global warming & climate change

• What is the relationship between greenhouse gas concentrations and Earth's temperature?

  Increasing greenhouse gas concentrations raise Earth's temperature
• What does the current scientific consensus state about greenhouse gas emissions?

  They cause global climate change due to human activity
• What type of evidence supports the scientific consensus on climate change?

  Peer-reviewed evidence
• Why is it difficult to create accurate climate models?

  The global climate system is very complicated
• What can result from speculation based on inadequate climate models?

  Misinformation about climate change can spread
• What motives might lead people to downplay greenhouse gas emissions' role in climate change?

  Personal or financial interests
• What is a significant cause of global climate change?

  Increasing average global temperature
• What are potential consequences of rising global temperatures?

  Severe and wide-ranging impacts on the environment
• What could happen if polar ice caps melt?

  Sea levels would rise, causing flooding
• How might melting polar ice caps affect polar bears?

  They may become less successful hunters
• What types of extreme meteorological events could increase due to climate change?

  Storms, heatwaves, and droughts
• How could changes in water availability affect species?

  It could alter their distribution
• What changes might occur in precipitation due to climate change?

  Quantity, timing, and distribution could change
• What could be a consequence of altered precipitation patterns?

  Some regions may receive much less or more rainfall
• How could food shortages arise from climate change?

  Due to hindered food production capabilities
• What could be a potential outcome of food shortages caused by climate change?

  Potential famines in affected regions