Carbon Dioxide and Climate Change

Which of the following is true about the greenhouse effect?

It is caused by CO2 and other greenhouse gases

What does the picture on the left show?

Earth without the greenhouse effect

What happens when CO2 levels in the atmosphere increase?

The temperature of Earth increases

What role does the ocean play in the carbon cycle?

It releases CO2 into the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2 (OCO-2) designed to measure?

Greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of NASA's research satellites?

To understand the carbon cycle Signup and view all the answers

What does the greenhouse effect do to Earth's temperature?

It makes Earth warmer Signup and view all the answers

What would Earth look like without the greenhouse effect?

An ice ball Signup and view all the answers

What happens when CO2 levels in the atmosphere increase even more?

The temperature of Earth increases Signup and view all the answers

What causes CO2 levels in the atmosphere to increase?

The greenhouse effect Signup and view all the answers

Which gas traps heat close to Earth and helps the planet hold onto some of the heat it gets from the Sun?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What happens when there is too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

Earth's temperature warms up too much Signup and view all the answers

What do NASA research satellites like OCO-2 and OCO-3 study?

How carbon moves around the planet Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of plants in the carbon cycle?

They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen Signup and view all the answers

How do animals contribute to the carbon cycle?

They absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What happens if there are big increases in carbon dioxide in our atmosphere?

Earth's climate is negatively affected Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of greenhouse gases?

To trap heat from the Sun Signup and view all the answers

What human activities are changing the balance of carbon in the air and in plants and the ocean?

Burning fossil fuels and cutting down forests Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if there were no greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere?

The Sun's heat would escape into space Signup and view all the answers

What role does carbon dioxide play in the greenhouse effect?

It helps Earth hold onto the heat it receives from the Sun Signup and view all the answers