The Atmosphere
What is the atmosphere?
The atmosphere is a layer of gases that surrounds the Earth.
What are the 2 main greenhouse gases responsible for climate change?
Carbon Dioxide and Methane
How does climate change affect sea levels?
Climate change is causing sea levels to rise due to melting glaciers and ice caps and the expansion of seawater as it warms.
What is one way to reduce carbon emissions from transportation?
Using public transportation or active ways of travel (biking, walking, scooter, skateboarding, etc.)
How does the atmosphere help keep us warm?
The atmosphere traps some of the heat from the sun, which helps keep the Earth warm enough for life to exist
What is deforestation and how does it contribute to climate change?
Deforestation is the process of cutting down trees in large numbers. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Cutting down trees reduces the number of trees that absorb carbon dioxide, and therefore increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
What are some ways that climate change is affecting wildlife?
Climate change is causing wildlife to lose habitat and change their behavior and migration patterns. It is also causing species to go extinct at a faster rate.
What is one way that you can reduce your carbon footprint in your everyday life?
Here are a few examples: turning off lights when not in use, taking shorter showers, or using reusable bags instead of plastic.
How cold would Earth be if it didn't have the atmosphere?
The temperature would be extremely cold, dropping to an average temperature of about -18 degrees Celsius
What is the main source of methane emissions?
Livestock farming and the production of meat and dairy products (COW FARTS)
What is the term used to describe the gradual rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to an increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?
Global Warming
Give 2 examples of sustainable lifestyle choices
Eating a plant-based diet, reducing meat consumption, or using reusable containers instead of disposable ones.
What is the greenhouse effect and how does it work?
The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping into space. This keeps the Earth's surface warmer than it would be otherwise.
How does the burning of fossil fuels contribute to climate change?
Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which is the main cause of global warming and climate change.
How does climate change impact weather patterns?
It disturbs the balance of the Earth's climate and it can cause more frequent and severe weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes.
What is renewable energy?
Energy that comes from natural sources that are replenished over time, such as solar, wind, or hydro power.