Question 1

What is climate change?

Accepted Answer

Climate change means that the usual weather patterns are changing over a long time. This can make it warmer, colder, wetter, or drier than usual.

Question 2

Why is the Earth getting warmer?

Accepted Answer

The Earth is getting warmer because of extra gases in the air, like carbon dioxide. These gases trap heat from the sun, making Earth act like a big greenhouse.

Question 3

What causes these extra gases?

Accepted Answer

Extra gases come from things like cars, factories, and cutting down trees. When we burn coal, oil, and gas for energy, it also adds these gases to the air.

Question 4

What are greenhouse gases?

Accepted Answer

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Some examples are carbon dioxide and methane, which keep the planet warm, but too much can make it too hot.

Question 5

How do trees help with climate change?

Accepted Answer

Trees help by taking in carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases, from the air. They use it to grow and give off oxygen, which we need to breathe.

Question 6

What is global warming?

Accepted Answer

Global warming is the increase in Earth's average temperature. It's part of climate change and happens because of the extra greenhouse gases trapping more heat.

Question 7

How does climate change affect animals?

Accepted Answer

Climate change can make it hard for animals to find food and shelter. Some animals might have to move to new places, while others can't survive the changes.

Question 8

Why do glaciers melt because of climate change?

Accepted Answer

Glaciers melt because the Earth's temperature is rising. The warmer air and water cause the ice to melt faster than it can form.

Question 9

What happens when glaciers melt?

Accepted Answer

When glaciers melt, they cause sea levels to rise. This can lead to flooding in places close to the coast.

Question 10

Why is it bad if the sea levels rise?

Accepted Answer

If sea levels rise too much, it can flood homes and cities near the ocean. It can also harm animals and plants that live in these areas.

Question 11

How can we help stop climate change?

Accepted Answer

We can help by using less energy, like turning off lights we don't need and recycling. Planting trees and using public transport instead of cars also helps.

Question 12

What is the greenhouse effect?

Accepted Answer

The greenhouse effect is how gases in the air keep Earth warm by trapping heat. This is good for life, but too many gases make it too hot.

Question 13

Why shouldn't we burn too many fossil fuels?

Accepted Answer

Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil releases a lot of carbon dioxide. This gas traps more heat, making the Earth's temperature rise.

Question 14

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Accepted Answer

Weather is what we see outside from day to day, like rain or sunshine. Climate is how the weather is usually over many years.

Question 15

Can climate change cause more storms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, climate change can make storms stronger and happen more often. A warmer Earth means more energy for storms to form.

Question 16

Why does cutting down trees make climate change worse?

Accepted Answer

Trees take in carbon dioxide, which helps keep the air clean. Fewer trees mean more carbon dioxide and more heat getting trapped.

Question 17

What is carbon dioxide?

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide is a gas that plants need to grow. It's also a greenhouse gas that gets trapped in the atmosphere and causes warming.

Question 18

Why are ice caps important for Earth?

Accepted Answer

Ice caps help keep the Earth cool by reflecting sunlight back into space. If they melt too much, it can lead to warming and sea level rise.

Question 19

Can plants and animals adapt to climate change?

Accepted Answer

Some plants and animals can adapt by moving to new areas or changing their habits. But if changes happen too fast, they might not survive.

Question 20

What is renewable energy and why is it good?

Accepted Answer

Renewable energy comes from natural sources like the sun and wind that won't run out. It's good because it doesn’t produce as many greenhouse gases.

The Mechanisms of Climate Change - 20 FAQs Explained Simply