Global Warming

Describe one of the main consequences of global warming.

Example: The melting of the polar ice caps is one of the biggest consequences of global warming. Due to the rising temperature on Earth, ice caps are melting at a rate that has not been seen before in human history. A specific example of this is what is happening in Greenland. Furthermore, the melting of ice caps causes the sea level to rise, which further affects the environment.

How do fossil fuels contribute to global warming?

Fossil fuels are used daily for human activity in extreme amounts. The burning of fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide affects the Earth's atmosphere and causes the temperature of the Earth's surface to heat up. This alters the climate and leads to an enhanced greenhouse effect, which leads to climate change.

climate change

a change in global or regional climate patterns; NOT a change in day to day patterns of weather, as it is often mistaken for

global warming

a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth's atmosphere usually attributed to (caused by) the greenhouse effect

fossil fuels

a natural fuel, such as goal or cas, that releases carbon dioxide and is a main contributor to global warming

greenhouse gases

carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons

causes of global warming

greenhouse gas emission, overpopulation, burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, farming (produces methane)

consequences of global warming

intensified weather events, climate change, melting of the polar ice caps, rising sea levels, increase in the overall temperature of the Earth

carbon dioxide

one of the 4 main greenhouse gases; produced by the burning of fossil fuels

greenhouse effect

the trapping of heat in the Earth's atmosphere due to human activity and emission of greenhouse gases that causes the temperature on the Earth's surface to rise