Climate Change Basics
What is the main gas responsible for global warming?
Carbon Dioxide
Name one climate-related natural disaster.
Hurricane, drought, flood, wildfire, etc.
What is climate mitigation?
Actions to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions
What causes the greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse gases trapping heat in the atmosphere
What happens to sea level when land ice melts?
It rises.
Name one renewable energy source.
Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal
What’s the difference between global warming and climate change?
Global warming is about temperature rise; climate change includes all climate-related changes.
What is albedo and how does it affect warming?
It’s the reflectivity of a surface; lower albedo (like dark ocean) absorbs more heat.
What are carbon sinks?
Natural systems (like forests) that absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere
Name two human activities that release greenhouse gases.
Burning fossil fuels and deforestation
How does melting Arctic ice affect global weather patterns?
It disrupts jet streams and ocean currents
What is carbon capture and storage (CCS)?
A method of capturing CO₂ from emissions and storing it underground
Why is methane more powerful than CO₂ even in smaller amounts?
It traps more heat per molecule over a short period of time.
What is ocean acidification and what causes it?
CO₂ dissolving in oceans, lowering pH and harming marine life.
How can green buildings help reduce emissions?
They use less energy and often include renewable energy and efficient design.