Global Warming

• What are the two terms often used interchangeably in discussions about climate issues?

  Global warming and climate change
• What happens to the energy that is re-emitted by gas particles in the atmosphere?

  Some energy is re-emitted towards space and some towards the Earth
• What is the role of the atmosphere in relation to the Earth's temperature?

  It acts like an insulating blanket, keeping the Earth's temperature stable
• How does the sun's heat energy interact with the Earth's surface?

  It is absorbed by the ground and then re-emitted as longer wavelength radiation
• What are the two main reasons for the rising levels of carbon dioxide?

  Burning fossil fuels and deforestation
• What are the two main reasons for the increase in methane levels?

  Farm animals produce methane during digestion and waste decomposition releases methane
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  It is the warming caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere
• How does deforestation contribute to rising carbon dioxide levels?

  It reduces photosynthesis, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
• 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 are rare weather events that are expected to become more common due to global warming?

  Droughts, hurricanes, and floods
• What are the two reasons for sea level rise due to global warming?

  Melting ice and thermal expansion of water
• What impact will climate change have on wild organisms?

  Species may struggle to survive due to changing temperatures and rainfall patterns
• How does warming water contribute to sea level rise?

  It expands, increasing the volume of water in the oceans
• What is likely to happen to biodiversity in the coming decades due to climate change?

  Biodiversity is likely to fall dramatically
• What are the consequences of global warming on weather patterns?

  • Increased frequency of rare weather events
  • More severe droughts, hurricanes, and floods
  • Long-term changes in climate
• What are the main components of the greenhouse effect?

  • Greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor)
  • Absorption and re-emission of heat energy
  • Insulating effect of the atmosphere
• What are the two main processes contributing to sea level rise?

  1. Melting ice from higher temperatures
  2. Thermal expansion of warming ocean water
• How do species respond to climate change?

  • Some may adapt to new conditions
  • Others may migrate to better environments
  • Many may not survive due to rapid changes