Climate Change Flashcards
When did the last age end?
10,000 years ago
What are the natural causes of climate change?
- Changing ocean current patterns
- Earth’s changing orbit and tilt
- Volcanic activity blocking the sun
How do we know the Earth’s previous temperatures?
By studying rocks and fossils and analysing pollen found in ice that dates back to thousands of years.
What are greenhouse gases?
Gases like carbon dioxide and methane that act like a blanket or greenhouse around the planet and trap some of the heat from the sun in the atmosphere.
Why are greenhouses becoming a problem?
We’re producing increasing amounts of them, more heat is then trapped in the atmosphere and temperatures increase.
What are carbon emissions?
Fossils we humans burn in our house, in power stations and through various forms of transportation e.g. cars. This then causes carbon dioxide (CO₂) enter the atmosphere.
What is carbon footprint?
The amount of CO₂ something/ someone produces
Why does deforestation worsen climate change?
The more trees that act as carbon sinks being cut down, the less we’ll have to absorb CO₂
What does methane do?
It’s produced by bacteria that feasts on decomposing matter when there’s no oxygen present.
Where does the decomposition by methane bacteria take place?
Landfills, paddy fields where rice is grown, animal manure and as animals digest their food
What increases methane in the atmosphere?
The global population increases, so too does the amount of cattle, rice production and waste.
What does nitrous oxide do to increase greenhouse gases?
N₂O produced when artificial fertilisers in the form of nitrates are used.
What are CFCs?
Chlorofluorocarbons
What are CFCs used in?
Aerosol cans, foam packaging and refrigerators
Why are CFCs phased out?
They cause a lot of damage to the ozone layer
