Question

Choose the best answer to each of the following. Explain your reasoning with one or more complete sentences. Global warming means that (a) Earth's average temperature is increasing: (b) every place on Earth is getting warmer; (c) Earth will soon have a greenhouse effect.

Short answer

(a) Earth's average temperature is increasing.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question asks us to choose the best explanation for what global warming means. We have three options to consider.

Examine Option (a)

Option (a) states that Earth's average temperature is increasing. Global warming refers to the rise in average temperatures around the world largely due to human activities. This makes (a) a plausible definition.

Examine Option (b)

Option (b) states that every place on Earth is getting warmer. While global warming refers to a general increase in Earth's average temperature, it doesn't mean every single location is consistently warming. Some areas may experience variations, so this choice is misleading.

Examine Option (c)

Option (c) states that Earth will soon have a greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that has always existed to warm Earth, not something that will suddenly occur. Global warming is about the intensification of this effect due to excess greenhouse gases.

Choose the Best Answer

Based on the analysis, option (a) is the best answer because it accurately describes the phenomenon of global warming as an increase in Earth's average temperature.

Key concepts

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a crucial natural process that warms the Earth, making it habitable for humans and other living organisms. It works by trapping heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere. This heat is absorbed and re-emitted by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. These gases create a "blanket" around the Earth, preventing all the heat from escaping back into space.
Without the greenhouse effect, our planet would be too cold to support life as we know it. However, due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased dramatically. This leads to more heat being trapped, causing the Earth to warm up even more.

• A balanced greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining the earth's ecosystem.
• An excess of this effect leads to global warming.

Understanding the greenhouse effect is vital because it is intrinsically tied to the concept of global warming. By increasing awareness and reducing emissions, we can begin to address the consequences of this intensified greenhouse effect.

Average Temperature Increase

The phrase "average temperature increase" in the context of global warming refers to the gradual rise in the Earth's surface temperature over time. This average accounts for various temperature readings from around the world, providing a broad picture of the climate's overall condition.
Scientists attribute this increase primarily to human activities that elevate greenhouse gas levels. Increased emissions of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are significant contributors.

• There is a strong correlation between industrialization and temperature rise.
• Both land and sea temperatures are rising.

This average temperature increase does not imply every location will get warmer uniformly. Some regions might experience different climatic changes, such as more severe weather patterns or alterations in precipitation. It's critical to acknowledge that even a small rise in global temperature can have significant impacts on ecosystems, sea levels, and weather patterns already fragile due to climate changes.

Climate Change

Climate change encompasses a broad range of changes in the Earth's climate, primarily caused by human activities increasing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It refers not just to global warming but to a wide range of other climatic disruptions occurring as a result.

• These disruptions include changes in rainfall patterns, more extreme weather events, and shifts in ecosystems and wildlife patterns.
• Both naturally occurring and human-made factors contribute to climate change.

Unlike global warming, which strictly refers to the increase in average temperatures, climate change covers the broader spectrum of environmental changes. The impacts are far-reaching, affecting agriculture, water resources, health, and biodiversity. To mitigate the adverse effects, it's essential to transition to renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and develop sustainable practices. Understanding climate change is crucial for planning and adaptation measures globally, ensuring a stable and sustainable environment for future generations.