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 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 form does the re-emitted energy take when it leaves the Earth's surface?

  Longer wavelength radiation
• What happens to the energy that is re-emitted by gas particles in the atmosphere?

  It is re-emitted in random directions
• 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 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 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
• How does warming water contribute to sea level rise?

  It expands, increasing water 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 consequences of global warming 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
• How does climate change affect wildlife and ecosystems?

  • Alters habitats and food sources
  • Forces species to adapt or migrate
  • Risks extinction for many species