Weather & Climate
What is the difference between weather and climate?
Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term patterns over 30+ years.
What causes wind to curve instead of moving in a straight line?
The Coriolis Effect
What is the albedo effect, and how does it impact global temperatures?
The albedo effect describes how surfaces reflect sunlight; ice has a high albedo, keeping Earth cool.
Name a renewable energy source.
Solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, or geothermal.
What does UNFCCC stand for?
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
What are the four components of Earth's climate system?
Atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and living things.
How do convection currents form in the atmosphere?
Warm air rises (low pressure), cool air sinks (high pressure), creating circular air movement.
What happens when permafrost melts?
It releases methane and CO2, strong greenhouse gases, accelerating global warming.
What is the main disadvantage of fossil fuels?
They release greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
What was the goal of the Kyoto Protocol?
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% below 1990 levels by 2012.
How does Earth's tilt affect seasonal climate differences?
The tilt causes different parts of Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, creating seasons.
Why do ocean currents affect global climate?
They transport warm and cold water across the globe, influencing weather patterns and climate stability across the globe.
How do volcanoes temporarily cool the climate?
They release ash and sulfur dioxide, which block sunlight, reducing temperatures.
Why is nuclear power considered non-renewable but low-carbon?
Nuclear fission generates radioactive waste.
Why did Canada withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol?
Emissions increased instead of decreasing, and meeting targets would have cost billions in penalties.
Why does the greenhouse effect keep Earth’s temperature stable?
Greenhouse gases trap heat, preventing Earth from being too cold (-18°C without it) while maintaining energy balance.
Explain what the thermohaline circulation is sometimes called.
The "conveyor belt". It moves warm and cold water around the planet, regulating temperature and climate.
Why is the Arctic warming faster than the rest of the world?
Ice loss reduces albedo, leading to more heat absorption, accelerating warming (Arctic amplification).
How do wind turbines generate electricity?
Wind moves turbine blades, spinning a rotor connected to a generator.
What is the purpose of carbon credits?
They allow countries/companies to offset emissions by funding green projects.
(Thinking Question): If Earth's atmosphere had no greenhouse gases, what would happen?
Earth would lose heat rapidly, and the average global temperature would drop to about -18°C, making it too cold for most life.
(Thinking Question) If the thermohaline circulation slowed down significantly, what would happen? (List 3)
Uneven global temperature distribution, potential ice age in some regions, and extreme climate shifts.
(Thinking Question) How could melting Arctic ice affect ocean currents?
Freshwater from melting ice disrupts the salinity balance, potentially slowing or stopping thermohaline circulation.
(Thinking Question) Why do solar and wind energy require energy storage solutions?
They are intermittent sources—solar only works in daylight, and wind depends on weather conditions.
(Thinking Question) Scientists warn that global temperatures must stay below a 1.5°C increase above pre-industrial levels. Why is this limit important, and what are possible consequences if we exceed it?
Staying below 1.5°C helps prevent extreme weather, sea level rise, biodiversity loss, and food shortages. If exceeded, heatwaves, stronger hurricanes, and water scarcity will become more common, impacting millions.