Climate Change
What is climate change?
Long-term changes in Earth's climate, especially temperature and weather patterns.
What happens to animals when their habitats change?
They may migrate, adapt, or become endangered/extinct
Name one way humans affect the environment
Pollution, deforestation, littering, overfishing, or burning fossil fuels
Name a type of extreme weather
Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, heatwaves, wildfires
Name one thing YOU can do to help the planet.
ANY ANSWER WORKS
EX:Recycle, turn off lights, bike/walk more, plant trees, use less plastic.
Name one greenhouse gas.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, or nitrous oxide
Name one animal affected by climate change
Polar bears, coral reefs, sea turtles, or bees
What does “carbon footprint” mean?
The amount of carbon dioxide you produce through daily activities
What’s a drought?
A long period without enough rainfall
What is recycling?
Turning waste into reusable material to reduce pollution and trash
What causes Earth's temperature to rise?
The buildup of greenhouse gases from human activities like burning fossil fuels
What is “endangered”
A species at risk of disappearing forever
How does pollution hurt the planet?
It harms wildlife, damages the air and water, and contributes to climate change
How does climate change affect rainfall?
Some areas get too much rain, others get too little—causing floods or droughts
How does planting trees help the Earth?
Trees absorb CO₂ and release oxygen, helping clean the air
What’s the difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term; climate is the average over a long period of time.
How do rising temperatures affect coral reefs?
They cause coral bleaching and can lead to the death of coral ecosystems
How do cities affect animal life?
They take over habitats and create pollution and noise
Why are wildfires more common now?
Hotter temperatures and dry conditions make fires start and spread faster
What’s renewable energy?
Energy from sources that don’t run out—like solar, wind, or hydro power
How does melting ice impact sea levels?
It causes sea levels to rise, which can lead to flooding of coastal areas
What happens when ecosystems are unbalanced?
It disrupts food chains and causes species to struggle or disappear
How can transportation contribute to global warming?
Cars, planes, and buses release CO₂ and other greenhouse gases
What causes stronger hurricanes?
Warmer ocean water adds energy to storms, making them stronger
What’s one big solution scientists are working on?
Clean energy, carbon capture, electric transportation, or climate-friendly farming