climate change and greenhouse gases

• 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?

  As 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 energy that collides with gas particles in the atmosphere?

  It is absorbed and re-emitted in random directions
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  The warming caused by greenhouse gases
• 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 weather patterns
• What are some consequences of global warming?


  Increased frequency of extreme weather events e.g ice caps melt
• What causes sea level rise due to global warming?

  Melting ice and thermal expansion of water
• How does climate change affect biodiversity?

  Species may not 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 impacts of global warming on weather patterns?

  • Increased frequency of extreme weather events
  • More severe droughts, hurricanes, and floods
  • Long-term changes in temperature and precipitation
• What are the potential consequences of climate change on ecosystems?

  • Altered habitats for many species
  • Increased risk of extinction for vulnerable species
  • Changes in species distribution and migration patterns