Understanding Climate Change and Global Warming

What is unique about the current rise in global temperatures?

Human emissions of greenhouse gases are responsible for the current rise in global temperatures.

What is the main reason for Earth's temperature changes over very long periods?

Changes in Earth's orbital parameters, specifically the Milankovitch Cycle, which makes the Earth's orbit more elliptical every 100,000 years.

How has the amount of energy received from the Sun changed over the past 50 years?

The amount of energy the Earth has received from the Sun has remained the same or decreased.

How do greenhouse gases cause warming of the Earth's atmosphere?

The Greenhouse Effect converts visible light to heat and traps it, leading to increased temperatures.

What would Earth be like without greenhouse gases?

Without greenhouse gases, the average temperature on Earth would be 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

What approximate percent of the atmosphere comprises greenhouse gases?

.05% of the atmosphere is made up of greenhouse gases.

Who is the current source of most greenhouse gas emissions?

Humans are the current source of most greenhouse gas emissions.

How do aerosols influence global warming?

Aerosols block sunlight, causing cooling.

What do ice cores tell us about global temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations?

Ice cores show that temperatures and CO2 concentrations are always closely related.

What do atmospheric numerical models conclude about the current rise in global temperatures?

They conclude that human emissions of greenhouse gases are responsible for the current rise in global temperatures.

What is the difference between 'Global Warming' and 'Climate Change'?

Global Warming refers to the increase in Earth's average temperature, while Climate Change refers to long-term changes in weather patterns.

How can climate change influence the weather?

Climate change intensifies weather extremes and can cause regional cooling.

What effects is climate change already causing?

The 2012-2017 California drought, increased hot days, and the disappearance of glaciers.

What percentage of peer-reviewed scientific papers conclude that humans are causing global warming?

97% of peer-reviewed scientific papers endorse the position that humans are causing global warming.

What is confirmation bias?

The urge to believe only things that confirm what you already believe to be true.

What areas of legitimate debate/uncertainty exist regarding climate change?

Balancing environmental and economic concerns, predicted temperature increases, and strategies to fight global warming.

What are some predicted strategies to fight global warming?

Renewable energy sources are a great idea, but reliance on fossil fuels will continue for a long time.

What is the significance of the Milankovitch Cycle?

It describes how the Earth's orbit changes over long periods, affecting climate.

What is the impact of higher temperatures on water evaporation?

Higher temperatures lead to more water evaporation, resulting in more storms and flooding.

What defines a 'hot day' and an 'extremely hot day'?

A hot day is more than 10F above the seasonal average; an extremely hot day is more than 20F above.

What was the impact of the 2014 North American cold wave?

It set low temperature records across Canada and the U.S., illustrating that global warming can cause regional cooling.

What happened during the California drought from 2012-2017?

It was the driest in California history, with over 100 million trees dying.