Greenhouse Effect & Climate Change Flashcards
What is the Greenhouse Effect?
A natural process that keeps the planet warm enough for life.
The sun warms Earth during the day, and gases in the atmosphere trap heat at night.
What would the average temperature on Earth be without the Greenhouse Effect?
-18°C, too cold for humans to live.
What are the main greenhouse gases?
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): From burning organic matter and cellular respiration.
Methane (CH₄): From decomposing plants and animal gas.
Water Vapour (H₂O): From water evaporation.
Nitrous Oxides (NOx): Produced by bacteria.
How are humans increasing greenhouse gases?
Burning fossil fuels (transportation, industry, heating).
Deforestation reduces CO₂ absorption.
Landfills release methane from decomposing garbage.
Increased meat demand leads to more methane from livestock.
What is global warming?
The long-term heating of the planet caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gases.
How do we know the climate has changed?
Journals and pictures: Show differences in climate over time.
Ice cores: Air bubbles reveal the atmosphere’s composition up to 800,000 years ago.
Fossils: Indicate plants and animals from different climates.
Tree rings/coral growth: Reveal past climate conditions.
What is the impact of burning gasoline for transportation?
It increases carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere.
What are some sources of methane (CH₄)?
Landfills from decomposing garbage.
Gas from livestock such as cows and sheep, is driven by meat demand.
How does deforestation affect the climate?
Removing trees decreases the absorption of CO₂, increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
How did 2020 rank in terms of global temperatures?
It tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record according to NASA.
How do Indigenous communities in Canada experience climate change impacts?
Their environments and traditional ways of life are deeply affected by climate changes, such as rising temperatures and altered ecosystems.
What can ice cores tell us about the climate?
Air bubbles in ice cores reveal atmospheric conditions and greenhouse gas levels from up to 800,000 years ago.
