2.13: Know that Carbon Dioxide is a Greenhouse Gas and that Increasing Amounts in the Atmosphere May Contribute to Climate Change

CARBON DIOXIDE: Greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change when present in large amounts

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ENHANCED GREENHOUSE EFFECT: Caused by the increased concentration and effect of Greenhouse Gases

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CARBON DIOXIDE AND CLIMATE CHANGE:

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THE ENHANCED GREENHOUSE EFFECT - CLIMATE CHANGE

Diagram Showing How the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect Occurs

EXPLANATION: Sun emits short wave radiation (ultraviolet radiation) that enters the Earth's atmosphere Earth's surface absorbs short wave radiation from the sun and re-emits it as long wave radiation (infrared/heat) Greenhouse gases - such as Carbon Dioxide, absorb and re-radiate this long wave radiation, retaining heat within the atmosphere Earth’s average temperature rises as a result

CONSEQUENCES: Climate change due to increase in Earth’s atmospheric temperature Spread of disease due to cold climate Migration of species as they will move to areas that are more habitable (No droughts) Extreme weather conditions due to climate change Extinction of species due to inhabitable environment Acidification of oceans due to increasing Carbon Dioxide levels Rise in water levels due to melting ice caps Destruction of habitat due to climate change (for animals that live on glaciers)