Global warming
What is the main cause of global warming?
increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
What is the main cause of sea level rise?
global warming
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems.
Drought
A long period of unusually dry weather
What is extreme weather?
unusual and severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.
Name two common greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)
Name one way that rising sea levels can impact coastal communities.
coastal erosion, flooding
Name one benefit of biodiversity.
Biodiversity helps maintain ecosystem stability and resilience, providing services like clean air and water.
Biodiversity
The variety of life on Earth, which can be threatened by climate change impacts
How does climate change affect weather patterns?
heatwaves, droughts, floods.
How can climate change affect human health?
respiratory illnesses, heatstroke, and waterborne diseases.
How does melting ice contribute to rising sea levels?
adds more water to the oceans
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.
Greenhouse Effect
The warming of Earth’s surface due to gases like carbon dioxide trapping heat in the atmosphere.
What is a hurricane?
A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm with strong winds and heavy rain
Explain how deforestation contributes to global warming.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis. Deforestation removes these trees, reducing carbon absorbtion and releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
What is a major consequence of rising sea levels for cities?
Increased flooding risk.
How does deforestation impact biodiversity?
Deforestation leads to habitat loss, which can result in the extinction of species and reduced genetic diversity.
Renewable Energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, like solar, wind, and hydro power.
What are some impacts of extreme weather on human health?
heatstroke, respiratory issues, injuries, mental stress, and spread of diseases.
Describe one potential economic consequence of global warming, and explain how it might happen.
increased costs for agriculture due to changing weather patterns and more extreme events (like droughts or floods) impacting crop yields, leading to higher food prices and potentially food shortages.
Explain how thermal expansion contributes to sea level rise.
As ocean water warms, it expands in volume, leading to a rise in sea levels even without additional water from melting ice.
What is the concept of an "endangered species"?
An endangered species is a species that is at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, environmental changes, or other factors affecting its survival.
Acidification
The process by which oceans absorb excess carbon dioxide, leading to lower pH levels and harm to marine life.
How do rising global temperatures affect ecosystems?
Disrupt habitats, threaten species.