Climate Change Evidence
What term describes the long‑term increase in Earth’s average temperature?
Global warming
The trapping of heat in Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases
What is the greenhouse effect?
What is my cat's name?
Kyle, Brian, Dunkin, Bunny
What type of weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change?
Extreme weather events
What type of energy source produces little to no greenhouse gases?
Renewable energy
Which gas is the primary greenhouse gas released by burning fossil fuels?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Name two greenhouse gases.
CO₂, methane (CH₄), water vapor, nitrous oxide
How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
It reduces CO₂ absorption and releases stored carbon
How does climate change affect ecosystems
Habitat loss, species migration, extinction
Name one renewable energy source.
Solar, wind, hydroelectric
Name one piece of evidence scientists use to show climate change besides sea‑level rise.
Melting glaciers, shrinking ice caps, increased global temperatures, more extreme weather
Why is methane considered a powerful greenhouse gas?
It traps more heat per molecule than CO₂
Which sector produces large amounts of methane?
Agriculture / livestock
Why are polar regions especially affected by climate change?
Ice melts faster, reducing albedo
How does improving energy efficiency reduce emissions?
Less energy is needed, reducing fossil fuel use
What do ice cores provide scientists with regarding Earth’s past climate?
Historical greenhouse gas concentrations and temperature data
How does human activity intensify the greenhouse effect?
By increasing greenhouse gas emissions
Why do vehicles contribute to climate change?
They burn fossil fuels and emit CO₂
How can climate change impact food production?
Droughts, floods, and changing growing conditions
Why is public transportation better for the climate than individual cars?
It reduces total emissions per person
Why is increased atmospheric CO₂ considered strong evidence for climate change?
CO₂ traps heat and its rapid increase correlates with rising global temperatures
What would likely happen to Earth’s temperature if greenhouse gases decreased significantly?
Global temperatures would decrease
Explain how industrialization has increased greenhouse gas emissions
Increased energy use, manufacturing, and fossil fuel consumption
Why does melting ice create a positive feedback loop?
Less ice means less reflection of sunlight, increasing warming
Describe two strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Renewable energy use, energy efficiency, reforestation, reducing fossil fuel use