Climate Change

If Earth did not have an atmosphere, most of the energy from the sun would 

• be reflected back into space.
• be absorbed by Earth’s oceans.
• be absorbed by Earth’s landmasses.
• never reach Earth’s surface.

Industrialization is a contributing factor to climate change.

• True
• False

Global warming refers specifically to an increase in 

• the number of storms on Earth.
• precipitation from Earth’s atmosphere.
• temperatures everywhere on Earth.
• Earth’s average surface temperature.

Scientists determine current climate conditions by 

• making direct measurements.
• creating computer models.
• examining ice cores.
• using proxy indicators.

As a result of global warming, some plant species in the mountains of California have 

• shifted their locations higher into the mountains.
• developed shorter root systems.
• increased the amount of area they cover.
• become extinct.

What is the biggest danger posed by global warming to people living in coastal areas?

• increased precipitation
• increased acidity of sea water
• lack of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
• rising sea level

The amount of carbon dioxide emissions for which an individual or group is responsible is known as a

• carbon sequestration.
• carbonic acid.
• carbon offset.
• carbon footprint.

Which action can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by driving?

• taking more trips by car each day
• driving gasoline-powered automobiles
• using public transportation
• living farther from the workplace

How can the planting of new trees help reduce climate change?

• Trees help create breezes.
• Trees release moisture that cools the atmosphere.
• Trees take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.
• Trees block the release of greenhouse gases from soil.

Gases such as water vapor and carbon dioxide that trap heat near Earth are known as 

• global gases.
• greenhouse gases.
• proxy gases.
• offset gases.