Global Warming & Climate Change

• What are the two terms often used interchangeably regarding climate issues?

  Global warming and climate change
• What is the role of the atmosphere in relation to the Earth's temperature?

  It acts as an insulating blanket
• How does the sun's heat energy reach the Earth?

  In the form of short wavelength radiation
• What happens to the sun's energy after it hits the Earth's surface?

  It is absorbed, re-emitted, or reflected
• What type of radiation is re-emitted back into the atmosphere?

  Longer wavelength radiation
• What happens to most of the energy that does not escape into space?

  It collides with gas particles in the atmosphere
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  The warming caused by greenhouse gases
• What are the main greenhouse gases mentioned?

  Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor
• What human activities are increasing carbon dioxide levels?

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

  It reduces photosynthesis, removing CO2
• What are the two main sources of methane emissions?

  Farm animals and waste decomposition
• Why is it easier to confirm that the Earth is getting warmer than to predict the consequences of warming?

  Records show a steady increase in temperature
• What does climate change refer to?

  Effects of global warming on climate
• How does climate differ from weather?

  Climate describes long-term weather patterns
• What are some consequences of global warming?

  More common and severe weather events
• What causes sea level rise due to global warming?

  Melting ice and thermal expansion of water
• What might happen to coastal towns due to rising sea levels?

  Seasonal flooding and submersion
• How does climate change affect wild organisms?

  Species may not survive changing conditions
• What is likely to happen to biodiversity in the coming decades?

  Biodiversity is likely to fall dramatically
• What are the main processes contributing to global warming?

  • Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • Burning fossil fuels
  • Deforestation
  • Methane emissions from livestock and waste
• What are the potential impacts of climate change on weather patterns?

  • More frequent droughts
  • Increased hurricane intensity
  • Severe flooding events
• What are the two main reasons for sea level rise?

  1. Melting ice from higher temperatures
  2. Thermal expansion of ocean water
• What challenges do species face due to climate change?

  • Inability to adapt to new conditions
  • Difficulty migrating to suitable habitats
  • Potential decline in biodiversity