Question 1

What is climate change?

Accepted Answer

Climate change is when the Earth's weather patterns shift over a long period. It means that seasons and temperatures might not be the same as they were before.

Question 2

What is global warming?

Accepted Answer

Global warming is when the Earth's average temperature gets hotter. This happens because certain gases trap heat from the sun.

Question 3

What causes global warming?

Accepted Answer

Global warming is mostly caused by people burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. These release gases that trap heat in the air.

Question 4

What are fossil fuels?

Accepted Answer

Fossil fuels are natural resources like coal, oil, and gas that we use for energy. They come from the remains of plants and animals that lived long ago.

Question 5

Why is global warming bad for Earth?

Accepted Answer

Global warming can make the Earth too hot, leading to problems like melting ice, rising seas, and stronger storms. It can also harm animals and plants.

Question 6

How does climate change affect animals?

Accepted Answer

Climate change can make it hard for animals to find food or homes. Some may lose their habitats, and others might need to move to new places.

Question 7

What can happen to sea levels with climate change?

Accepted Answer

As the Earth gets warmer, ice melts and more water goes into the ocean. This can cause sea levels to rise and flood places near the coast.

Question 8

What are greenhouse gases?

Accepted Answer

Greenhouse gases are gases that hold heat in the atmosphere, keeping Earth warm. Some are natural, but human activities have added more than usual.

Question 9

How does cutting down trees affect climate change?

Accepted Answer

Trees help soak up carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases. When we cut down too many trees, there's more carbon dioxide in the air, making it warmer.

Question 10

Why do scientists study ice cores?

Accepted Answer

Scientists study ice cores because they trap tiny bubbles from the past. These bubbles tell us what the air was like hundreds or thousands of years ago.

Question 11

Can we stop climate change?

Accepted Answer

We can't completely stop it, but we can slow it down. By using less energy, planting trees, and using cleaner energy, we can help the Earth.

Question 12

What is renewable energy?

Accepted Answer

Renewable energy comes from sources that never run out, like the sun, wind, and water. It's cleaner than fossil fuels and doesn't pollute as much.

Question 13

How does climate change affect the weather?

Accepted Answer

Climate change can make weather more extreme. This means more heatwaves, stronger storms, and bigger changes between weather patterns.

Question 14

Why is it important to use less energy?

Accepted Answer

Using less energy means burning fewer fossil fuels. This helps reduce greenhouse gases and can slow down global warming.

Question 15

What can kids do to help fight climate change?

Accepted Answer

Kids can help by using less water, recycling, turning off lights, and telling others about climate change. Every little action counts!

Question 16

What does 'carbon footprint' mean?

Accepted Answer

A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gases someone produces. The less energy you use, the smaller your footprint is.

Question 17

Are humans the only cause of climate change?

Accepted Answer

Humans are the main cause of recent climate change by burning fossil fuels. There are natural causes too, but human activity has made it much faster.

Question 18

What is an ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

An ecosystem is a community of living things, like plants, animals, and their environment. Everything in an ecosystem works together.

Question 19

Why do rivers and lakes matter in climate change?

Accepted Answer

Rivers and lakes hold freshwater that's important for people and animals. Climate change can dry them up, making it harder to find clean water.

Question 20

How do polar bears get affected by climate change?

Accepted Answer

Polar bears need ice to hunt for food. When ice melts because of global warming, it makes it harder for them to find food and survive.

The Science of Climate Change: Understanding Global Warming and Its Effects - 20 FAQs Explained Simply