Global Warming Flashcards
What is global warming?
A long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
What is the greenhouse effect?
It is the process by which greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane trap some of the heat radiated from Earth’s surface and send it back, keeping the planet warm.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
Why is the greenhouse effect important?
It maintains Earth’s temperature at a level suitable for most living organisms.
What happens to the Sun’s heat when it reaches Earth?
Some of it is absorbed by the Earth’s surface, and much of it bounces back toward the atmosphere.
What is meant by the “enhanced” greenhouse effect?
It is the increase in greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere, causing more heat to be trapped and raising Earth’s temperature.
What is global warming?
The increase in Earth’s average temperature caused by the enhanced greenhouse effect.
What human activities contribute to the enhanced greenhouse effect?
Burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
How does deforestation contribute to global warming?
Fewer trees mean less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.
By how much has carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increased in the last 100 years?
About 20%.
What could happen if polar ice caps melt?
Global sea levels may rise, flooding lowland areas and displacing millions of people.
How might global warming affect agriculture?
Flooding could destroy fertile land and reduce crop production.
How might global warming affect weather patterns?
It could cause changes in rainfall, more droughts, and more intense storms like hurricanes and typhoons.
What changes might occur in cold countries due to global warming?
They may become warmer and more suitable for agriculture.
Why should we be cautious in attributing every weather event to global warming?
Because climate naturally varies over time and not all changes are due to global warming.
