Climate Change Flashcard

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, which keeps the planet warm enough to support life.

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What gases are considered greenhouse gases?

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Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor.

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What is carbon dioxide and why is it important?

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Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless gas that is a byproduct of burning fossil fuels and is a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

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How does burning fossil fuels affect the atmosphere?

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Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which increases the greenhouse effect and contributes to global warming.

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What is global warming?

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Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases.

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What are the consequences of global warming?

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Consequences of global warming include rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and changes in agricultural productivity.

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What role do trees play in combating climate change?

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Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, helping to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.

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What is the difference between climate and weather?

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Climate refers to the long-term average of weather patterns in a particular area, while weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions.

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What is acid rain and how is it formed?

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Acid rain is precipitation that is more acidic than normal due to pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can harm ecosystems.

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What is ozone depletion?

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Ozone depletion refers to the thinning of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere, primarily caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other chemicals.