Global warming and climate change

• What is the main difference between global warming and climate change?

  Global warming refers to temperature rise; climate change refers to its effects
• What role does the atmosphere play for life on Earth?

  It acts as an insulating blanket
• How does the temperature on the moon compare to Earth?

  The moon varies from +100 to -200 degrees
• How does the atmosphere regulate Earth's temperature?

  By absorbing and re-emitting heat energy
• What happens to the sun's heat energy when it reaches Earth?

  Some is absorbed, most is re-emitted
• What is the process called when heat energy is absorbed and re-emitted by gas particles?

  Greenhouse effect
• Which gases are considered greenhouse gases?

  Carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor
• What has caused the greenhouse effect to strengthen in recent times?

  Human activities releasing carbon dioxide and methane
• How much has the Earth's temperature increased in the past 100 years?

  Almost one degree Celsius
• What does the term climate refer to?

  Long-term weather patterns
• What are some consequences of global warming on weather events?

  More common and severe rare weather events
• What are the two reasons for sea level rise due to global warming?

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

  It flows into the ocean, increasing volume
• What impact does climate change have on wild organisms?

  Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns
• How are some species responding to climate change?

  By migrating towards cooler poles
• What is likely to happen to biodiversity in the coming decades?

  It is likely to fall dramatically
• What are the main consequences of global warming?

  • Increased frequency of extreme weather events
  • Sea level rise due to melting ice and thermal expansion
  • Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns affecting species
  • Potential decline in biodiversity
• What processes contribute to the greenhouse effect?

  1. Absorption of heat by greenhouse gases
  2. Re-emission of heat in random directions
  3. Repeated collisions with gas particles
  4. Retention of heat close to Earth's surface