Environmental Science

Study of environmental systems and human impact on the natural world.

Ecosystems and BiodiversityCycles of Matter and EnergyHuman Impact on the Environment
Climate Change ScienceConservation and RestorationEnvironmental Policy and Action
Reducing Waste and RecyclingConserving Water and EnergySupporting Biodiversity at Home
Active Recall for Environmental ScienceMaking Mind Maps
Ecosystems and Biodi...Cycles of Matter and...Human Impact on the ...Climate Change Scien...Conservation and Res...Environmental Policy...Reducing Waste and R...Conserving Water and...Supporting Biodivers...Active Recall for En...Making Mind Maps
Advanced Topics

Climate Change Science

Understanding Earth's Changing Climate

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. While some changes are natural, most rapid changes today are caused by human activities.

The Greenhouse Effect

Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (\(CO_2\)), methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat in the atmosphere. This natural process keeps Earth warm enough for life, but too many greenhouse gases cause overheating.

Evidence of Climate Change

  • Rising global temperatures and melting ice caps.
  • More frequent extreme weather events, like hurricanes and droughts.
  • Shifting patterns in where plants and animals can live.

Consequences

  • Sea levels rise, threatening coastal cities.
  • Ocean acidification harms marine life.
  • Changes in rainfall affect farming and water supplies.

What Can We Do?

Reducing emissions, using renewable energy, and protecting forests all help slow climate change.

Examples

  • Wildfires becoming more common due to hotter, drier conditions.

  • Melting glaciers shrinking water supplies for millions of people.

In a Nutshell

Climate change is driven by excess greenhouse gases, leading to warmer temperatures and big changes for life on Earth.

Key Terms

Greenhouse Effect
The trapping of the sun's warmth in Earth's lower atmosphere by greenhouse gases.
Renewable Energy
Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, like sunlight or wind.
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Conservation and Restoration