The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming

Question 1

Explain the greenhouse effect

Answer 1

1. Energy from the sun travels to the earth as short wavelength radiation
2. Some of the radiation is reflected back into space but most of it passes easily through the earth’s atmosphere
3. The energy of the radiation is absorbed when it reaches the surface of the earth
4. The earth radiates the energy as long wavelength radiation
5. Some of the long wavelength radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
6. The trapped energy causes the temperature of the earth to increase

Question 2

Name two human activities which increase the levels of methane gas in the atmosphere

Answer 2

Rice farming in argriculture

gas emissions from livestock

Question 2

Name two human activities which increase the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

Answer 2

Burnig fossil fuels

Deforestation

Question 3

Give the four effects of climate change

Answer 3

Ice sheets and glaciers melting means that sea levels will rise

Increased sea levels means more flooding of low-lying areas

Extreme weather

Changes in the distribution of animals like insects

Question 4

What is the definition of a carbon footprint?

Answer 4

The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the entire lifetime of a product, service or event

Question 5

Give three ways that our emission of carbon dioxide can be reduced

Answer 5

Using public transport

Insulating homes

Using renewable energy sources rather thann fossil fuels

Question 6

Give two ways that our emission of methane gas can be reduced

Answer 6

Trapping and burning methane gas from landfill sites to generate electricity

Eat less meat and dairy in our diets

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of trying to reduce carbon emissions?

Answer 7

It is expensive

Many people prefer the convenience of driving their own cars over public transport

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of trying to reduce our methane gas emissions?

Answer 8

It is expensive to trap and burn methane gas

Many people don’t want to change their diets