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Questions and Answers
What is a natural cause of climate change?
Which of the following is NOT a main greenhouse gas?
What is the projected temperature rise by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise?
What is the natural greenhouse effect responsible for?
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What is a consequence of the projected temperature rise?
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Which human activity is a major contributor to climate change?
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What is the average global temperature increase since 1880?
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Which of the following is an example of an enhanced greenhouse effect?
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Study Notes
Climate Change Causes
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Natural Causes:
- Variations in Earth's orbit
- Changes in the Sun's energy output
- Volcanic eruptions
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Human Activities:
- Burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) releasing CO2
- Deforestation and land-use changes
- Agriculture and livestock production
- Industrial processes and transportation
Greenhouse Gases
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Main Gases:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- Methane (CH4)
- Water vapor (H2O)
- Nitrous oxide (N2O)
- Ozone (O3)
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Other Gases:
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
- Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
- Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
Temperature Rise
- Average Global Temperature Increase: 1°C since 1880
- Projected Temperature Rise: 2-5°C by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise
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Consequences:
- More frequent and severe heatwaves
- Sea-level rise and coastal flooding
- Changes in precipitation patterns and weather extremes
Causes of Greenhouse Effect
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Natural Greenhouse Effect:
- Trapping of heat by atmospheric gases (water vapor, CO2, etc.)
- Essential for life on Earth, maintaining a habitable temperature
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Enhanced Greenhouse Effect:
- Increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases due to human activities
- Amplification of the natural greenhouse effect, leading to global warming
Climate Change Overview
- Climate change has both natural and human-induced causes
Natural Causes of Climate Change
- Variations in Earth's orbit affect the amount of solar energy received
- Changes in the Sun's energy output impact global temperatures
- Volcanic eruptions release sulfur dioxide, reflecting sunlight and cooling the planet
Human Activities Contributing to Climate Change
- Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) releases CO2, a potent greenhouse gas
- Deforestation and land-use changes lead to carbon sequestration loss
- Agriculture and livestock production release methane and N2O
- Industrial processes and transportation emit greenhouse gases
Greenhouse Gases
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most abundant long-lived greenhouse gas
- Methane (CH4) has a global warming potential 28 times higher than CO2
- Water vapor (H2O) is the most abundant greenhouse gas, but its concentration is influenced by temperature
- Nitrous oxide (N2O) has a global warming potential 298 times higher than CO2
- Ozone (O3) is a potent greenhouse gas, but its concentration is declining due to the Montreal Protocol
Temperature Rise and Consequences
- The average global temperature has risen 1°C since 1880
- If greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the projected temperature increase is 2-5°C by 2100
- Consequences of temperature rise include:
- Increased frequency and severity of heatwaves
- Sea-level rise and coastal flooding
- Changes in precipitation patterns and weather extremes
The Greenhouse Effect
- The natural greenhouse effect traps heat, making the planet habitable
- Human activities have enhanced the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming
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Description
This quiz covers the natural and human-induced causes of climate change, as well as the main greenhouse gases responsible for the phenomenon. Test your knowledge of the key factors contributing to climate change.
