Climate change

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

  Global warming is temperature rise; climate change is broader.
• What does climate change refer to?

  Any significant change in Earth's climate over time.
• What geological period is the most recent?

  The Quaternary period.
• How long has the Quaternary period lasted?

  About 2.6 million years.
• What was the climate like before the Quaternary period?

  Much warmer and stable.
• How do scientists know about climate change from 2.6 million years ago?

  They gather evidence from various sources.
• What are the sources of evidence for climate change?

  1. Ice and sediment cores
  2. Tree rings
  3. Pollen analysis
  4. Temperature records
• How do ice and sediment cores provide climate evidence?

  They analyze gases trapped in ice layers.
• What do tree rings indicate about climate?

  Thicker rings indicate warmer, wetter conditions.
• How do scientists use pollen analysis?

  They identify and date preserved pollen species.
• Since when have global temperatures been accurately measured?

  Since the 1850s.
• What do historical records provide in climate studies?

  They extend the record of climate change.
• What are the natural causes of climate change?

  1. Orbital change
  2. Volcanic activity
  3. Solar output
• How does orbital change affect climate?

  It alters solar radiation received by Earth.
• What is the effect of major volcanic eruptions?

  They eject particles that cool the Earth's surface.
• How does solar output change?

  It varies due to short cycles of about 11 years.
• What are the human causes of climate change?

  1. Burning fossil fuels
  2. Farming livestock
  3. Deforestation
  4. Cement production
• What is released when fossil fuels are burned?

  Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
• How does livestock farming contribute to climate change?

  It produces a lot of methane.
• What happens when deforestation occurs?

  Plants stop absorbing carbon dioxide.
• What is a consequence of cement production?

  It releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
• What are the strategies to manage climate change?

  • Mitigation strategies
  • Carbon capture
  • Planting trees
  • Adaptation strategies
  • Changing agricultural systems
  • Managing water supplies
• What is carbon capture designed to do?

  Reduce emissions from power stations.
• How can agricultural systems adapt to climate change?

  By using biotechnology to sustain conditions.
• What is predicted for dry areas due to climate change?

  They will get drier, leading to water shortages.
• How should water be managed in dry areas?

  Rainwater and wastewater should be recycled.