Chemistry of the Atmosphere

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What have humans done to increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Deforestation
Burning fossil fuels
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What have humans done to increase the amount of methane in the atmosphere?
Agriculture – farm animals release methane
Landfill sites release methane and carbon dioxide
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How are human activities affecting the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere?
It is increasing, which increases the surface temperature
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What does an increase in the surface temperature of the Earth cause?
Climate change
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Why do scientists believe that climate change is happening?
It is based on peer reviewed evidence
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Why is it hard to fully understand the Earth’s climate?
It is complex, and there are many variables, meaning it’s difficult to make models that aren’t over simplified
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What are the consequences of climate change?
Polar ice caps melting
Changes in rainfall patterns
More extreme weather events
Differences in the distributions of wildlife
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What is the consequence of the polar ice caps melting?
It will cause a rise in sea levels, increased flooding and coastal erosion
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What is the consequence of changes in rainfall patterns?
Some regions may get too much of too little water making it more difficult to make food
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What is a carbon footprint?
The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event
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What can be done to reduce the carbon footprint?
Use renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels
Avoid putting waste into landfill sites
Tax products, services or events that produce large amount of carbon dioxide
Use carbon capture and storage in power stations
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Why is making reductions in the carbon footprint difficult?
Lots more research needs to be done with renewable fuels
Governments are worried making changes will affect the economic growth of communities
Individuals don’t want to make changes to their lifestyles
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

What have humans done to increase the amount of methane in the atmosphere?

Back

Agriculture – farm animals release methane
Landfill sites release methane and carbon dioxide

Card 3

Front

How are human activities affecting the temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere?

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What does an increase in the surface temperature of the Earth cause?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

Why do scientists believe that climate change is happening?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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