Global warming and 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 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?

  Some is absorbed, most is re-emitted
• What type of radiation is re-emitted back into the atmosphere?

  Longer wavelength radiation
• What happens to energy that collides with gas particles in the atmosphere?

  It is absorbed and re-emitted randomly
• 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, removing CO2
• What are the two main sources of methane emissions?

  Farm animals and waste decomposition
• What evidence do we have that the Earth is getting warmer?

  Records going back hundreds of years
• What is climate change?

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

  Climate refers to long-term 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 expanding ocean 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 causes of global warming?

  • Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • Burning fossil fuels
  • Deforestation
  • Methane emissions from livestock and waste
• What are the 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 caps and glaciers
  2. Thermal expansion of seawater
• What are the potential consequences of climate change on species?

  • Inability to adapt to new conditions
  • Migration to better environments
  • Dramatic decline in biodiversity