Weather vs. Climate
This is what's happening outside right now – is it sunny, rainy, or windy?
Weather
A long period with little or no rain.
(Answer: Drought)
Many scientists agree that this is the main cause of recent climate change.
(Answer: Human activity/Burning fossil fuels)
Using less of this saves energy.
(Answer: Electricity)
Melting ice in Greenland and Antarctica contributes to this.
(Answer: Rising sea levels)
The average weather conditions in a place over a long period of time (usually 30 years).
(Answer: Climate)
A sudden overflow of water.
(Answer: Flood)
Name one greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere.
(Answer: Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor)
Give an example of something you can recycle.
(Answer: Plastic, paper, metal, glass, cardboard)
Warmer ocean temperatures can lead to stronger versions of these storms.
(Answer: Hurricanes/Typhoons)
Is weather or climate more predictable in the short term (e.g., next week)?
(Answer: Weather)
A powerful storm with strong winds and heavy rain that forms over warm ocean waters.
(Answer: Hurricane/Typhoon)
What do we burn that releases a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?
(Answer: Fossil fuels - coal, oil, natural gas)
Name one way communities can prepare for more extreme weather.
(Answer: Build stronger homes/infrastructure, have emergency plans, create evacuation routes, improve drainage)
Changes in climate can affect the timing of these events in nature, like when flowers bloom.
(Answer: Seasons/Seasonal events)
If you looked at 30 years of temperature data for your city, what would you be studying: weather or climate?
(Answer: Climate)
Name one direct health effect of extreme heat.
(Answer: Heatstroke, dehydration, heat exhaustion)
How does cutting down forests (deforestation) contribute to climate change?
(Answer: Fewer trees to absorb CO2, releases stored CO2)
What's one thing you can do at school to help the environment?
(Answer: Recycle, conserve energy, reduce waste, plant trees, start a green club)
Changes in precipitation patterns due to climate change can lead to more of these in some areas.
(Answer: Droughts or floods)
True or False: A single cold day in July disproves global warming.
(Answer: False)
What is one major way rising sea levels (caused by melting ice) can impact coastal communities?
(Answer: Increased flooding, erosion, loss of land/homes)
True or False: Cows contribute to climate change.
(Answer: True - methane from their digestion)
What type of transportation releases less CO2 into the atmosphere than a gasoline-powered car?
(Answer: Walking, biking, electric cars, public transportation)
Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption, threatens these marine ecosystems.
(Answer: Coral reefs)