causes of climate change

• How do orbital changes affect climate change?

  Orbital changes affect how much solar radiation (energy) the Earth receives, with more energy leading to more warming.
• What are the three variations in the Earth's orbit?

  The variations are:

  • Stretch (Eccentricity): Earth's orbit changes from circular to elliptical.

  • Tilt: The Earth's axis tilts at different angles as it orbits the Sun.

  • Wobble (Precession): The Earth's axis wobbles like a spinning top.
• How might orbital changes have influenced the Quaternary period?

  Orbital changes may have caused the glacial and interglacial cycles during the Quaternary period.
• How does volcanic activity affect the climate?

  Major volcanic eruptions eject particles into the atmosphere that reflect the Sun's rays back into space, causing short-term cooling of the Earth's surface.
• Give an example of volcanic activity affecting climate.

  After Mount Pinatubo erupted in 1991, the Earth's temperature cooled by about 0.5 °C.
• What is the impact of solar output on climate?

  The Sun's energy output varies in short cycles (about 11 years) and possibly longer cycles. Reduced solar output can cause cooler climates in some areas.
• Does solar output have a major effect on global climate change?

  Solar output is not considered a major factor in global climate change.
• What is global warming, and what is the consensus on its cause?

  Global warming refers to the recent sharp rise in global temperatures. There is a scientific consensus that human activities are causing global warming through the greenhouse effect.
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  The greenhouse effect occurs when greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane absorb outgoing heat from the Earth, trapping more heat and warming the planet.
• How do human activities increase greenhouse gases?

  Human activities increase greenhouse gases through burning fossil fuels, cement production, farming, and deforestation.
• How does burning fossil fuels contribute to climate change?

  Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
• How does cement production contribute to climate change?

  Cement production releases carbon dioxide because it is made from limestone, which contains carbon.
• How does farming contribute to climate change?

  Farming livestock produces methane, and rice paddies emit methane due to flooded fields.
• How does deforestation impact climate change?

  Deforestation reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide, and when trees are cut or burned, carbon dioxide is released back into the atmosphere.