Topic 4.4: Climate Change

Question 1

What do greenhouse gases do?

Answer 1

Greenhouse gases absorb and emit long-wave (infrared) radiation, thereby trapping and holding heat within the atmosphere

Question 2

Define greenhouse effect

Answer 2

The greenhouse effect is a natural process whereby the atmosphere behaves like a greenhouse to trap and retain heat

Question 3

What is the first step of the greenhouse effect?

Answer 3

Incoming radiation from the sun is shorter wave radiation (ultraviolet radiation and the visible spectrum)

Question 4

After Incoming radiation from the sun is shorter wave radiation (ultraviolet radiation and the visible spectrum) what is the next step of the greenhouse effect?

Answer 4

The surface of the Earth absorbs short wave radiation and re-emits it at a longer wavelength (i.e. infra-red / heat)

Question 5

After The surface of the Earth absorbs short wave radiation and re-emits it at a longer wavelength (i.e. infra-red / heat) what is the last step of the greenhouse effect?

Answer 5

Greenhouse gases absorb and re-radiate this longer wave radiation and hence retain the heat within the atmosphere

Question 6

Define precautionary principle

Answer 6

The precautionary principle states that when a human-induced activity raises a significant threat of harm to the environment or human health, then precautionary measures should be taken even if there is no scientific consensus regarding cause and effect

Question 7

Define carbon footprint

Answer 7

A carbon footprint is defined as the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activity