Global warming: Ecology: Biology: GCSE (9:1)

• Global warming

  The rising average temperature of Earth's global climate system

  
• Climate change


  The term used to describe global warming and the effect that it has on the world

  
• Greenhouse effect

  A process where specific gas molecules allow solar radiation to enter the atmosphere, but prevent the Earth's subsequent heat radiation from escaping into space

  
• Greenhouse gases

  Carbon dioxide, water and methane prevent infrared radiation from escaping into space, causing the Earth to heat up

  
• Correlation


  Scientists have identified that there is a correlation between climate change and the levels of greenhouse gases produced by human activity, however this does not indicate causation

  
• Peer review


  The evaluation of work by several peers that are experts in a specific field, the scientific consensus on climate change has been based on thousands of peer reviewed publications

  
• Combustion

  The burning of fossil fuels to provide energy for power stations to supply electricity, to make or destroy certain products or to provide power to vehicles

  
• Fossil fuels

  Coal, oil and gas that are fossilised products of ancient organisms, contain high amounts of fixed carbon that would stay underground without human intervention

  
• Deforestation


  Plants store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere for photosynthesis, meaning deforestation prevents carbon dioxide levels from naturally decreasing

  
• Burning peat


  The decay or burning of peat releases significant levels of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, that would normally have been locked up in peat bog areas

  
• Methane from agriculture

  Cattle farms and rice fields are known sources of significant levels of methane, a greenhouse gas

  
• Decomposition


  Microorganisms gradually break down organic matter and waste products or landfill, releasing high levels of carbon dioxide in the process

  
• Melting of polar ice caps

  A consequence of global warming, melting ice caps could lead to sea levels rising and prevent solar radiation from naturally reflecting off of ice, increasing the Earth's temperature even more

  
• Forest fires


  A consequence of global warming, fires in forests and heathlands are becoming more common and have a detrimental impact on biodiversity

  
• Extreme weather


  A consequence of global warming, tropical storms and extreme droughts are likely to become more common as the climate changes

  
• Flooding


  A consequence of global warming, more areas are expected to flood due to rising sea levels and increased rainfall in some areas

  
• Diseases

  Tropical pathogens can spread to traditionally colder climates as the Earth's temperature increases, this has already been documented in a fungus that is fatal to amphibians

  
• Ocean acidification


  A result of increased carbon dioxide levels in oceans, acidification is causing corals to bleach which can wipe out ecosystems

  
• Extinction


  Climate change can lead to significant changes to environments and habitat loss which could result in the extinction of species that are unable to adapt

  
• Seasonal changes

  Changes in the seasons could occur at irregular times which could confuse and devastate migrating organisms

  
• Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions


  Using cleaner sources of energy such as wind farms or solar panels can reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere