Climate Science - notes on packet

What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is the process by which Earth's atmosphere traps heat from the sun, leading to a warming of the planet.The greenhouse effect is a crucial natural phenomenon that plays a significant role in maintaining Earth's temperature at levels that support life. When sunlight reaches the Earth's surface, some of it is absorbed and warms the planet. The Earth then radiates heat back towards space in the form of infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap some of this heat, preventing it from escaping into space. This trapped heat warms the planet, creating a stable and habitable climate.

How does the burning of fossil fuels affect the atmosphere?

The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, leading to global warming and climate change.

What are the main renewable energy sources?

• solar power

• wind energy

• hydroelectric power

• geothermal energy

What impact does global warming have on current weather patterns?

Global warming can lead to more frequent and severe weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves.

• rising sea levels

• more frequent and severe weather events

• disruptions to ecosystems and wildlife.

How does climate change affect polar regions?

Climate change in polar regions leads to melting ice caps, rising sea levels, loss of habitat for polar animals, and disruption of ecosystems.

What can individuals do to reduce their carbon footprint?

Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transportation, recycling, conserving energy, and eating less meat.

How do human activities contribute to the greenhouse effect?

Human activities contribute to the greenhouse effect by releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere through activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

What is the significance of using renewable energy sources in combating climate change?

Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing global warming.

Using renewable energy sources don’t create harmful effects

What are three predicted consequences of unchecked climate change?

• Rising sea levels

• extreme weather events

• loss of biodiversity

What are the two potential mechanisms for sea level rise which result from climate change?

• ice caps melting causes our sea levels to rise

• the heating up of the planet, expands the ocean, causing our sea levels to rise