• How could climate change affect the distribution of insects?

  It may change the distribution of insects and insect-borne diseases
• What is the process called that allows scientists to review each other's evidence on climate change?

  Peer review
• Why is there uncertainty surrounding climate change predictions?

  Because we cannot predict with certainty how much temperatures will increase
• What issues arise from simplified or biased media stories about climate change?

  They can lead to misunderstanding and speculation
• What are the main human activities contributing to greenhouse gas emissions?

  • Burning fossil fuels (coal, petrol, diesel, gas)
  • Deforestation (especially burning forests for land)
  • Agriculture (rice cultivation and cattle farming)
• What are the potential effects of climate change on the environment and society?

  • Rising temperatures leading to melting ice sheets
  • Increased sea levels causing flooding in low-lying areas
  • More severe weather events (e.g., storms)
  • Changes in animal distributions and diseases
• What challenges do scientists face in communicating climate change to the public?

  • Complexity of climate change models
  • Simplification and bias in media reporting
  • Speculation based on incomplete evidence
  • Need for clear communication of scientific ideas