the atmosphere - climate change Flashcards
what are the increasing levels of carbon dioxide and methane due to?
human activity
why is carbon dioxide increasing?
we are burning fossil fuels. for example we burn coal for electricity, petroleum and diesel for cars and gas for homes
what is carbon dioxide absorbed by normally? however…
growing trees eg in rainforests. however rainforests are being destroyed by deforestation. some cases, they are burned to create land for cattle. when burning forests, it releases large amounts of carbon dioxide
how is methane released?
- through agriculture eg growing rice in flooded paddy fields.
- when cows/cattle burp or pass wind
what do increasing levels of methane and carbon dioxide cause?
rising temperature of atmosphere as more of the energy from the sun is trapped
effects of rising temperatures/climate change
- increase melting of polar ice sheets + glaciers. increase sea levels
- increase sea levels lead to more flooding in low lying areas
- more severe weather eg more storms in UK. could change distribution of animals eg insects or even distribution of insect-borne diseases eg malaria
why do many scientists believe that climate change is caused by human activity causing the release of greenhouse gases?
evidence for climate change is shared between many different scientists. these scientist can criticise evidence and decide if valid - called peer review
what does peer review allow?
scientists to detect false claims eg based on poor evidence or bias
what is the problem with understanding climate change?
climate change is complex and difficult to model. In the media, we see stories of climate change that are simplified or simply biased. see speculation based on parts of evidence so scientists need to work harder to communicate ideas around climate change to the general public.
what are the uncertainties surrounding climate change?
- can’t predict with certainty how much the temp of the atmosphere will increase. can lead to speculation in media
