Question 1: Describe what is meant by the term 'climate change'.

Answer: Climate change refers to long-term changes in the Earth's average weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, leading to global warming and shifts in climate.

Question 2: Explain two natural factors that can influence the Earth's climate.

Answer: Natural factors include volcanic eruptions, which release particles that can cool the Earth temporarily, and variations in solar radiation, which can increase or decrease the amount of energy received from the Sun, affecting climate.

Question 3: Identify and describe two human activities that contribute to climate change.

Answer: Burning fossil fuels for energy releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2, both contributing to global warming.

Question 4: Describe how increased global temperatures can affect sea levels.

Answer: Rising global temperatures cause polar ice caps and glaciers to melt, adding water to the oceans, which leads to rising sea levels and can cause flooding of coastal areas.

Question 5: List three potential impacts of climate change on natural ecosystems.

Answer: Impacts include loss of habitats for species, changes in migration patterns, and increased risk of wildfires due to drier conditions.

Question 6: Draw a simple diagram illustrating the greenhouse effect. Include the Sun, Earth's surface, greenhouse gases, and the atmosphere.

Answer: A correct diagram shows the Sun emitting energy towards Earth, some of which is reflected back, while greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some of the outgoing heat, keeping the planet warm.

Question 7: Explain how climate change can lead to more frequent and severe weather events.

Answer: Climate change increases global temperatures, which can intensify weather patterns, resulting in more frequent and intense storms, floods, droughts, and heatwaves.

Question 8: Suggest two ways individuals can help reduce the impact of climate change.

Answer: Individuals can reduce energy use by turning off unused appliances and use public transport or cycle instead of driving to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 9: Describe the term 'carbon footprint' and explain why it is important in the context of climate change.

Answer: A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases caused directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product. Reducing it helps lessen the impact on climate change.

Question 10: Sketch a diagram showing the difference between weather and climate. Label your diagram clearly.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict weather as short-term atmospheric conditions like rain or sunshine over a day, whereas climate is shown as the long-term average of these conditions over many years.