Climate Change Flashcards
Atmosphere
The gases the Earth (or only planet) is enveloped by
Greenhouse effect
The trapping of the suns warmth and radiation in the atmosphere, it keeps a steady climate
Greenhouse gas
A gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect because of its ability to absorb infrared radiation
Global warming
A gradual increase in the Earths overall temperature caused by an increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
Photosynthesis
The process green plants use when they use sunlight to synthesise nutrients from CO2 and water
Respiration
A process where living organisms produce energy
Combustion
The scientific term for burning. It’s when a substance burns with oxygen, producing energy in the form of heat or light.
Carbon sink
A natural environment viewed in terms of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Fossil fuel
A natural fuel e.g coal or oil, made from the remains of living organisms
Carbon cycle
The continuous movement of carbon between different living things on Earth and between living things and the environment
Climate change
The increase in the average temperature on Earth
