2025 APES Global Climate Change

Front

What is a greenhouse gas?

Back

A greenhouse gas is a gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Examples include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Front

Which gas is NOT a greenhouse gas?

Back

Nitrogen is not a greenhouse gas.

Front

What is the global warming potential of methane compared to carbon dioxide?

Back

Methane (CH4) has a much greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide (CO2), but there is much more CO2 in the atmosphere.

Front

What is Arctic positive feedback?

Back

Arctic positive feedback refers to the phenomenon where temperatures near the poles increase at a higher rate than at lower latitudes, often due to melting ice.

Front

What is the main human activity that releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere?

Back

Burning fossil fuels is the primary human activity that releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

Front

How do tree rings indicate past climate conditions?

Back

Wider annual tree rings imply warmer, wetter years, while narrower rings suggest cooler, drier conditions.

Front

What role do hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) play in climate change?

Back

HFCs have a high global warming potential but contribute less to global warming than CO2 due to their lower concentration in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the significance of carbon dioxide in climate change?

Back

Carbon dioxide is the most significant greenhouse gas due to its abundance and long atmospheric lifetime, making it a major contributor to climate change.

Front

What is the impact of deforestation on carbon dioxide levels?

Back

Deforestation increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere by reducing the number of trees that can absorb CO2.