EARTH AND ROCKS - Climate change

Question 1

How do humans contribute to the increase in Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Answer 1

1. Burning fossil fuels for electricity and cars
2. Deforestation
3. Creating waste

Question 2

How does burning fossil fuels contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?

Answer 2

Fossil fuels contain carbon, so when burnt, they release carbon dioxide.

Question 3

How does deforestation contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?

Answer 3

Cutting down trees means there are fewer trees to take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Question 4

How does creating waste contribute to increasing carbon dioxide levels?

Answer 4

More landfill sites and agricultural waste mean more carbon dioxide is released when the waste decomposes.

Question 5

What is the greenhouse effect?

Answer 5

1. The sun heats the Earth
2. So the Earth produces radiation.
3. Some radiation goes back into space
4. Gases like carbon dioxide absorb some of this radiation
5. This keeps the Earth warm
6. This is the greenhouse effect

Question 6

Name 3 greenhouse gases

Answer 6

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Methane
3. Water vapour

Question 7

What is global warming?

Answer 7

Extra carbon dioxide has caused an increase in global average air temperature.

Question 8

What are the impacts of climate change?

Answer 8

1. Melting polar ice caps
2. Changes in rainfall patterns
3. Frequency and severity of storms are increasing

Question 9

What are the consequences of melting polar ice caps?

Answer 9

Sea levels will rise, so more areas will be flooded and there will be more coastal erosion.

Question 10

What are the consequences of changes in rainfall patterns?

Answer 10

1. This may affect certain areas’ ability to grow food
2. Habitats may change, so species distribution may change