Weather & Climate
Define Weather
Weather is the day-to-day condition of the atmosphere, including temperature, precipitation, and wind.
How do clouds affect Earth's temperature?
Clouds can trap heat at night (warming effect) or reflect sunlight during the day (cooling effect).
How do human activities contribute to climate change?
Human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes release greenhouse gases.
How is global warming different from climate change?
Global warming refers specifically to Earth’s rising temperatures, while climate change includes all effects (e.g., weather changes, sea level rise)
True or False: The greenhouse effect is completely bad for Earth.
False. The greenhouse effect is natural and necessary, but too much of it causes global warming.
Define Climate
Climate is the average weather conditions in an area over a long period (usually 30 years or more).
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is when gases like CO2 trap heat from the sun in Earth’s atmosphere, keeping the planet warm.
What are two ways individuals can help reduce their carbon footprint?
Use less electricity, walk or bike more, recycle, plant trees, or eat less meat.
What happens to sea levels as the planet gets warmer?
Sea levels rise due to melting ice caps and glaciers, and thermal expansion of seawater.
Name one natural factor that affects Earth’s climate.
Volcanic eruptions, ocean currents, solar cycles, or Earth's orbit changes.
How are weather and climate different?
Weather is short-term atmospheric changes; climate is the long-term pattern of weather in an area.
How do greenhouse gases affect the planet?
Sunlight entering the atmosphere, some reflected, and heat trapped by greenhouse gases.
Name two renewable energy sources that help reduce carbon emissions.
Solar energy and wind power are renewable sources that don’t emit greenhouse gases.
Name one impact of climate change on animals.
Animals may lose their habitats, migrate earlier, or face food shortages.
What are fossil fuels, and why do they contribute to climate change?
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) release carbon dioxide when burned, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
How does altitude affect climate?
Higher altitudes are generally colder because the atmosphere is thinner and holds less heat.
How can volcanic eruptions impact the climate?
Volcanic eruptions release ash and gases that can block sunlight and temporarily cool the climate.
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
Cutting down trees reduces the number of plants that absorb carbon dioxide, increasing greenhouse gases.
How does climate change affect extreme weather events?
It can increase the frequency and intensity of storms, droughts, heatwaves, and floods.
What is one reason why climate change is happening faster today than in the past?
Increased burning of fossil fuels and industrial activity speeds up greenhouse gas buildup.
Why does Vancouver have milder winters compared to Calgary?
Vancouver is near the ocean, which moderates temperatures; Calgary is inland and influenced by continental climate.
What effect do variations in the Sun’s output have on Earth’s climate?
Variations in the Sun’s energy output can cause changes in Earth’s climate, such as warming or cooling over decades.
Explain one way governments or companies are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Examples include carbon taxes, renewable energy projects, and stricter emission laws.
What are two ways farmers are adapting to climate change?
Using drought-resistant crops or changing planting schedules are ways farmers adapt.
Explain why planting trees can help fight climate change.
Trees absorb CO2, so planting them helps remove carbon from the atmosphere