Question 1: Define 'Greenhouse Effect'.

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

Question 2: What is 'fossil fuel combustion'?

Answer: The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas to produce energy, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Question 3: Explain 'deforestation' and its impact on climate change.

Answer: The removal of forests decreases carbon absorption, increasing CO2 levels and contributing to global warming.

Question 4: Define 'carbon footprint'.

Answer: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or activity.

Question 5: What are 'greenhouse gases'? List two examples.

Answer: Gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Question 1: Which of the following is the primary human activity contributing to increased greenhouse gases?

Answer: Fossil fuel combustion

Question 2: Name the international agreement aimed at reducing global greenhouse gas emissions.

Answer: The Paris Agreement

Question 3: Identify one natural process that contributes to climate change.

Answer: Volcanic eruptions releasing greenhouse gases.

Question 4: What role does deforestation in the Amazon rainforest play in climate change?

Answer: Deforestation reduces carbon sequestration, increasing atmospheric CO2 levels and enhancing the greenhouse effect.

Question 5: State two effects of increased methane emissions.

Answer: Contribution to global warming and acceleration of climate change; increased greenhouse effect.

Question 1: Based on the case study of the Arctic, explain how melting sea ice is linked to climate change causes.

Answer: Melting Arctic sea ice is driven by rising global temperatures caused by increased greenhouse gases, particularly CO2 and methane, leading to feedback loops that accelerate warming.

Question 2: Describe the impact of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest on global greenhouse gas levels.

Answer: Deforestation in the Amazon reduces the forest's capacity to absorb CO2, releasing stored carbon and increasing atmospheric greenhouse gases, thereby intensifying climate change.

Question 3: Analyze how industrial activities in China contribute to global climate change based on the case study.

Answer: Industrial activities in China, such as coal-fired power plants and manufacturing, emit large quantities of CO2 and methane, significantly contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Question 4: Evaluate the role of international policies in addressing climate change causes illustrated by the case studies.

Answer: International policies like the Paris Agreement aim to limit emissions through commitments by countries. While they foster cooperation, enforcement challenges and differing national interests limit their effectiveness. Case studies show some progress, but global emissions remain high, indicating a need for more stringent or comprehensive strategies.

Question 1: Explain why increased fossil fuel consumption leads to higher greenhouse gas concentrations.

Answer: Fossil fuel combustion releases carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, which enhances the greenhouse effect and leads to global warming.

Question 2: Analyse the reasons for regional differences in deforestation rates, particularly in South America and Southeast Asia.

Answer: Differences arise from economic reliance on agriculture and logging, government policies, and global demand for commodities like soy and palm oil, leading to higher deforestation in regions like the Amazon and Southeast Asia.

Question 3: Explain how feedback mechanisms in the Arctic amplify the effects of climate change.

Answer: Melting ice reduces albedo, causing more solar absorption and further warming, which accelerates ice melt and releases stored methane, creating a feedback loop that amplifies climate change effects.

Question 1: To what extent are human activities the primary cause of recent climate change? Consider evidence from case studies and global data.

Answer: Human activities, notably fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial processes, are the primary drivers of recent climate change, as evidenced by increased greenhouse gas levels and temperature rises in regions like China and the Amazon. While natural factors like volcanic eruptions contribute marginally, the rapid rate of change correlates strongly with anthropogenic emissions. However, some argue natural variability also plays a role, but current climate models attribute the majority of recent warming to human actions. Overall, evidence strongly supports human influence as the dominant cause, necessitating urgent global mitigation efforts.