Climate Over Time

• Define climate change and global warming with scientific evidence.

• Differentiate between human and natural causes of climate change.

• Describe the major effects of climate change on our planet.

• Explain potential solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Vocabulary

Climate Change

Climate change is the long-term shift in global or regional weather patterns and average temperatures.

Global Warming

Global warming is the gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gas

Greenhouse gases are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the sun, warming the planet.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are natural fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, formed from ancient organisms.

Cement Production

The process of making cement releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere.

Agricultural Activity

Certain farming practices, like raising livestock, release significant amounts of methane (CH₄), a powerful greenhouse gas.

Key Vocabulary

Solar Radiation

Solar radiation is the radiant energy emitted by the sun, which travels through space to reach Earth.

Volcanic Activity

Volcanic activity describes the process where volcanoes release gases, ash, and lava from the Earth's surface.

Methane (CH4)

Methane (CH₄) is a powerful greenhouse gas that effectively traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

What Is Climate Change?

• Climate change is a long-term shift in global weather patterns.

• The average temperature of the troposphere and oceans has significantly increased.

• Global warming, the rise in temperature, is a part of climate change.

• This leads to more intense storms, floods, droughts, and shifting seasons.

Burning Fossil Fuels

• Activities like driving cars and generating electricity release greenhouse gases.

• Power plants burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.

• These actions release large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the air.

Deforestation

• Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis.

• This process helps to regulate the Earth's climate by removing greenhouse gases.

• Cutting down forests reduces the Earth's ability to absorb CO₂.

Cement Production

• ​The process of making cement releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

• ​​Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

• ​This is a major industrial source of gases that contribute to climate change.

Agricultural Activity

• ​Livestock, such as cows, release methane (CH₄), a powerful greenhouse gas.

• ​​Methane is very effective at trapping heat within the Earth's atmosphere.

• ​The use of some fertilizers on farms releases nitrous oxide, another heat-trapping gas.

Solar Radiation

• The amount of energy Earth gets from the sun can change slightly over time.

• These variations in solar energy can cause small and temporary shifts in Earth’s overall climate.

• Natural processes alone do not explain the rapid warming our planet is currently experiencing.

Volcanic Activity

• Large volcanic eruptions shoot gases and ash high into the air.

• This can block some sunlight from reaching Earth, causing a short-term cooling effect.

• Volcanoes also release some greenhouse gases, but much less than human activities do.

Effects of Climate Change

• Global warming melts glaciers and ice sheets, and thaws permanently frozen soil (permafrost).

• Thawing permafrost releases large amounts of methane (CH₄) and causes ground erosion.

• Sea levels rise from melting surface ice and the expansion of warmer ocean water.

• Changing temperatures and sea levels disrupt habitats, forcing species to find new homes.

• Rising global air and ocean temperatures are key indicators of climate change.

• Human activities like burning fossil fuels are the main drivers of current warming.

• Climate change causes melting ice, rising sea levels, and disrupts ecosystems.

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to address the impacts of climate change.