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Questions and Answers
What is climate change?
What is climate change?
A change in the distribution of weather patterns over a long time after being observed by scientists all over the world.
What is the primary cause of global warming according to the text?
What is the primary cause of global warming according to the text?
Deforestation helps regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
Deforestation helps regulate the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
False
Which of the following is NOT a cause of climate change listed in the text?
Which of the following is NOT a cause of climate change listed in the text?
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What does the text say about the effects of climate change on biodiversity?
What does the text say about the effects of climate change on biodiversity?
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What is a major consequence of climate change on oceans?
What is a major consequence of climate change on oceans?
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Climate change only impacts the environment and is not directly affecting human populations.
Climate change only impacts the environment and is not directly affecting human populations.
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Besides floods and sea level rise, what other weather phenomenon is mentioned as a consequence of climate change? (Choose all that apply.)
Besides floods and sea level rise, what other weather phenomenon is mentioned as a consequence of climate change? (Choose all that apply.)
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What are some solutions to prevent climate change?
What are some solutions to prevent climate change?
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What is an energy crisis?
What is an energy crisis?
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Which of these is NOT a cause of the world energy crisis?
Which of these is NOT a cause of the world energy crisis?
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What are some potential solutions to the global energy crisis?
What are some potential solutions to the global energy crisis?
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Study Notes
Climate Change
- Climate change is a change in weather patterns over a long period, observed globally by scientists.
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Causes:
- Fossil Fuels: Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) releases carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) and nitrous oxide.
- Deforestation: Cutting down trees removes their CO2 absorption capacity, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
- Intensive Farming: Livestock (cattle, sheep) produce methane during digestion; fertilizers produce nitrous oxide.
- Waste Disposal: Landfills and incineration release greenhouse gases like methane into the atmosphere, soil, and waterways.
- Mining: Mining activities (extraction, transport, manufacturing) contribute 5% to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Overconsumption: Overuse of resources and international freight transport lead to more pollution.
Effects of Climate Change
- Biodiversity: Temperature increases and climate change disrupt ecosystems, modify plant reproduction, and affect animal migration patterns. Disappearance or intrusion of certain species is observed. Global warming threatens biodiversity and can put 20-30% of species at risk of extinction with a 1.5°C rise. A rise greater than 2°C could severely disrupt ecosystems.
- Oceans: Rising sea levels (at an unprecedented rate) are caused by melting permafrost and polar ice. The worst-case scenario projects a 1-meter rise by 2100. Ocean acidification is another major concern, with increased CO2 absorption making the oceans more acidic. Impacts on seashells and coral reefs are observed.
- Humans: Climate change affects global economies, social structures, health, and geopolitical stability. Scarcity of resources (food, energy) leads to conflicts. Rising sea levels and floods displace populations and create climate refugees. An estimated 250 million are predicted to be climate refugees by 2050.
- Weather: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including droughts, heatwaves, floods, hurricanes, storms, wildfires, and frost-free seasons.
Energy Crisis
- An energy crisis is a disruption in an economy's energy supply.
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Causes:
- Overpopulation
- Infrastructure deterioration
- Waste of energy
- Excessive consumption
- Natural disasters and major accidents
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Potential Solutions:
- Transition to renewable resources
- Purchase energy-effective products
- Controls for lighting (energy-saving measures)
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Description
Explore the complex issue of climate change, including its causes such as fossil fuel consumption, deforestation, and intensive farming. Learn about its effects on biodiversity and ecosystems, and understand the importance of addressing this global challenge.
