Greenhouse Gases + Climate Change

• What are global warming and climate change?

  They are environmental phenomena affecting Earth.
• What is the role of the atmosphere?

  It acts as an insulating blanket for Earth.
• How does the atmosphere keep Earth warm?

  By trapping heat energy from the sun.
• What happens to the sun's heat energy when it reaches Earth?

  It is absorbed, re-emitted, or reflected.
• What type of radiation does the sun emit?

  Short wavelength radiation.
• What happens to energy after it is absorbed by Earth's surface?

  It is re-emitted as longer wavelength radiation.
• What are greenhouse gases?

  Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.
• What is the greenhouse effect?

  The warming caused by greenhouse gases.
• What human activities increase carbon dioxide levels?

  Burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
• How does deforestation affect carbon dioxide levels?

  It reduces photosynthesis, increasing CO2 levels.
• What are the two main sources of methane emissions?

  Farm animals and waste decomposition.
• Why is it certain that Earth is getting warmer?

  Records show a steady temperature increase.
• What is climate change?

  Effects of global warming on climate patterns.
• What does climate refer to?

  Long-term weather patterns across the planet.
• What are some consequences of global warming?

  Increased frequency of extreme weather events.
• What causes sea level rise due to global warming?

  Melting ice and thermal expansion of water.
• How does warming affect biodiversity?

  Species may not adapt or migrate fast enough.
• What are the main impacts of climate change on ecosystems?

  • Changes in species distribution
  • Increased extinction rates
  • Altered food webs
  • Loss of habitat
• What are the two main reasons for rising carbon dioxide levels?

  1. Burning fossil fuels
  2. Deforestation
• What are the two main reasons for increasing methane levels?

  1. Methane production by farm animals
  2. Methane release from waste decomposition
• What are the consequences of sea level rise?

  • Seasonal flooding
  • Submersion of islands
  • Coastal town inundation
• What is the relationship between global warming and extreme weather events?

  • Increased frequency of droughts
  • More severe hurricanes
  • Heightened flood risks