Why is climate changing?

Question 1

Describe the greenhouse effect

Answer 1

Greenhouse gases - stop infrared from escaping

They keep the earth warm

Question 2

Describe greenhouse gases

Answer 2

CH4 is produced by anaerobic decay of organic matter
Decay of animal waster, digestive system of animals, incomplete combustion = CH4
A molecule of methan absorbs more infrared than CO2 but doesn’t stay in the atmosphere as long
Reduced through better recycling

Question 3

What happens when methane burns?

Answer 3

Produces CO2 and water vapour which are less serious. This would occur anyway so the energy used to do it can replace energy from fossiul fuels

Question 4

Does increased CO2 cause global warming?

Answer 4

Strong correlation between temperature and CO2 conc

The correlation doesn’t prove that one causes the other

Question 5

Describe the controversial issue

Answer 5

Science can’t prove theories -scientific methods can only disprove them
Incomplete knowledge of how the climate systems of our planet work and data set used in making predictions about climate change have limitations

Question 6

What are the ethical issues

Answer 6

We have the right to choose to use fossil fuels
Duty to allow others to improve standard of living
Duty to preserve the environment