Our Changing Planet
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions; climate describes typical patterns over many years.
Which continent contains the Sahara Desert, where heat and water scarcity are important concerns?
Africa
What do we call an animal's or plant's natural home?
Its habitat.
Is replacing a gasoline car trip with walking or cycling, when practical, mitigation or adaptation?
Mitigation, because it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
True or false: Every place on Earth experiences exactly the same climate.
False. Climates vary because of latitude, elevation, oceans, geography, and other factors.
What is the main source of the extra carbon dioxide released by humans?
Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
Which continent has many low-lying coastal communities threatened by sea-level rise and flooding?
Asia
What can happen to animals when their habitats become too hot or dry?
They may need to move, lose food or water, struggle to reproduce, or face a greater risk of extinction
Is creating an evacuation plan for wildfire risk mitigation or adaptation?
Adaptation, because it prepares people for a climate-related hazard.
Why might a farmer need to change which crops are grown as rainfall patterns change?
Some crops may no longer receive the water or temperature conditions they need to grow successfully.
How can cutting down forests contribute to global warming?
Fewer trees are available to absorb carbon dioxide, and cutting or burning trees can release stored carbon into the atmosphere.
What major frozen region of North America is warming rapidly and losing ice?
Artic
How can warmer ocean water harm coral reefs?
It can cause coral bleaching, which stresses corals and the ecosystems that depend on them.
Name one renewable energy source that can help reduce fossil-fuel use
Solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, or geothermal energy.
What is one piece of evidence scientists can use to study changes in Earth's climate?
Temperature records, glacier measurements, sea-level records, tree rings, or ice cores.
Why is global warming connected to the greenhouse effect?
Greenhouse gases absorb and re-emit heat, causing more energy to remain in Earth's climate system.
How can warmer temperatures affect parts of Europe during summer?
They can increase heat waves, droughts, and wildfire risks, especially in southern Europe.
How can melting glaciers affect rivers and communities that depend on them?
Glacier loss can change seasonal river flows and threaten reliable water supplies for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.
A school installs shade structures and drinking-water stations for hotter days. Is this mitigation or adaptation? Explain.
Adaptation, because these measures help students cope with extreme heat.
A town experiences heavier rainfall than its drainage system can handle. Explain one possible consequence and one response.
Flooding may damage homes and roads. The town could improve drainage systems, restore wetlands, or develop flood-response plans.
If Earth's average temperature rises only a little, why can the consequences still be serious?
Even a small increase in average temperature can increase extreme heat, change rainfall patterns, melt ice, raise sea levels, and affect ecosystems.
Why are small island nations in Oceania especially at risk from rising sea levels?
Many have low-lying land, so rising seas and coastal flooding can threaten homes, freshwater supplies, and infrastructure.
Explain one way climate change can create a chain reaction in an ecosystem.
Drought can reduce plant growth, leaving herbivores with less food. Predators may then have fewer animals to eat.
A city improves public transportation and prepares buildings for heat waves. Identify the two climate strategies.
Improving public transportation can be mitigation because it can reduce emissions. Preparing buildings for heat waves is adaptation because it reduces harm from extreme heat.
“One cold winter proves global warming is not happening.” Why is this reasoning incorrect?
One cold winter is an example of short-term weather in one location. Global warming refers to a long-term increase in Earth's average global temperature.