Global warming

• 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 like 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 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 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 greenhouse gases?

  Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere
• 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, which removes CO2
• What are the two main reasons for increasing methane levels?

  Farm animals and waste decomposition
• Why is it difficult to predict the consequences of global warming?

  There are many variables to consider
• What does climate change refer to?

  Effects of global warming on climate
• What is the difference between climate and weather?

  Climate is long-term patterns; weather is short-term
• What are some consequences of global warming?

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

  Melting ice and thermal expansion of water
• How does warming water contribute to sea level rise?

  It expands, increasing its volume
• What impact does climate change have on biodiversity?

  It may lead to a dramatic fall in biodiversity
• Why might some species not survive climate change?

  They can't adapt or migrate fast enough
• What are the main greenhouse gases and their sources?

  • Carbon dioxide: from burning fossil fuels and deforestation
  • Methane: from farm animals and waste decomposition
  • Water vapor: naturally occurring in the atmosphere
• What are the potential impacts of climate change on weather patterns?

  • Increased frequency of droughts
  • More severe hurricanes
  • Higher incidence of floods
• What are the two main processes causing sea level rise?

  1. Melting ice from higher temperatures
  2. Thermal expansion of warming ocean water
• What are the potential consequences of climate change on wildlife?

  • Species may not survive changing conditions
  • Some may adapt or migrate
  • Biodiversity is likely to decline