global warming and climate change

Question 1

global warming

Answer 1

the rise of global temperatures over time

Question 2

climate change

Answer 2

long-term changes in global atmospheric conditions

Question 3

greenhouse effect

Answer 3

the warming of the Earth’s atmosphere due to the trapping of heat that would otherwise be radiated back into space; it is vital to the survival of life on earth

Question 4

does the sun contribute to climate change?

Answer 4

quite insignificantly

Question 5

mitigation

Answer 5

the action of reducing something

Question 6

solutions to mitigate climate change include (6)

Answer 6

1. control population growth
2. switch to renewable energy sources
3. reduce use of non-renewable energy sources
4. recycle
5. afforestation
6. reduce deforestation rates

Question 7

give examples of why people might think climate change is due to natural causes

Answer 7

1. the ice age ended only 12 000 years ago

2. variations in the amount of solar radiation

Question 8

how is carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere?

Answer 8

1. when fossil fuels are burned
2. burning of wood as a fuel
3. deforestation

Question 9

how is methane released into the atmosphere?

Answer 9

decay of organic matter

Question 10

how are nitrous oxides released into the atmosphere?

Answer 10

burning of fossil fuels and use of artificial fertilisers

Question 11

how are chlorofluorocarbons released into the atmosphere?

Answer 11

gases released via aerosols and coolants in cooling systems; also in some types of packaging and insulation

Question 12

what are the 4 main greenhouse gases? which is most common?

Answer 12

carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, chlorofluorocarbons. carbon dioxide is most common

Question 13

what effects do rising sea levels have on the impacts of climate change?

Answer 13

rising sea levels mean:

1. retreat from the coast (migration)
2. relocation of economic activities
3. health and wellbeing is affected
4. some biodiversity is lost

Question 14

what effects does changing climates have on the impacts of climate change?

Answer 14

changing climates mean:

1. ecosystem changes
2. economic opportunities

Question 15

ecosystem

Answer 15

a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

Question 16

what do we mean my ‘ecosystem changes’?

Answer 16

climate change will change the distribution of ecosystems. the worlds biomes will be pushed towards the poles

Question 17

what do we mean by ‘rising sea levels’?

Answer 17

as the stores of ice in polar and high mountain regions are unlocked and melt, vast quantities of meltwater will cause the global sea level to rise

Question 18

what city is said to be the most threatened city by a 1-metre rise in sea level

Answer 18

Miami (USA)