Climate Change and Carbon Footprint
This section focuses on greenhouse gases, climate change, and carbon footprint.
Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change:
Definition: Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that trap heat and contribute to the warming of Earth's surface.
Key greenhouse gases:
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Water vapor
Human activities increasing greenhouse gases:
- Deforestation
- Burning fossil fuels
- Agriculture
- Creating waste
Highlight: Increasing carbon dioxide levels are strongly linked to climate change.
Effects of climate change:
- Rising average temperature of Earth's surface
- Melting ice in the Arctic and Antarctic, leading to rising sea levels
- Changes in rainfall patterns
- More frequent and severe storms
Carbon Footprint:
Definition: A carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released during the full life cycle of a product, service, or event.
Ways to reduce carbon footprint:
- Using renewable energy sources
- Using less energy
- Governments limiting emissions from companies
Highlight: Reducing carbon footprints is challenging but crucial for mitigating climate change.