global warming / climate change

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

  Global warming and climate change
• What role does the atmosphere play for the Earth?

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

  As short wavelength radiation
• What happens to the sun's heat 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 re-emitted energy in the atmosphere?

  It collides with other gas particles
• How does deforestation contribute to rising carbon dioxide levels?

  It reduces photosynthesis, removing CO2
• What are the two main reasons for increasing methane levels?

  Farm animals and waste decomposition
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  The warming caused by greenhouse gases
• What are the two main reasons for rising carbon dioxide levels?

  Burning fossil fuels and deforestation
• Why is it certain that the Earth is getting warmer?

  Records show a steady increase over centuries
• What does climate change refer to?

  Effects of global warming on climate
• What does the term 'climate' describe?

  Long-term weather patterns across the planet
• 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 sea level rise?

  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