Climate Change- Human Causes Flashcards
What does ppm stand for, what does it mean?
What is it now?
Parts per Million
The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere
421
What is the greenhouse effect?
The sun’s rays enter the atmosphere (short- wave radiation)
The earth absorbs and reflects radiation
Some of the radiation is reflected away from the earth (long- wave radiation)
Greenhouse gases trap heat and warm the earth
How do humans cause climate change? [4 Marks]
Burning Fossil Fuels- When coal, oil or gas is burned. Eg- In thermal power stations for cars, CO2 is released
Farming- Cattle ranching produces lots of methane through belching. When rice paddies are flooded they release methane.
Cement Production- Limestone contains carbon. Limestone is used to make cement, so when limestone is heated, lots of CO2 is released.
Deforestation- Plants take in CO2 and convert it to organic matter during photosynthesis. When trees and plants are chopped down, they stop taking in CO2.
