Human Impact & Climate Change

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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 a renewable resource?

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A renewable resource is a type of resource that can be replenished naturally within a human lifespan and will not run out, such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass.

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What are reflective surfaces in relation to climate?

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Reflective surfaces, or high albedo surfaces, are those that reflect sunlight, helping to keep the planet cooler, such as ice caps and certain types of clouds.

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What are fossil fuels?

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Fossil fuels are natural fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, formed from the remains of ancient living organisms over millions of years.

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What is a drought?

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A drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water shortages and affecting ecosystems and human activities.

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What is climate change?

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Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.

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What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?

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Renewable resources can be replenished naturally and are sustainable, while non-renewable resources, like fossil fuels, exist in finite amounts and can be depleted.

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What is albedo?

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Albedo is a measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface; high albedo surfaces reflect more sunlight, while low albedo surfaces absorb more heat.

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What are climatic zones?

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Climatic zones are regions of the Earth that have distinct climate characteristics, such as tropical, temperate, and polar zones.

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What is the role of carbon dioxide in climate change?

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Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.