Global Warming

Question 1

The greenhouse effect summary

Answer 1

The sun emits infrared radiation. The infrared radiation is absorbed by earth’s surface or reflected back into space. Molecules of greenhouse gases absorb the infrared radiation on its way out, trapping heat in the earth’s atmosphere

Question 2

Infrared and UV in the greenhouse effect

Answer 2

The earth’s surface emits infrared radiation. Short wavelength radiation (UV) passes through the earth’s atmosphere. Longer wavelength radiation (IR) is absorbed by greenhouse gases. Infrared radiation makes the bonds in these molecules vibrate more vigorously, raising their temperature, trapping heat in the atmosphere

Question 3

Effects of climate change

Answer 3

-rising sea levels (melting ice caps)
-more frequent and extreme weather events
-change in temperature and rainfall (effect food production)
-stress on ecosystems (extinction)

Question 4

Human activity contributing to the greenhouse effect

Answer 4

-burning fossil fuels, deforestation
-landfill, cattle, rice paddy fields

Question 5

What is carbon footprint?

Answer 5

Total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the life cycle of something

Question 6

Ways to reduce carbon footprint

Answer 6

-carbon capture (CO2 pumped underground)
-plant based diets (less transportation and cattle)
-tax of fossil fuels
-research into alternative energy
-insulation (reduce energy wasted)
-reforestation