Chapter 11- Heating the Earth (the Greenhouse Effect And Global Warming)

Question 1

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 1

The earths atmosphere retains some heat from the sun.
This is called the greenhouse effect.
It supports animal and plant life.

Question 2

Why is more heat being retained in the atmosphere?

Answer 2

Greenhouse gases are increasing.
They control the amount of heat retained by the earth.
As they increase, more heat is retained, so the earth is getting warmer.

Question 3

What is global warming?

Answer 3

Greenhouse gases are increasing.
They control the amount of heat retained by the earth.
As they increase, more heat is retained, so the earth is getting warmer.

Question 4

What are the causes of global warming?

Answer 4

Modern lifestyle
Waste
Reduction of trees
CFCs
Fossil fuels

Question 5

How does modern lifestyle contribute to global warming?

Answer 5

Modern industrial society is manufacturing and selling more goods.
Producing these goods uses greater quantities of raw materials and energy therefore increasing the levels of greenhouse gases.

Question 6

How does waste contribute to global warming?

Answer 6

There is more household waste in dumps, more animal dung and a greater acreage under paddy fields, which emit gases.
These cause increased levels of carbon dioxide, which increases the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Question 7

How does reduction of trees contribute to global warming?

Answer 7

More trees are being cut down in Equatorial forests in Brazil, for example,
So more carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere as there are less trees to absorb it.

Question 8

How do CFCs contribute to global warming?

Answer 8

There is an increase in CFCs due to greater use of plastic, aerosols and fridges

Question 9

How do fossil fuels contribute to global warming?

Answer 9

More oil, gas, and coal are being burned in power stations, factories and homes, which increase carbon dioxide in the air.

Question 10

Name and explain 5 effects of global warming.

Answer 10

Water shortages- results in crop failures and famines
Polar ice caps melting- causes sea level to rise, increases risk of flooding in low lying coastal areas
Tropical diseases- e.g. Malaria are likely to spread to areas where the climate is getting warmer
More food- some countries will get a mild climate, so they will produce more food
Desertification- the desert is spreading, ruining some African countries

Question 11

Name and explain 3 possible effects of global warming in Ireland.

Answer 11

Rising temperatures-

• temperatures will increase in summer- country will be drier (especially in the south)
• this will improve some crop growth and reduce others e.g. Potatoes
• lead to water shortages and development of irrigation systems for farming

More rain-

• winters will be wetter with more storms- increase flooding
• more bog burst in upland areas
• greater erosion of coastal areas
• greater need for flood protection in cities and towns along the coast

Sea level rises-
-endanger low lying coastal areas e.g. Dublin, Cork and Waterford

Question 12

Name and explain 3 solutions to global warming.

Answer 12

Use renewable energy e.g. Wind/solar power to replace the use of fossil fuels
Reduce deforestation so trees will hold on to more carbon dioxide
Increase energy conservation in homes and businesses with energy efficient appliances and better insulation.