Question 1: Greenhouse Effect

Answer: The process by which greenhouse gases trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming.

Question 2: Mitigation

Answer: Actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change.

Question 3: Adaptation

Answer: Adjustments in systems or practices to cope with the effects of climate change.

Question 4: Sea Level Rise

Answer: The increase in the level of the world's oceans caused by melting ice caps and thermal expansion.

Question 5: Carbon Footprint

Answer: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities.

Question 1: Which US state is most affected by rising sea levels due to climate change?

Answer: Florida

Question 2: Name one major cause of increased wildfires in California over the past decade.

Answer: Higher temperatures and prolonged droughts caused by climate change.

Question 3: What is the primary greenhouse gas responsible for the enhanced greenhouse effect?

Answer: Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Question 4: Briefly explain how melting Arctic ice contributes to sea level rise in US coastal cities.

Answer: Melting Arctic ice adds water to the oceans, increasing sea levels, which threatens coastal cities like Miami and New Orleans.

Question 5: Identify one international agreement aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Answer: Paris Agreement

Question 1: Based on the case study of Miami, Florida, describe two specific impacts of sea-level rise caused by climate change.

Answer: Increased flooding during high tides and storm surges, and damage to coastal infrastructure and property.

Question 2: Using the California wildfires as a case study, analyze how climate change has influenced wildfire frequency and intensity.

Answer: Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and reduced snowpack have increased the frequency and severity of wildfires in California.

Question 3: Explain how climate change has contributed to the increased severity of droughts in the southwestern US.

Answer: Higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation and reduced rainfall, intensifying drought conditions.

Question 4: Evaluate the effectiveness of current US policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Answer: US policies such as the Clean Power Plan and renewable energy incentives have made progress in reducing emissions, but challenges remain due to reliance on fossil fuels and political opposition. Overall, efforts are ongoing but require stronger commitments for significant impact.

Question 1: Explain why urban areas like Los Angeles experience higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.

Answer: Urban heat islands caused by concrete, asphalt, and human activities trap heat, increasing temperatures in cities like Los Angeles.

Question 2: Analyse the causes of increased greenhouse gas emissions in the United States over the past century.

Answer: Industrialization, increased transportation, reliance on fossil fuels, deforestation, and energy consumption have all contributed to rising greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 3: Describe the relationship between global temperature rise and the frequency of extreme weather events in the US.

Answer: As global temperatures increase, the likelihood of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall also rises due to increased energy in the atmosphere.

Question 1: To what extent are current US efforts sufficient to combat Climate Change? Consider economic, political, and social factors in your answer.

Answer: US efforts, including policy initiatives and renewable energy investments, are steps in the right direction. However, dependence on fossil fuels, political disagreements, and economic interests limit progress. While some measures are effective locally and nationally, more comprehensive and sustained strategies are needed to fully address the scale of Climate Change impacts in the US.