Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases

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The Greenhouse Effect

Greenhouse gases maintain temperatures on Earth high enough to support life.
Short wavelength radiation (ultraviolet) is emitted from the Sun.
When it strikes the Earth's surface, some is absorbed and some is re-emitted as long wavelength radiation (infrared).
Greenhouse gases absorb and store this infrared energy, trapping it in the atmosphere.
Increasing levels of carbon dioxide and methane are trapping extra heat energy, upsetting the Earth's natural conditions.

Diagram showing how the greenhouse effect occurs

Greenhouse Gases

The three main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour.
Carbon dioxide and methane are present in only small amounts but have a significant effect.
Human activity is contributing to the release of carbon dioxide and methane.

Human Activities That Increase Carbon Dioxide

Burning fossil fuels – increased demand for energy results in more fossil fuels being burned.
Deforestation – fewer trees means less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen.
Combustion of methane: methane + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water.

Human Activities That Increase Methane

Landfill sites – more waste is sent to landfill due to an increasing human population.
Farming – increased levels of farming, especially cattle, release methane.

Evidence and Peer Review

Analysis of atmospheric carbon dioxide and temperature changes over hundreds of years provides convincing evidence.
Evidence is peer-reviewed by other scientists to ensure results are valid and conclusions are reliable.
Peer-reviewed evidence shows a clear correlation between carbon dioxide levels and temperature changes.
About 97% of climate scientists believe human activity is causing climate change.

Uncertainty and Historical Data

Modern data is highly accurate due to advances in science and technology.
Historical data is less accurate because of a lack of accurate instrumentation and methods.
Fewer locations were measured in the past due to a lack of satellites and transport.
Past climate can be estimated using fossil records, tree rings, and gas bubbles trapped in ice.
These methods are not as precise as modern techniques and may not be globally representative.
The complexity of the Earth's climate makes it difficult to produce a working model linking global warming and greenhouse gases.

Effects of Global Climate Change

Rising sea levels – melting polar ice caps and glaciers cause destructive erosion, flooding and habitat destruction.
Frequent and intense droughts – crop failure and collapse of agricultural production lead to hardship and starvation.
Storms – warmer ocean surfaces mean more moisture in the atmosphere, making storms and hurricanes more energetic and destructive.
Extreme heat waves and rainfall – more frequent extreme weather causes loss of life and destruction of infrastructure.
Changing rainfall patterns lead to uneven distribution of freshwater, causing economic and political instability.

The Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event.
It can be measured using a life cycle assessment (LCA).
An LCA considers extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, distribution and disposal.
Obtaining precise measurements is challenging, but assessment raises awareness and encourages alternatives.

Reducing the Carbon Footprint

Use renewable energy supplies such as solar or wind instead of burning fossil fuels.
Cut out unnecessary journeys and use public transport rather than private cars.
Reduce consumption of meat and buy locally sourced foods to reduce food miles.
Carbon off-setting – paying for reforestation projects to compensate for emissions.
Switch to electric vehicles and recycle/re-use materials to prevent landfill.
Carbon capture – trapping carbon dioxide from power generation and storing it deep underground in porous rocks.

Difficulties in Reducing Carbon Footprints

Alternative technologies are still in their infancy.
Governments are slow to act due to fear of negative economic impact.
Individuals resist changing their ways.
There is a lack of investment for companies to modernise facilities.
Some believe reducing the global carbon footprint is too expensive, so climate mitigation strategies should also be adopted.

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Übungsfragen

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1.Which gas is a greenhouse gas along with carbon dioxide and methane?
Easy
- AWater vapour
- BOxygen
- CNitrogen
- DArgon
2.What is the name given to the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event?
Easy
- ACarbon footprint
- BGreenhouse effect
- CGlobal warming
- DCarbon cycle
3.Which human activities contribute to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? (select all that apply)
Medium
- ABurning fossil fuels
- BDeforestation
- CFarming
- DSending rubbish to landfill
- ECracking hydrocarbons
4.Which are renewable sources of methane? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AProducts of combustion
- BAnimal waste
- CVolcanoes
- DFood in landfill
- ESedimentary rock
5.Which explanation correctly describes a part of the greenhouse effect?
Medium
- AShorter wavelength radiation enters the atmosphere from the sun and is re-emitted back by the Earth as longer wavelength radiation
- BLonger wavelength radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases as it enters the atmosphere
- CLonger wavelength radiation enters the atmosphere from the sun and is re-emitted back by the Earth as shorter wavelength radiation
- DAll wavelengths of radiation are reflected back by the Earth and absorbed by greenhouse gases
6.Which activities increase the amount of methane in the atmosphere? (select all that apply)
Medium
- ACattle farming
- BDeforestation
- CCement production
- DLandfill sites
- EBurning fossil fuels
7.The greenhouse effect is harmful and should be completely removed.
Easy
True or false?
8.Greenhouse gases trap heat by blocking incoming sunlight from reaching the Earth's surface.
Easy
True or false?

Mehr Fragen

9.Peer review helps to ensure that scientific results about climate change are valid and that conclusions are reliable.
Easy
True or false?
10.Match each term to its correct definition.
Medium
- Greenhouse effect
- Global warming
- Climate change
- Carbon footprint
- The warming of the Earth caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat
- The increase in average global temperature
- A long-term shift in worldwide weather patterns and conditions
- The total greenhouse gas emissions over the full life cycle of a product, service or event
11.Place the stages of the greenhouse effect in the correct order.
Medium
- Short wavelength radiation is emitted by the sun
- The radiation passes through the atmosphere
- It is reflected by the Earth as long wavelength radiation
- Some of the radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases
12.Which statement about the evidence for human activity causing climate change is correct?
Medium
- AAbout 97% of climate scientists believe human activity is causing climate change
- BThere is no correlation between carbon dioxide levels and temperature
- CPeer review has shown that climate change is not happening
- DAll scientists agree that climate change is entirely natural
13.Why is it difficult to produce an accurate model for future climate change?
Medium
- AThe Earth's climate is a complex system with many contributing factors
- BThere is no data on past climate conditions
- CScientists do not agree on the greenhouse effect
- DModels cannot use computers
14.Which of the following is an incorrect effect of global climate change?
Medium
- ASea levels rising and more storms
- BCoastal erosion and global dimming
- CFlooding and ice caps melting
- DDestruction of habitats and droughts
15.Carbon dioxide and methane are present in only small amounts in the atmosphere but can cause significant changes to the Earth's climate.
Easy
True or false?
16.Deforestation increases carbon dioxide levels because fewer trees are available to remove carbon dioxide by photosynthesis.
Easy
True or false?
17.Which of the following are greenhouse gases? (select all that apply)
Medium
- ACarbon dioxide
- BMethane
- CWater vapour
- DOxygen
- ENitrogen
18.Which human activities increase the amount of methane in the atmosphere? (select all that apply)
Medium
- ACattle farming
- BSending rubbish to landfill
- CBurning fossil fuels
- DDeforestation
- ECement production
19.Which of the following is a renewable source of methane?
Medium
- AProducts of combustion
- BAnimal waste
- CVolcanoes
- DSedimentary rock
20.Match each effect of climate change to its correct description.
Medium
- Rising sea levels
- Frequent and intense droughts
- Storms
- Extreme heat waves
- Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers
- Crop failure and collapse of agricultural production
- More moisture in the atmosphere from warmer ocean surfaces
- Great loss of life and destruction of infrastructure
21.Which of the following are ways to reduce a carbon footprint? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AUsing public transport instead of private cars
- BCutting out unnecessary journeys
- CIncreasing consumption of meat
- DBuying locally sourced foods
- ESwitching to electric vehicles
22.The greenhouse effect is necessary to keep the Earth warm enough to support life.
Easy
True or false?
23.A graph of atmospheric methane shows a small rise from 2003 followed by a fall up to 2005, ending lower than it started. How did the amount of methane in the atmosphere change between 2003 and 2005?
Medium
- AMethane levels rose and fell
- BMethane levels rose only
- CMethane levels fell only
- DMethane levels didn't change
24.A student says burning petrol in cars adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Which single change would most directly reduce this source of pollution?
Medium
- AUse electric cars
- BLower the price of car tax
- CReduce car insurance costs
- DBuild more roads
25.A study reports a strong correlation between rising atmospheric carbon dioxide and rising global temperature over several hundred years. Which statement best evaluates this evidence?
Medium
- AThe correlation is convincing when combined with a known mechanism and peer review
- BA correlation alone proves that carbon dioxide causes warming
- CThe correlation is meaningless because two variables are involved
- DThe evidence is invalid because historical data were collected at fewer locations
26.Scientists estimate past carbon dioxide levels using gas bubbles trapped in ice and tree rings. Why is this historical data less reliable than modern measurements?
Medium
- APast instruments and methods were less accurate and fewer locations were measured
- BPast carbon dioxide levels did not affect temperature
- CIce bubbles contain no carbon dioxide
- DTree rings record only rainfall, not climate
27.A country wants to reduce its carbon footprint. Which actions would reduce emissions of carbon dioxide or methane? (select all that apply)
Medium
- AGenerating electricity from wind instead of coal
- BCutting out unnecessary journeys
- CReducing consumption of meat
- DSending more waste to landfill
- EIncreasing the number of short-haul flights
28.A company claims its new factory has a 'zero carbon footprint'. A life cycle assessment (LCA) shows the raw materials are mined abroad and the product is shipped worldwide. Which conclusion is best supported?
Hard
- AThe claim is inaccurate because the LCA includes extraction and distribution emissions
- BThe claim is accurate because the factory itself emits no carbon dioxide
- CThe claim is accurate because shipping does not produce greenhouse gases
- DThe claim cannot be assessed because LCAs ignore raw materials
29.Carbon capture technology traps carbon dioxide from power stations and stores it deep underground in porous rocks. Why does this help restore balance in the carbon cycle?
Hard
- AIt locks carbon back into the Earth's crust where it was previously stored as fossil fuels
- BIt removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by photosynthesis
- CIt converts carbon dioxide into methane for fuel
- DIt prevents carbon dioxide from being released by volcanoes
30.Carbon dioxide levels are monitored year on year so that long-term trends can be identified.
Medium
True or false?
31.A strong correlation between carbon dioxide levels and global temperature is on its own sufficient proof that carbon dioxide causes warming.
Medium
True or false?
32.Paying for reforestation projects to compensate for emissions from flying is an example of carbon off-setting.
Medium
True or false?
33.Match each human activity to the greenhouse gas whose level it mainly increases.
Medium
- Burning fossil fuels for energy
- Sending waste to landfill
- Cattle farming
- Deforestation
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
34.Match each stage of the greenhouse effect to its correct description.
Medium
- Short wavelength radiation
- Long wavelength radiation
- Greenhouse gases
- Infrared radiation
- Emitted by the Sun and absorbed by the Earth's surface
- Re-emitted from the Earth's surface
- Absorb and store energy in the atmosphere
- Another name for long wavelength radiation
35.The rise in carbon dioxide becomes steeper after 1950. Which explanation best fits this change?
Hard
- AIncreased demand for energy led to more fossil fuels being burned
- BVolcanoes began erupting more frequently after 1950
- CPhotosynthesis stopped working after 1950
- DThe Sun started emitting less radiation after 1950
36.Which processes remove carbon dioxide from the Earth's atmosphere? (select all that apply)
Hard
- APhotosynthesis by plants
- BAbsorption by oceans
- CTrapping in sedimentary rock
- DBurning fossil fuels
- EThermal decomposition of carbonate rocks
37.Which two activities together account for more than half of the emissions?
Medium
- AIndustry and electricity
- BTransport and agriculture
- CIndustry and agriculture
- DElectricity and other
38.Which type of radiation is emitted by the Sun and passes through the Earth's atmosphere to warm the surface?
Easy
- AShort wavelength radiation
- BLong wavelength radiation
- CInfrared radiation emitted by the Earth
- DUltraviolet radiation emitted by the Earth
39.In the greenhouse effect, what happens to the long wavelength radiation emitted by the Earth's surface?
Medium
- AIt is absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
- BIt passes straight through the atmosphere and escapes to space
- CIt is reflected back to the surface by greenhouse gases
- DIt is converted into short wavelength radiation by greenhouse gases
40.Which human activity directly increases the amount of methane in the atmosphere?
Medium
- ASending rubbish to landfill sites
- BBurning fossil fuels in power stations
- CDeforestation of tropical rainforests
- DUsing wind turbines to generate electricity
41.Complete the sentences using the words: peer reviewed, uncertainty, bias.
Easy
Scientists agree that increasing carbon dioxide levels leads to climate change as the evidence has been ____. However, it is hard to produce an accurate model for climate change because there are lots of different variables. As a result, oversimplified models are used which can result in ____ in the media.
42.Complete the sentences about the greenhouse effect.
Medium
Short wavelength radiation from the sun is absorbed by the Earth and re-emitted as ____ radiation. This is absorbed by ____ gases.
43.Name one greenhouse gas other than carbon dioxide and methane.
Easy
44.What name is given to the process where scientists check each other's work before publication?
Easy
45.Complete the sentence about human activities.
Easy
Burning fossil fuels increases the amount of ____ in the atmosphere, while farming and landfill sites increase the amount of ____.
46.What is the name of the process where carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by plants?
Medium
47.Complete the sentences about the greenhouse effect using the words: infrared, ultraviolet, long, short.
Medium
Short wavelength radiation (____ radiation) is emitted from the sun and is absorbed by the Earth's surface, which re-emits it as ____ wavelength radiation (infrared radiation).
48.A graph of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration shows a value of 330 ppm in 1975. State the carbon dioxide concentration in 1975 in ppm.
Medium
49.Atmospheric carbon dioxide was 310 ppm in 1950 and 370 ppm in 2000. Calculate the increase in carbon dioxide concentration between 1950 and 2000.
Medium
50.Methane in the atmosphere measured 1750 ppb in 2000 and 1820 ppb in 2012. Calculate the increase in methane between 2000 and 2012.
Medium
51.Complete the sentences about the limitations of climate evidence.
Medium
Scientists agree that rising carbon dioxide leads to climate change because the evidence has been ____. However, models are difficult to produce because there are many ____, and oversimplified models can cause ____ in the media.
52.Complete the sentence about measuring environmental impact.
Medium
A ____ assessment is a technique used to assess the environmental impact associated with all stages in the life cycle of a product, service or event.
53.Describe the way in which carbon dioxide helps to maintain temperatures on the Earth.
Hard
54.Give three effects of global climate change.
Hard
55.Explain what the term 'carbon footprint' means and describe two ways it can be reduced.
Hard
56.Explain why peer review is important in the study of climate change.
Hard
57.Explain how greenhouse gases increase the temperature of the Earth.
Hard
58.A graph of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration shows a value of 330 ppm in 1975. State the carbon dioxide concentration in 1975 in ppm.
Medium
- A330 ppm
- B396 ppm
- C297 ppm
- D363 ppm
59.Atmospheric carbon dioxide was 310 ppm in 1950 and 370 ppm in 2000. Calculate the increase in carbon dioxide concentration between 1950 and 2000.
Medium
- A66 ppm
- B60 ppm
- C54 ppm
- D72 ppm
60.Methane in the atmosphere measured 1750 ppb in 2000 and 1820 ppb in 2012. Calculate the increase in methane between 2000 and 2012.
Medium
- A70 ppb
- B77 ppb
- C63 ppb
- D84 ppb

Karteikarten

What is the greenhouse effect?

Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb and store energy from the Sun, keeping the Earth warm enough to support life.

Name three greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour.

Describe the greenhouse effect in terms of short and long wavelength radiation.

Short wavelength radiation from the Sun is absorbed by the Earth's surface and re-emitted as long wavelength radiation, which is absorbed by greenhouse gases.

What type of radiation is emitted by the Sun?

Short wavelength radiation, including ultraviolet radiation.

What type of radiation is re-emitted by the Earth's surface?

Long wavelength radiation, including infrared radiation.

How do greenhouse gases trap heat?

They absorb and store the energy from long wavelength radiation emitted by the Earth, preventing it from escaping into space.

Why is the greenhouse effect important?

It maintains temperatures on Earth high enough to support life.

Name two human activities that increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Name two human activities that increase methane levels in the atmosphere.

Farming (especially cattle) and sending waste to landfill sites.

How does deforestation increase carbon dioxide levels?

Fewer trees means less carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by photosynthesis.

What is the word equation for the combustion of methane?

methane + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

What is global climate change?

A long-term shift in worldwide weather patterns and conditions, largely caused by increasing levels of greenhouse gases.

Give three potential effects of global climate change.

Rising sea levels, more frequent and intense droughts, and more energetic and destructive storms.

How does global climate change lead to rising sea levels?

Melting polar ice caps and glaciers add water to the oceans, causing sea levels to rise.

Why are storms becoming more intense due to climate change?

Warmer ocean surfaces mean more moisture enters the atmosphere, making storms and hurricanes more energetic and destructive.

What is a carbon footprint?

The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product, service or event.

What is a life cycle assessment (LCA)?

A technique used to assess the environmental impact associated with all stages of a product's life, from raw material extraction to disposal.

Give two ways individuals can reduce their carbon footprint.

Using public transport instead of private cars, and reducing consumption of meat.

What is carbon off-setting?

Paying for reforestation projects to compensate for carbon emissions, for example from flying.

What is carbon capture?

A range of technologies used to trap atmospheric carbon dioxide from power generation and other industries, storing it deep underground.

Why is it difficult to reduce global carbon footprints?

Alternative technologies are still in their infancy, governments fear negative economic impacts, and individuals are resistant to change.

Why is peer review important in climate science?

It ensures results are valid and conclusions are reliable, helping to dispel myths and misinformation about climate change.

Why is it difficult to model future climate change?

The Earth's climate is a complex system with many contributing factors, leading to simplified models, speculation and potential bias.

What evidence supports the link between carbon dioxide and global temperature?

Peer-reviewed evidence shows a clear correlation between the percentage of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and changes in temperature over several hundred years.

What is the difference between the greenhouse effect and ozone depletion?

The greenhouse effect involves greenhouse gases absorbing infrared radiation and warming the Earth; ozone depletion is a separate issue involving the thinning of the ozone layer.

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