The greenhouse effect is the trapping of the sun's warmth in Earth's lower atmosphere due to the presence of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.
How do human activities contribute to climate change?
Human activities contribute to climate change primarily by burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
What are the effects of global warming?
Global warming causes rising sea levels, melting glaciers, more extreme weather events, and shifts in ecosystems and biodiversity.
What is carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide and methane, that are emitted into the atmosphere by an individual's activities.
How does deforestation affect the environment?
Deforestation leads to the loss of biodiversity, disrupts water cycles, and contributes to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
What is the role of renewable energy in combating climate change?
Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases, helping to reduce climate change.
Why is the Arctic region sensitive to climate change?
The Arctic is sensitive to climate change because it is warming at an accelerated rate, leading to melting ice and snow which decreases albedo and accelerates warming.
What are some impacts of ocean acidification?
Ocean acidification affects marine life by reducing the availability of calcium carbonate, essential for coral and shellfish to build their skeletons and shells.
How does climate change impact agriculture?
Climate change impacts agriculture by altering precipitation patterns, increasing temperatures, and causing more frequent extreme weather events, affecting crop yields.
What are some ways individuals can reduce their environmental impact?
Individuals can reduce their environmental impact by conserving energy, using public transportation, recycling, and choosing sustainable products.
What is the significance of the Paris Agreement?
The Paris Agreement is a global framework adopted in 2015 to limit global warming to below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.
How does urbanization impact the environment?
Urbanization impacts the environment by increasing pollution, straining water resources, and contributing to habitat destruction.
What is biodiversity loss, and how is it linked to human activity?
Biodiversity loss is the decline in the variety of life in an ecosystem due to habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation, often caused by human activities.
How does plastic pollution affect marine life?
Plastic pollution can lead to ingestion and entanglement of marine animals, causing injury or death, and introduces toxins into the marine food web.
Why is sustainable development important?
Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.