Weather vs. Climate
Weather refers to atmospheric conditions over this period of time.
a short period of time
This naturally occurring process keeps Earth warm enough to support life.
the greenhouse effect
This human activity releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
burning fossil fuels
This global trend has been observed over the past century.
rising average global temperature
This extreme weather event is becoming more frequent and intense in many regions.
heat waves
Climate describes average weather patterns over this minimum number of years.
30 years.
This gas is released when fossil fuels are burned and is the largest contributor to human-caused climate change.
Carbon dioxide
Cutting down forests contributes to climate change through this process.
deforestation
Large masses of ice shrinking in regions such as Greenland provide evidence of this.
climate change
Rising sea levels pose a major threat to these areas.
coastal communities
A week of unusually cold temperatures does not disprove climate change because climate is measured over this.
a long-term period
These gases trap outgoing infrared radiation in Earth's atmosphere.
greenhouse gases
This sector is one of the largest sources of methane emissions.
agriculture/livestock farming
This occurs when ocean water expands as it warms.
thermal expansion
Many species may face this outcome if they cannot adapt quickly enough to environmental changes
extinction
This factor includes temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns when describing a region's climate.
weather data
Without the natural greenhouse effect, Earth's average temperature would be approximately this.
about -18°C
Explain why deforestation affects carbon dioxide levels.
because fewer trees are available to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis
Scientists measure ancient atmospheric conditions using these samples drilled from glaciers.
ice cores
Explain how climate change can affect food production.
droughts, floods, and changing temperatures can reduce crop yields
Explain why scientists use long-term climate data instead of daily weather observations when studying climate change.
because climate refers to long-term trends while weather changes daily
Explain why increasing greenhouse gas concentrations lead to higher global temperatures.
because more heat is trapped in the atmosphere and less escapes into space
A country increases its use of coal-fired power plants. Predict the likely effect on greenhouse gas emissions.
emissions will increase
Name two pieces of evidence that support the conclusion that Earth's climate is warming.
rising temperatures, melting glaciers, sea-level rise, shrinking Arctic ice, or changing precipitation patterns
Describe one way climate change can impact human health.
increased heat-related illness, spread of disease, poor air quality, or food insecurity