greenhouse gases and climate change

Question 1

what are greenhouse gases

Answer 1

Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.

Question 2

how do greenhouse gases work to keep the earth warm

Answer 2

• The sun emits short wavelength radiation, which is reflected back by the Earth as long wavelength thermal radiation.
• Greenhouse gases absorb this radiation and re-radiate it in all directions. Some of this radiation heads back toward the Earth, warming the surface. This is known as the greenhouse effect.

Question 3

what human activities increase the amount of greenhouse gases

Answer 3

• Deforestation
• Burning fossil fuels
• Agriculture
• Creating waste

Question 4

what is the recent trend in the earths atmosphere

Answer 4

The average temperature of the Earth’s surface has been increasing.

Question 5

how is increasing carbon dioxide linked to climate change

Answer 5

The extra carbon dioxide from human activity is believed to be the primary cause of this temperature rise, leading to climate change.

Question 6

what does it mean that climate change evidence has been peer reviewed

Answer 6

It means that the information has been checked and verified by experts in the field, ensuring its reliability.

Question 7

why is the earths climate complex

Answer 7

The Earth’s climate system involves many factors, including oceans, land, atmosphere, and living organisms, making it difficult to predict all of the effects of climate change.

Question 8

what could happen if global temperatures continue to rise

Answer 8

• Melting of ice in the Arctic and Antarctic, causing sea levels to rise.
• Changes in rainfall, leading to some regions getting too much or too little water.
• More frequent and severe storms.