C6.3.3 - Climate Change Flashcards
What is the greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse gases absorb infrared radiation radiated by the Earth’s surface, and emit it in all directions
Why is the greenhouse effect important for the Earth?
It allows us to live on the Earth without freezing to death
How is methane released into the atmosphere?
Rice paddy fields
Cattle
Use of natural gas
What is the reason for the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Human (anthropogenic) activities
What has the enhanced greenhouse effect led to?
Melting of ice caps and rising of sea levels
What are the effects of climate change?
Altered weather patterns
Flooding
Farming issues
Disease control
How can we reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Using biofuels
Using renewable energy
Using carbon capture
What does carbon capture do?
Prevents carbon dioxide from leaving the atmosphere after fuels are used
Why is it hard to stop greenhouse gas emissions?
The alternatives are very expensive
What are some physical barriers you can use to combat climate change?
Flood barriers
Buildings which can withstand high winds