Climate change

identify and describe the existence of different global climate zones.

explain the natural and human activities that have led to changes in climate over time.

evaluate scientific data and current global climate models to forecast Earth’s future climates.

Some of the gases in our atmosphere act like a big greenhouse. irst, they let in the sun’s rays.

When the Sun's rays get to the ground, some are absorbed as heat. More heat bounces off the land and water and heads back toward outer space.

If it runs into a greenhouse gas on the way, the heat is trapped. It can’t escape into space, so it stays in the atmosphere and warms up the planet.

Global warming is happening because carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are building up in the lower part of the atmosphere.

The ozone layer is in the upper atmosphere. When gases called chlorofluorocarbons reach this layer, they attack the ozone and destroy it.

Warmer air means warmer oceans. Warmer oceans make stronger hurricanes.

Less rain is predicted for some areas. That could lead to droughts, which would mean less water for people to drink and to grow food.

Drier conditions can also lead to more forest fires.

Melting glaciers and warmer water could raise sea level, flooding coasts. Wildlife that is adapted to a certain habitat may not be able to survive as the habitat changes.