Greenhouse Gases: Causes and Effects
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason greenhouse gases are referred to as a 'ticking time bomb'?

  • They are essential for human survival.
  • They are harmless to the environment.
  • They help in the growth of plants.
  • Their concentrations are rising dangerously due to human activities. (correct)

The concentration of greenhouse gases has decreased since the 18th century.

False (B)

Who was the first scientist to link carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels to global warming?

Svante Arrhenius

The greenhouse effect traps heat within the Earth's atmosphere by absorbing it with gases like ________.

<p>carbon dioxide</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the scientist with their contribution to the understanding of greenhouse gases:

<p>Joseph Fourier = First concept of greenhouse effect in 1824 Svante Arrhenius = Linked fossil fuel CO2 emissions to warming in 1896 James E. Hansen = Testified about the detected greenhouse effect in the 20th century</p> Signup and view all the answers

What has been the increase in atmospheric CO2 levels since industrial times?

<p>50% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The greenhouse effect is solely a natural process and has nothing to do with human activities.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

By how much have global sea levels risen since 1880?

<p>24 cm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Rising sea levels are only a problem in the United States.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the U.S. population lives near the coast?

<p>30%</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ocean absorbs over 90% of the excess heat, causing the volume of water to increase due to __________.

<p>thermal expansion</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following effects of rising sea levels to their descriptions:

<p>Flooding = Disruption to coastal communities caused by water invasion Coastal erosion = Wear and tear of coastlines due to waves and storms Storm surges = Sudden increases in sea level due to storms Habitat loss = Destruction of animal living environments due to rising waters</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of greenhouse gas emissions is deforestation responsible for?

<p>15% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tropical rainforests are essential for keeping the climate stable.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the biggest drivers of forest loss in the Amazon?

<p>Cattle ranching</p> Signup and view all the answers

Forests store more carbon than all the world's _______ fuel reserves combined.

<p>fossil</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major consequence of cutting down trees?

<p>Release of stored carbon (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Deforestation impacts are the same across the globe.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action could potentially prevent up to half of all human-made greenhouse gas emissions?

<p>Stopping deforestation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following causes of deforestation with their descriptions:

<p>Farming = Clearing land for crop production Logging = Cutting down trees for timber Infrastructure projects = Building roads and buildings that require land clearing Cattle ranching = Raising livestock on cleared forest land</p> Signup and view all the answers

California's intense wildfires are worsened by both climate change and ________.

<p>deforestation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the Amazon's deforestation is due to animal agriculture?

<p>91% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Protecting forests can help combat climate change.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is projected to be the world population by 2050?

<p>10 billion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What gas produced by cattle is considered more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term?

<p>methane</p> Signup and view all the answers

Animal agriculture is responsible for nearly _% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

<p>15</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reducing meat, dairy, and sugar consumption by 50% could positively impact the environment.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

<p>Animal Agriculture = Contributes to greenhouse gas emissions Deforestation = Loss of forests primarily due to farming Methane = A potent greenhouse gas from cattle Sustainable Farming = Practice aimed at reducing ecological impact</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of farmland is dedicated to feeding livestock?

<p>83%</p> Signup and view all the answers

The agricultural sector accounts for _____ percent of the greenhouse effect.

<p>9</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one action suggested to reduce deforestation?

<p>Support sustainable farming (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

<p>Plant-based diet = Diet that minimizes meat and dairy consumption Great Food Transformation = Initiatives for sustainable food practices Food waste = 30% of food that is not consumed Climate crisis = Global issue exacerbated by human activity</p> Signup and view all the answers

Livestock farming contributes 42% of agricultural emissions in the U.S.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many liters of methane can one cow emit in a year?

<p>25,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of a meat-heavy diet?

<p>Loss of biodiversity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Supporting organizations that work to save forests is important to ensure a healthy _ for future generations.

<p>planet</p> Signup and view all the answers

Fossil fuels are the primary driver of climate change.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is recommended for further reading on the topic of climate and animal agriculture?

<p>National Geographic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are two diseases that could be reduced by adopting a plant-based diet?

<p>Heart disease and diabetes</p> Signup and view all the answers

About _____ percent of food is wasted in the U.S.

<p>30</p> Signup and view all the answers

What could a plant-based diet potentially save in healthcare costs by 2050?

<p>$1 trillion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Greenhouse Effect

The process where gases in Earth's atmosphere trap some of the Sun's heat, keeping the planet warm enough to support life.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane.

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.

Anthropogenic Climate Change

Climate change caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels.

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Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A common greenhouse gas, especially from burning fossil fuels.

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Industrial Revolution

Period starting in the 18th century characterized by the increased use of machines and fossil fuels.

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Natural Climate Change

Climate change that occurs due to natural processes, not human activities.

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Deforestation's impact on climate change

Deforestation releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

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Forests and CO2 absorption

Trees absorb CO2, a major cause of global warming, making forests essential for climate regulation.

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Forest carbon storage

Forests store carbon significantly more than all fossil fuels combined.

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Deforestation & greenhouse gases

Cutting down trees releases stored carbon, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

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Deforestation primary causes

Farming, logging, and infrastructure projects are major drivers of deforestation.

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Amazon deforestation and cattle ranching

Cattle ranching in the Amazon is a significant driver of forest loss.

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Forest Importance

Forests provide resources (food, fuel, jobs) and help stabilize the planet's climate.

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Deforestation rate

Over 420 million hectares of forests have been lost since 1990, with significant loss in 2022.

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Deforestation's CO2 impact

Deforestation contributes to roughly 15% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

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Sea Level Rise

The gradual increase in the average height of the ocean's surface over time.

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Thermal Expansion

The process where water expands in volume as its temperature increases. This contributes to rising sea levels.

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Ice Sheet Melting

The loss of ice from glaciers and ice sheets, which adds more water to the oceans, causing sea level rise.

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Ocean Acidity

The process where the ocean absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, making it more acidic, which harms marine life.

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Coastal Flooding

The inundation of coastal areas by rising sea levels, storm surges, and other factors.

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Amazon Deforestation Cause

91% of Amazon deforestation is due to animal agriculture, mainly cattle ranching.

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Animal Agriculture's Greenhouse Gas Emission

Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, approximately 15% globally, with cows producing significant methane.

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Methane's Potency

A significant greenhouse gas, methane is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term.

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Cow Methane Emissions

A single cow can emit up to 25,000 liters of methane annually.

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Livestock Farming in US Emissions

In the U.S., livestock farming contributes 42% of agricultural emissions.

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Meat Consumption and Planet

Our heavy reliance on meat isn't only unhealthy, but also harmful to the environment

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Sustainable Farming Practices

Supporting sustainable farming practices is one way to reduce deforestation and its impacts on climate change.

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Conservation Laws Importance

Backing conservation laws helps protect forests.

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Forest Conservation Organizations

Supporting organizations dedicated to saving forests is vital for tackling deforestation.

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Food Production's Impact

The way we produce food has a significant effect on the environment, contributing to climate change, resource depletion, and biodiversity loss.

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Meat's Environmental Impact

Meat production is a major contributor to environmental damage because it requires vast amounts of land, water, and energy, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

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Plant-Based Diet Benefits

Adopting a plant-based diet can significantly reduce environmental impact and improve health by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and reducing risks of diet-related diseases.

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Food Waste

Food waste is a significant problem, with a large percentage of food produced globally going uneaten, contributing to environmental damage and resource depletion.

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Food Waste Solutions

Addressing food waste requires improving storage practices, educating companies about sustainable practices, and encouraging mindful consumption by consumers.

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Great Food Transformation

An initiative aimed at promoting sustainable food systems that benefit users, farms, and workers by addressing challenges like food insecurity, climate change, and economic inequality.

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Food Choices and Climate Change

The choices we make about what we eat directly impact climate change, with a shift toward plant-based diets being a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

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Fossil Fuels vs. Agriculture

While agriculture contributes to climate change, fossil fuels remain the primary driver. However, a transition to a plant-based diet can significantly reduce agriculture's impact.

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Health Benefits of Plant-Based

Switching to a plant-based diet not only helps the environment but can also improve health by reducing risks of diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

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Collective Responsibility for Change

Addressing the environmental impact of our food system requires collective action, with individuals, organizations, and governments working together to promote sustainable practices.

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Study Notes

Greenhouse Gases

  • Greenhouse gases trap outgoing heat, increasing temperatures.
  • Anthropogenic climate change threatens the greenhouse effect.
  • Naturally, Earth's temperature is 15°C without GHG; without it, it would be -20°C.
  • Human activities have increased atmospheric CO2 by 50% since the 18th century.
  • CO2 levels are now 150% of their 1750 value.
  • This imbalance affects weather and climate systems, resulting in climate change.

Greenhouse Gases and their Impact

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) accounts for 75% of emissions. Released by burning fossil fuels.
  • Methane (CH4) is 84 times more harmful than CO2 over two decades. From agriculture (livestock), natural gas, and landfills.
  • Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is 264 times more harmful than CO2 over 20 years. From agriculture (fertilizers) and burning fossil fuels.
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are industrial gases, used in refrigerants, solvents, and spray cans.

Consequences of Rising Greenhouse Gas Levels

  • Polar ice sheets are melting, raising sea levels, threatening coastal regions.
  • Warmer temperatures lead to more intense storms, flooding, droughts, and heatwaves.
  • Disruptions to agriculture, water supplies, and food security.
  • Urban areas are more vulnerable to air pollution and smog.
  • Increased respiratory diseases like asthma and lung cancer.
  • Risks of a disastrous change in the climate that may make the planet uninhabitable.

Deforestation

  • Forests are vital for our planet, absorbing CO2 (carbon dioxide).
  • Deforestation and forest degradation release stored carbon into the atmosphere.
  • 80% of deforestation is for livestock farming.
  • Deforestation worsens climate change, making extreme events worse (e.g., California wildfires).

The Sun and Global Temperature

  • Current global warming is not explained by solar irradiance.
  • The Sun's natural 11-year cycle has not led to an increase in global temperature since 1880.

The impact of Animal Agriculture

  • Animal agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with 15% of global emissions.
  • Bovine produce the most methane, over 25 times more potent than CO2 short-term.
  • Livestock farming is responsible for 42% of agricultural emissions in the U.S.
  • Meat consumption is a major factor regarding climate change since it contributes to environmental damage.

Rising Sea Levels

  • Sea levels have risen by 24 cm since 1880 (an average of 3.3 mm per year).
  • Continued increases in temperature will lead to more rapid rises in sea levels by up to 1.8 meters.
  • Melting ice from Greenland and Antarctica would result in a 66-meter rise in sea levels.

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Description

This quiz explores the various greenhouse gases, their sources, and the significant impact they have on climate change. It covers the role of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons in increasing atmospheric temperatures and disrupting weather systems. Test your knowledge on how human activities contribute to the greenhouse effect and its consequences for the planet.

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