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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a local impact of climate change?
Which of the following is NOT a local impact of climate change?
What is the primary cause of the increased acidity of the oceans?
What is the primary cause of the increased acidity of the oceans?
What local strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing waste?
What local strategy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing waste?
What is a potential consequence of rising sea levels?
What is a potential consequence of rising sea levels?
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Which of the following is NOT a national-level strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
Which of the following is NOT a national-level strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
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How does the increased production of fertilizers contribute to climate change?
How does the increased production of fertilizers contribute to climate change?
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What is the main reason for the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes?
What is the main reason for the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes?
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Which of the following is a potential consequence of climate change on biodiversity?
Which of the following is a potential consequence of climate change on biodiversity?
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Which of the following best describes the primary effect of increased sunspot activity on global temperatures?
Which of the following best describes the primary effect of increased sunspot activity on global temperatures?
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What is the main reason that retreating ice caps contribute to warming?
What is the main reason that retreating ice caps contribute to warming?
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What is the main mechanism by which methane released from melting permafrost contributes to a positive feedback loop?
What is the main mechanism by which methane released from melting permafrost contributes to a positive feedback loop?
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According to Milankovitch theory, changes in the Earth's tilt affect the amount of solar energy reaching which area(s)?
According to Milankovitch theory, changes in the Earth's tilt affect the amount of solar energy reaching which area(s)?
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What was the primary impact of the asteroid impact in Mexico 65 million years ago on global climate?
What was the primary impact of the asteroid impact in Mexico 65 million years ago on global climate?
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Which of the following is a major human-caused source of methane emissions?
Which of the following is a major human-caused source of methane emissions?
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Besides methane, which greenhouse gas is directly emitted by increased car exhaust emissions?
Besides methane, which greenhouse gas is directly emitted by increased car exhaust emissions?
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How does deforestation directly contribute to climate change?
How does deforestation directly contribute to climate change?
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What is one major criticism of wind energy mentioned?
What is one major criticism of wind energy mentioned?
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What strategy is being used by some governments to encourage reduced greenhouse gas emissions?
What strategy is being used by some governments to encourage reduced greenhouse gas emissions?
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What challenge is associated with afforestation in the context of CO2 reduction?
What challenge is associated with afforestation in the context of CO2 reduction?
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What is the goal outlined by the Paris Agreement?
What is the goal outlined by the Paris Agreement?
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Which country has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, raising concerns about global emissions?
Which country has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, raising concerns about global emissions?
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Study Notes
Global Climate Change
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Physical Causes:
- Increased sunspot activity raises global temperatures, following an 11-year cycle.
- Volcanic eruptions eject dust and sulfur droplets, reflecting sunlight and lowering temperatures. Volcanoes can also release large amounts of CO2, trapping more heat.
- Retreating ice reduces the albedo effect, meaning more heat absorbed.
- Melting permafrost releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas (80x more effective than CO2). This creates a feedback loop.
- Milankovitch cycles (changes in Earth's orbit/tilt) alter the amount of energy reaching Earth.
- Meteorite impacts can block sunlight, cooling temperatures and causing forest fires that release CO2.
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Human Causes:
- Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) releases carbon dioxide, trapping heat.
- Deforestation reduces the absorption of CO2 by trees.
- Landfill decomposition releases methane.
- Increased rice paddy fields in rapidly growing Asian populations contribute to methane.
- Increased beef production generates methane from cattle and animal dung.
- Increased car exhaust emissions release nitrous oxide.
- Improper disposal of refrigerators releases CFCs.
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Local and Global Impacts:
- Sea level rise due to glacial melt causes flooding in low-lying areas like Bangladesh.
- More extreme weather events (flooding, droughts, hurricanes) occur more frequently and intensely.
- Increased rainfall, especially in winter.
- Expansion of tropical disease zones.
- Extinction risk of 10% of land species and 80% bleaching of coral reefs due to increased ocean acidity from CO2.
- Opening of the Northwest Passage, enabling more efficient trade routes.
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Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Manage Climate Change:
- Individuals can reduce, reuse, and recycle to reduce landfill waste and methane emissions.
- National governments can reduce CO2 emissions by investing in renewable energy sources.
- International agreements (like the Paris Agreement) set targets to limit climate change to a specific temperature rise.
- Afforestation (planting trees) can help absorb CO2.
- Efficiency measures (e.g., energy-efficient homes, public transport) reduce consumption.
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Description
Explore the various physical and human-induced causes of global climate change in this quiz. Understand the impact of sunspot activity, volcanic eruptions, and the role of greenhouse gases. Test your knowledge on how both natural phenomena and human actions contribute to rising global temperatures.
