CLIMATE CHANGE

Global warming is the term used for the continuous rise in average temperatures on planet Earth. It is caused by the greenhouse effect in the Earth´s atmosphere. Some greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, like water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. Since the Industrial Revolutuion, we have been altering the planet´s climate and environment by changing agricultural and industrial practices. As a reuslt, the levels of most of the natural greenhouse gases have increased and the earth is getting hotter.

Data collected during the 20th century suggest that global temperatures have risen, precipitation has increased all over the world with more significant increase in high latitude areas and more decrese in many tropical areas, sea level has risen worldwide by approximately 15-20 cm because of melting of glaciers and the expansion of ocean temperatures.

The effect of global warming and a changing climate will not be felt equally across our planet.

Some cold countries might gain by becoming warmer but many more will experience the adverse effects of increased heat, especially in the spread of tropical diseases and insects. Rising temperatures will lead to great turbulence in weather patterns, leading to storms, floods and droughts.

Our irresponsible destructions of the environment through individual and industrial pollution is creating a dangerous world. The IPCC (Inter-governmental Panel for Climate Change) says that if we do not take action now global average temperatures will increase between 2ºC and 3ºC by 2100 and the Earth will turn into a sauna.

ECCO QUIZ

What do you know about...?

1. Greenhouse gases make

• the Earth lose heat
• the Earth gain heat

2. The concentration of greenhouse gases started to increase

• during the World War II
• during the Industrial Revolution

3. Greenhouse gases

• exist naturally in the atmosphere
• result from human activities

4. If global warming occurs,

• the level of the sea will rise
• the level of the sea will fall

5. Climate chage affects

• only Artic species
• all Earth species

6. By 2100 global temperatures may go up

• 1ºC
• 3ºC
• 
  

Score 2 points for each correct answer. How do you do? Find out!

Results:
0-3: Hmmm...
3-6: You need more information
6-10: good
10-12: You´re an expert 

ANSWER

1) What does the global warming mean?
2) What does "greenhouse effect" mean?
3) Whay are greenhouse gases dangerous?
4) What changes have occurred since the beginning of the 20th century?
5) What consequences may global warming bring?