Global Warming / Climate Change

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What is Global Warming?

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Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane.

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What are greenhouse gases?

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Greenhouse gases are gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and water vapor.

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What is the greenhouse effect?

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The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping into space, thus warming the planet.

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What is proxy data in climate science?

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Proxy data refers to indirect evidence of past climate conditions, such as tree rings, ice cores, and sediment layers, used to infer historical climate changes.

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Why is proxy data important for studying climate change?

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Proxy data is crucial because instrumental records only extend back a few centuries, and proxy data allows scientists to study climate changes over much longer periods.

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What is the impact of volcanic eruptions on climate?

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Explosive volcanic eruptions can inject large amounts of ash and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to temporary cooling of global temperatures.

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What is the primary cause of increased CO2 levels in the last 200 years?

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The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, has been the primary driver of increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

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What is permafrost?

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Permafrost is permanently frozen ground that contains organic material and greenhouse gases, such as methane, which can be released when it thaws.

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How does melting permafrost contribute to climate change?

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Melting permafrost releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, which can further accelerate global warming.

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What is a positive feedback loop in climate change?

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A positive feedback loop occurs when a change in the climate system causes effects that further amplify the initial change, such as melting ice leading to more heat absorption.

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