Managing our environment - human impact on our environment

• What gases are responsible for global warming?

  Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, CFCs
• What happens when fossil fuels are burned?

  They produce greenhouse gases and carbon emissions
• What is the atmosphere?

  The layers of gases surrounding the Earth
• How does the concentration of greenhouse gases change?

  It increases as more fossil fuels are burned
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  Heat is trapped inside the Earth's atmosphere
• What is global warming?

  The rise in the average temperature of the Earth's surface
• Why do plants need CO2?

  They use it for photosynthesis
• What contributes to the build-up of CO2 in the atmosphere?

  Factories, power stations, and deforestation
• Who are the biggest producers of CO2?

  China and the USA
• How do greenhouse gases affect solar radiation?

  They allow more rays to enter and trap heat
• What is a carbon footprint?

  The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by activities
• What is the world average carbon footprint per person?

  About 4,690 kg of CO2 per year
• How does a country's development affect its carbon footprint?

  It tends to increase as a country develops
• What is the IPCC?

  The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• What do some scientists estimate about atmospheric temperatures in the next 100 years?

  They could rise by 1.4°C - 5.8°C
• How does global warming threaten development in LEDCs?

  It leads to increased energy use and fuel burning
• What could happen to the world's ice caps due to global warming?

  They could melt, increasing sea levels
• What is the estimated rise in sea levels over the next hundred years?

  Between 10 cm and 90 cm
• How does global warming affect weather patterns?

  It leads to more droughts, flooding, and extreme weather
• What has happened to global temperatures in the last century?

  They have risen by over 0.75 degrees
• How have rainfall patterns changed due to climate change?

  Wet places are getting wetter, dry places drier
• What changes in animal behavior have been noted due to climate change?

  Butterflies appear earlier, birds migrate differently
• What is happening to polar ice caps and glaciers?

  They are melting due to warmer global temperatures
• How much have sea levels around the UK risen since 1900?

  By 10 cm
• What challenges do species face due to climate change?

  They must adapt to survive changing conditions
• How will farming be affected by climate change?

  Farmers may need to change crops planted
• What are the health risks associated with climate change?

  Increased malnutrition and extreme weather injuries
• What is the UN's estimate of deaths due to climate change?

  Over 300,000 people die each year
• How does climate change affect water supply?

  Rainfall becomes less predictable for farming
• What changes are expected in farming patterns due to climate change?

  Grain harvests may improve or face drought
• What economic impacts can result from increased flooding?

  Damage to property and high repair costs
• How is air travel related to climate change?

  It is one of the heaviest polluters of the atmosphere
• What is the green economy?

  Strategies to tackle climate issues and reduce emissions
• What are the effects of climate change on the environment?

  • Increasing temperatures
  • Changing rainfall patterns
  • Seasonal variations in nature
  • Glacier and ice cap melting
  • Rising sea levels
  • Changing living conditions for species
• What are the effects of climate change on people?

  • Changes in farming practices
  • Health risks from malnutrition and extreme weather
  • Unpredictable water supply
  • Increased death rates from climate-related issues
  • Rise in diseases like malaria and cholera
• What are the effects of climate change on the economy?

  • Changes in traditional farming patterns
  • Increased flooding and property damage
  • Higher travel costs due to pollution taxes
  • Transition to green technologies
• What gases are responsible for global warming?

  Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, CFCs
• What happens when fossil fuels are burned?

  They produce greenhouse gases and carbon emissions
• What is the atmosphere?

  The layers of gases surrounding the Earth
• How does the concentration of greenhouse gases change?

  It increases as more fossil fuels are burned