The Basics Of Climate Change Assignment 0422 0423answer The Followi ✓ Solved

The Basics of Climate Change Assignment_04/22, 04/23 Answer the following questions about climate change using the links provided and scientifically sound sources!

First, review this NASA web page for kids: Meet the Greenhouse Gases!

1. According to scientists, what are the six gases that are responsible for the greenhouse effect? For each gas, name a human activity that is adding it to the atmosphere.

   • Water vapor: Water vapor to the atmosphere, for the most part, cannot be directly attributed to human generated activities.
   • Carbon dioxide: Burning of oil, coal, and gas, as well as deforestation.
   • Methane: Landfills, oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities.
   • Ozone: Emission of halogen source gases.
   • Nitrous oxide: Agriculture, fuel combustion, wastewater management, and industrial processes.
   • Chlorofluorocarbons: Gases that were first developed in the 1930s for use in refrigeration systems.

2. According to this website, what are seven things that we should know about climate change? For each of these items of information, what effect do you think they might have on your future?

   • The world is getting warmer. Effect: It would lead to huge global warming hurting humanity in the long run.
   • It's because of us. Effect: Yes, and we are the only ones who can stop this.
   • We are sure our carbon emissions are the main cause of global warming. Effect: It would lead to huge global warming hurting humanity in the long run.
   • Ice is melting fast. Effect: Sea level will rise causing more natural disasters.
   • Weather is wreaking havoc. Effect: Making it harder for us to survive.
   • Species are being disrupted. Effect: Affecting the food chain.
   • We can do something about it. Effect: Of course, action is necessary.

3. Explore the solutions proposed. For each category listed, pick one action that you think is the best idea for people to curb (or slow down) global warming. Why did you pick this action?

   • Businesses: Action and Reason
   • Cities: Action and Reason
   • Nations: Action and Reason
   • World: Action and Reason

4. Look at the list of “Global Warming & Climate Change Myths” from SkepticalScience.com. Pick an argument that you’ve heard before or wondered about before, and read the scientific evidence that disputes the argument.

   • Which argument did you pick, and why?
   • Do you think the scientific evidence completely dispels the myth? Why or why not?

5. Examine and evaluate why you think only 57% of Americans currently believe global warming is caused by human activities. Include evidence of some of the different views that people have on the existence of global warming and the impact that humans have on global warming.

6. How did you do on the global warming quiz? Identify one item in the quiz that you found interesting and explain why.

Paper For Above Instructions

Climate change represents one of the most critical challenges facing humanity today, manifesting through rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Understanding the nature and causes of this phenomenon is crucial for fostering awareness and advocating for effective solutions. This paper seeks to address key aspects of climate change as laid out in the assignment prompt.

Greenhouse Gases and Human Activities

Scientists recognize six primary greenhouse gases contributing to the greenhouse effect, each linked to various human activities. Water vapor, predominantly a natural gas, is not significantly impacted by human actions, though its concentration can be influenced indirectly through other processes.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is primarily a result of burning fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas, alongside deforestation practices that reduce the earth's capacity to absorb CO2. Methane (CH4), on the other hand, is emitted through agricultural activities, particularly livestock digestion, waste decomposition in landfills, and oil and natural gas extraction processes.

Additionally, ozone can be classified as a greenhouse gas formed by human-made halogen-source gases, which contribute to its accumulation in the atmosphere. Nitrous oxide (N2O), another significant gas, originates from agricultural and industrial activities, including the use of fertilizers and the combustion of fossil fuel. Finally, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are synthetic gases once widely used in refrigeration and aerosol products, now regulated due to their role in ozone depletion and their potential as greenhouse gases.

Seven Key Insights About Climate Change

According to educational resources on climate change, there are seven essential facts that the public should understand. Firstly, the world is indeed warming, which poses dire prospects for global ecosystems and human societies. This trend leads to detrimental outcomes such as rising sea levels, increased frequency and severity of natural disasters, and disruptions to different species and ecosystems.

Secondly, the anthropogenic contribution to climate change underscores the urgent need for human intervention. Carbon emissions are a primary driver, and tackling them involves collective action from individuals, businesses, and governments. Moreover, the melting of ice caps and glaciers further contributes to rising sea levels, threatening low-lying coastal regions, and resulting in habitat loss for countless species.

The notion that “we can do something about it” is empowering and essential; individual and collective actions can help mitigate climate change effects. This brings to light the importance of promoting sustainable practices and raising awareness about climate-related challenges.

Proposed Solutions

To address the climate crisis, various strategies can be implemented across different sectors. In the business realm, transitioning to renewable energy sources (like wind and solar) stands out as an impactful action since it reduces reliance on fossil fuels. For cities, enhancing public transport infrastructure and encouraging the use of electric vehicles can significantly lower urban carbon footprints. Nationally, implementing strict emissions regulations is crucial for driving large-scale industrial reductions in greenhouse gases.

At a global level, fostering international cooperation in climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, represents a cohesive approach in tackling climate change by holding countries accountable for their emissions.

Myth Busting and Public Perception

Among the prevalent myths surrounding climate change is the belief that climate variability is purely natural. Scientific evidence, including long-term climate data analysis and climate models, clearly demonstrates that while natural variations exist, the accelerated rate of current climate change correlates strongly with human activities. Despite this overwhelming evidence, only 57% of Americans acknowledge that human activities contribute significantly to climate change. Factors contributing to this skepticism include political affiliations, media representation, and a lack of public understanding regarding climate science. Educational initiatives aimed at clarifying scientific facts regarding climate change are vital in addressing misinformation.

Conclusion

In summary, climate change is a multifaceted issue requiring informed dialogue and decisive action. The interplay between human activities and greenhouse gas emissions necessitates urgent solutions at individual, community, and global levels. Through enhanced awareness and mobilization efforts aimed at curbing climate change, society can work towards a sustainable future.

References

• NASA. (n.d.). Meet the greenhouse gases. Retrieved from https://climatekids.nasa.gov/greenhouse-gases/
• Global Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. (n.d.). Climate Change: Evidence and Causes. Retrieved from https://www.globalchange.gov/nht/
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2021). AR6 Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
• Skeptical Science. (n.d.). Climate Change Myths. Retrieved from https://www.skepticalscience.com/
• Cohen, J. (2020). The effects of climate change on species. Environmental Science & Policy, 112, 1-10.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2020). State of the Climate. Retrieved from https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/
• World Resources Institute. (2018). The Role of Business in Climate Change. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/
• United Nations Climate Change. (2021). The Paris Agreement. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
• Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions
• Graham, E. (2019). The Social Aspects of Climate Change: Public Opinion, Communication, and Collaboration. Climate Change Journal, 1(2), 20-36.