Questions and Answers
Which of the following gases is primarily responsible for global warming?
What impact do chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) have on the environment?
Which agricultural activity produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming?
How does industrial development affect global temperatures?
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What natural phenomenon is a significant contributor to increasing global temperatures via the release of ash and smoke?
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What role does water vapour play in climate change?
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What is the consequence of melting permafrost on global warming?
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What environmental issue is exacerbated by forest blazes?
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What is one major consequence of global warming on aquatic ecosystems?
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Which of the following best describes a direct impact of global warming on terrestrial ecosystems?
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How does global warming affect ecosystem functions?
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Which of the following is a primary cause of global warming?
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What is one effect of climate change caused by global warming?
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How does global warming contribute to the spread of diseases?
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Which of the following statements regarding global warming effects is incorrect?
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What role does the greenhouse effect play in global warming?
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What effect does ozone layer depletion have on plankton in aquatic ecosystems?
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Which serious health issue is NOT associated with ozone layer depletion in humans?
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How does ozone layer depletion impact terrestrial ecosystems?
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What is a major contributor to ozone layer depletion?
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What is a potential ecological effect of increased ultraviolet radiation due to ozone depletion?
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Study Notes
Global Warming Overview
- Global warming is the increase in Earth's average temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- Temperature rose by approximately 1 degree Celsius since 1880, leading to accelerated glacier melting and rising sea levels.
Effects of Global Warming
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Rising Temperature
- Increased global temperatures result in significant glacier melting and rising sea levels, threatening coastal regions.
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Ecosystem Threats
- Coral reefs are severely impacted, risking loss of biodiversity among plant and animal species.
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Climate Change
- Global warming causes drastic weather changes, including increased droughts in some areas and flooding in others.
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Disease Spread
- Altered heat and humidity patterns enable the movement of disease-carrying mosquitoes, increasing disease prevalence.
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High Mortality Rates
- Natural disasters like floods and tsunamis lead to increased death tolls and facilitate the spread of diseases.
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Natural Habitat Loss
- Climate shifts cause habitat destruction for various species, leading to migration or extinction threats.
Greenhouse Effect
- Defined by Svante Arrhenius in 1896 as a natural process that keeps Earth warm through a layer of gases that trap heat.
- Major contributors include carbon dioxide from fossil fuels, significantly emitted by vehicles.
Causes of Global Warming
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Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Emissions
- CFCs from air conditioning and refrigeration deplete the ozone layer, allowing harmful UV rays to reach Earth.
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Industrial Development
- Factories discharge pollutants and greenhouse gases, contributing to increased global temperatures.
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Agricultural Practices
- Farming releases carbon dioxide and methane, further elevating greenhouse gas levels.
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Overpopulation
- More inhabitants lead to increased respiration, raising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
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Natural Causes
- Volcanic eruptions release ash and smoke that impact climate.
- Water vapor, a greenhouse gas, increases with rising temperatures.
- Melting permafrost releases trapped greenhouse gases, amplifying global warming.
- Forest fires emit significant carbon pollutants.
Ozone Layer Depletion
- The depletion of the ozone layer results from chemicals like bromine or chlorine from industrial activities, leading to increased UV radiation exposure.
Effects of Ozone Layer Depletion
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Human Health Impacts
- Increased exposure to UV rays may result in severe health issues, such as skin cancer, cataracts, and weakened immune responses.
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Animal Effects
- Animals suffer from skin and eye cancers due to direct UV exposure.
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Environmental Consequences
- Plant growth, flowering, and photosynthesis are adversely affected by stronger UV rays, impacting overall ecosystem health.
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Marine Life Impacts
- Plankton, a crucial component of the aquatic food chain, face threats from UV exposure, disrupting the entire marine ecosystem.
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Description
Test your knowledge about the major effects of global warming, including the rise in Earth's temperature and the impact on glaciers and sea levels. Understand the implications of these changes and how they contribute to climate change. This quiz will help you grasp the urgency of addressing global warming.
