Global Warming

Question 1

what does the term Greenhouse effect mean?

Answer 1

The greenhouse effect describes how greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon dioxide and methane) act as a natural, insulating layer in the atmosphere, re-radiating most of the heat energy which has been reflected off the Earth’s surface back towards Earth.
As the atmospheric concentrations of these greenhouse gases soar, the strength of this effect is becoming very concerning.
The consensus among climate scientists is that the greenhouse effect is causing global warming.
Despite a large body of evidence having been accumulated, the topic of global warming remains controversial with many rejecting the suggestion that humans are the cause.

Question 2

Greenhouse gases

Answer 2

All of these gases contribute to the greenhouse effect by re-radiating most of the heat energy which has been reflected off the Earth’s surface back towards Earth. Human activity releases huge amounts of greenhouse gases in the form of air pollution.

Question 3

Nitrous oxide

Answer 3

Also known as ‘laughing gas’, used as an anaesthetic.
Released from fertilisers in agriculture.

Question 4

CFCs

Answer 4

Releases from aerosols, refrigerators and air conditioners.

Question 5

Water vapour

Answer 5

Water vapour is produced when water evaporates.
Under climate change, rising temperatures cause more water to evaporate, creating a positive feedback loop where water vapour intensifies global warming, causing even more water to evaporate.

Question 6

Methane:

Answer 6

Released from the burning of fossil fuels, and from agriculture practices like rice paddies and cattle farming.

Question 7

Carbon dioxide:

Answer 7

Released from burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas).

Question 8

global warming

Answer 8

The consequences of global warming include:

Question 9

reduction of biodiversity

Answer 9

The rate at which the climate is changing makes rapid adaptation key to avoiding extinction.
This is particularly challenging for large-bodied animals that typically have longer generation times.

Question 10

Migration patterns

Answer 10

Many migration patterns are likely to be altered by global warming.

Question 11

Distribution of species

Answer 11

Malaria-carrying mosquitoes have already spread to several European countries.
It is possible that malaria and similar exotic diseases will become an established part of life as far North as the UK in the near future.

Question 12

ice

Answer 12

Melting ice causes sea levels to rise, which could flood coastal habitats forever, losing the land and associated biodiversity.
Changes to the way sea ice changes through the year is affecting the survival of animals at both poles.

Question 13

sea surface temperatures

Answer 13

Rising sea surface temperatures are causing bleaching of sensitive corals.

Question 14

Extreme meteorological events

Answer 14

Extreme meteorological events, such as floods, droughts, severe storms and wildfires are happening more often.

Question 15

ocean acidification

Answer 15

Increased acidification (becoming more acidic) of the oceans is making it harder for corals to build their skeletons.