4.4 Climate Change

Global Warming

A gradual increase in average global temperature

Ice Age

A long period of cooling during which ice sheets spread beyond the polar regions.

Climate Change

Any change in the climate due to natural or human causes.

How can volcanoes and asteroids cause sudden changes in Earth's climate?

Both volcanoes and asteroids would release large amounts of particulates into the atmosphere and block some of the sunlight from hitting Earth.

Human Causes of Climate Change

Burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

What can we tell about Earth's natural climate history from studying the geologic record?

Earth's climate has changed periodically for billions of years.

How can humans be considered a negative factor in the issue of climate change and global warming?

Humans burn fossil fuels which add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Humans also cut down trees so there are fewer ways for carbon dioxide to be taken out of the atmosphere.

How can humans be considered a positive factor in the issue of climate change and global warming?

Humans can develop new technologies to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Humans can also plant trees, recycle, and conserve energy.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

Movement of tectonic plates, asteroids, volcanoes, sun cycles, El Nino and La Nina, and ice ages.

How can people reduce their impact on climate change?

People can recycle, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, plant trees, reduce the rate of deforestation, use new technologies, and decrease energy consumption.

What evidence is there to show tectonic plate movements cause climate change?

Scientists have discovered fossils of leaves, wood, and dinosaurs under the Antarctica ice.

Predicted Effects of Climate Change

The atmosphere will become warmer and produce more severe storms. Ice will melt. Sea level will rise. Plants and animals will die if they cannot adapt or move.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which gases in the atmosphere absorb and radiate energy as heat back to Earth.

What is a challenge that comes with using alternative technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

They can be more expensive to develop and design than traditional technologies.

Causes of sudden change in climate are

asteroid impacts and volcanic eruptions.

Causes of slower change in climate are

movement of tectonic plates, sun cycles, and ice ages.