Lesson 7 Introduction
Completion requirements
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Climate change is a long-term shift in weather conditions, including changes in temperature, precipitation, winds, and snow cover. In a warmer climate, some scientists predict higher temperatures (more very warm days and fewer very cold days) and less snow and ice.
Why do many scientists believe the climate is changing?
In a way, Earth is a greenhouse! That is because of Earth's atmosphere. Similar to the glass of a greenhouse, the atmosphere traps the heat of the Sun to give Earth a warm average temperature of +15ΛC. If there was no atmosphere, the average temperature of Earth would be a very cold β18ΛC. That is so cold there would be no life on Earth, which is why the natural greenhouse effect is a good thing.
The "secret ingredients" in Earth's atmosphere that make it good at trapping heat are greenhouse gases. There are many greenhouse gases, but the most important ones are water vapour, methane, and carbon dioxide. This is where humans run into climate problems.
Technology such as computers, cars, dams, satellites, and medical equipment has improved quality of life for people around the world. The machines that build and transport goods have allowed people to save lives as well as time. Technology has made life easier and increased efficiency.
But, because of modern industry, transportation, and the need for energy, humans burn a lot of fossil fuels (oil, gasoline, natural gas). When those fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. By putting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, we make the atmosphere better at trapping heat; this is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Why do many scientists believe the climate is changing?
In a way, Earth is a greenhouse! That is because of Earth's atmosphere. Similar to the glass of a greenhouse, the atmosphere traps the heat of the Sun to give Earth a warm average temperature of +15ΛC. If there was no atmosphere, the average temperature of Earth would be a very cold β18ΛC. That is so cold there would be no life on Earth, which is why the natural greenhouse effect is a good thing.
The "secret ingredients" in Earth's atmosphere that make it good at trapping heat are greenhouse gases. There are many greenhouse gases, but the most important ones are water vapour, methane, and carbon dioxide. This is where humans run into climate problems.
Technology such as computers, cars, dams, satellites, and medical equipment has improved quality of life for people around the world. The machines that build and transport goods have allowed people to save lives as well as time. Technology has made life easier and increased efficiency.
But, because of modern industry, transportation, and the need for energy, humans burn a lot of fossil fuels (oil, gasoline, natural gas). When those fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. By putting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, we make the atmosphere better at trapping heat; this is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect.
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Mars has almost no atmosphere so there is no greenhouse effect. As a
result, the average temperature of Mars isβ50ΛCβmuch too cold to
support life.
Video
Have you ever thought about what life would be like without oil and gas? Watch this video to find out.
Life Without Oil
Watch this BrainPop video: How does the greenhouse effect work?
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