What is the difference between Weather and Climate?
Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, like what you experience in a day or even a few hours. In contrast, climate describes the long-term patterns of temperature and precipitation in a specific area over months, years, or decades.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to significant changes in average weather conditions, such as temperature and rainfall, in a specific region over an extended period.
What is Global Warming?
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in the Earth's average temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases.
What factors are causing climate change?
Factors contributing to climate change include:
Greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)
Sources of greenhouse gases:
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
Natural gas
Agriculture
Coal mining
Stationary and mobile combustion
Wastewater treatment
Certain industrial processes
To slow climate change, individuals can:
Save energy at home (e.g., turning off lights)
Walk, bike, or use public transportation to reduce carbon emissions from cars.
What are examples of greenhouse gases, and which gases in the atmosphere are not greenhouse gases?
Examples of greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Gases that are not greenhouse gases include nitrogen and oxygen.
What are the main greenhouse gases?
The primary greenhouse gases include:
Methane (CH4)
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Where do they come from?
They are primarily produced by human activities, including coal mining and burning fossil fuels.
How do greenhouse gases work?
Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
What is the molecular structure of key greenhouse gases?
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): 1 carbon atom and 2 oxygen atoms
Methane (CH4): 1 carbon atom and 4 hydrogen atoms
Ozone (O3): 3 oxygen atoms