1
When the Earth's weather patterns change over a long period of time.
climate change
The act of cutting down or clearing lots of trees to make space for farms, building, roads, etc.
deforestation
Big storms with heavy rain and winds that form over warm ocean water.
hurricanes
the theory that claims that animals/plants that are best able to live in their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
The increase in Earth's temperature due to factors such as cars and factors emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
global warming
Energy sources that can will run out because they are used up faster than they can be replaced.
nonrenewable energy sources
When there's too much water from rain, melting snow, or raising ocean tides.
flooding
A time when many different species plants and animals disappear and die off.
mass extinction
Gases in the air, like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, that trap heat in our atmoshphere.
greenhouse gases
Huge areas of ice at the Earth's poles that help cool the planet by reflecting sunlight back into space.
ice caps
Long periods when there's not enough rain.
droughts
renewable energy
fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
heat waves
Large, fast-moving fires that burn through forests and grasslands.
wildfires
The practice of growing crops and raising animals for food.
agriculture