Climate Change - causes, renewable/non-renewable resources, ways to reduce climate change

How can we limit global warming/reduce climate change?

1. Global conferences, eg. The Earth Summit of 1992 where countries agreed to reduce their carbon dioxide levels. 2. Using alternative energy sources. 3. Increase taxes on fossil fuels. 4. Encourage people to be more energy efficient, eg. - green your commute, eg. walk, cycle - be energy efficient, eg. switch off lights - choose renewable power, eg. switch to a utility provider using clean power - eat wisely: grow your own food - recycle: your food and household waste - fly less: leaves a big 'carbon footprint'

What are the effects of global warming?

1. Migration of the earth's climate zones towards the North and South Poles. Results: Crops of countries closer to the equator will decline, forests will be replaced by deserts, animal habitats will be affected. 2. Sea level rises - increased water temperature will cause the sea to expand. Results: many low level towns flooded, ice caps will melt.

Why are there more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere than there were 200 years ago?

As the countries of the world have developed, carbon dioxide has been released when trees and fossil fuels have been burnt. Also, with fewer trees, less carbon dioxide is being absorbed.

What is climate change?

The change in weather patterns around the world.

What are fossil fuels?

All life on earth is sustained by energy from the sun. Plants and animals can store energy and some of this energy remains with them when they die. It is the remains of these ancient animals and plants that make up fossil fuels.

Name two greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide and methane

As countries develop, what is the effect on greenhouse gases?

Developing countries tend to emit large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In addition, deforestation means that fewer trees absorb less carbon dioxide. Most scientists now believe that increasing carbon dioxide levels is causing more radiation to be trapped in the atmosphere which is resulting in world temperatures going up. This is called Global Warming.

What is global warming?

Global warming is the increase in the Earth's temperature due to developing countries emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere as well as natural influences.

What are the causes of climate change?

Human influences: a) development increases greenhouse gas emissions, b) deforestation results in fewer trees to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2). (more on a) Humans burn fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. The energy released is used to power cars and other machines, to generate electricity, and to keep buildings warm. The burning fuel releases waste gases, including carbon dioxide. As the human population increases, more fuel is used, and more carbon dioxide is released. Natural influences: variations in earth's orbit, volcanic eruptions, meteor impacts, variations in solar output

Name some non-renewable energy resources.

Long time to replenish and will run out one day. eg. coal, oil, natural gas (all fossil fuels), nuclear Beware!!! Biomass and wood are non-renewable IF the trees and crops are not replanted.

Why are scientists trying to find renewable energy resources?

Over the last 200 years an ever-increasing proportion of our energy has come from non-renewable sources such as oil and coal. While demand for energy rises these resources are running out and scientists are exploring the potential of renewable sources of energy for the future.

What is the Greenhouse Effect?

Radiation from the sun passes through the Earth's atmosphere and heats up the surface of the Earth. As the surface of the Earth is heated it gives off radiation, some of which passes through the atmosphere and some is trapped by greenhouse gases. These trapped greenhouse gases warm the air. These greenhouse gases keep our planet warm, which is a good thing. Carbon dioxide is an important greenhouse gas. Without the greenhouse effect no heat would be trapped and conditions would be too cold for life to exist. The gases in the atmosphere that trap the radiation are mainly carbon dioxide and methane. Carbon dioxide is produced when trees or fossil fuels are burnt. Methane is produced by bogs and the digestion process of most animals, eg. cattle.

Why is recycling better than making products from new each time?

Recycling is cheaper and more energy efficient than making a product from new. It prevents natural resources from being wasted unnecessarily and it stops landfill sites from being used up.

Name some renewable energy resources.

Will not run out. eg. wind, solar, tidal, hydro-electric, geo-thermal Beware!!! Biomass (waste materials from plants and animals) and wood are only renewable if the trees and crops are replanted.