Question

Fill in the blanks with the correct vocabulary word or words. __________ means global temperatures are rising.

Short answer

Global warming means global temperatures are rising.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Context

Recognize that the exercise involves selecting a word or phrase that describes the phenomenon of increasing global temperatures.

Identify Related Terms

Recall and consider vocabulary related to climate and environmental changes, such as 'climate change,' 'global warming,' 'greenhouse effect,' 'carbon emissions,' and 'rising temperatures.'

Choose the Most Specific Term

Among the related terms, 'global warming' is the specific term that directly means the rise in global temperatures due to increased levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

Key concepts

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues affecting our planet today. It refers to significant and long-lasting changes in the Earth's climate patterns. These changes can be natural, occurring over millions of years, but in recent decades, human activities have drastically accelerated the process.
Climate change manifests in various ways, including rising global temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts.

• Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy and deforestation, increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• These activities enhance the natural greenhouse effect, leading to more heat being trapped and higher global temperatures.

Understanding how human actions contribute to climate change is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate its impacts.

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that is crucial for life on Earth. It occurs when certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, known as greenhouse gases, trap heat from the sun.
These gases create a 'blanket' around the Earth, keeping it warm enough to sustain life. Without this effect, our planet would be too cold.
Common greenhouse gases include:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Methane (CH₄)
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
• Water vapor

While the greenhouse effect is essential, human activities have increased the concentration of these gases, intensifying the effect. This enhanced greenhouse effect is a major driver of global warming and climate change, leading to temperature rises and altered weather patterns.
Reducing our emission of these gases can help manage the greenhouse effect and its impacts.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere, primarily from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
These emissions are a significant contributor to the enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming.

• Carbon dioxide is the largest human-caused greenhouse gas, accounting for a substantial portion of emissions contributing to climate change.
• Activities such as transportation, electricity generation, and industrial processes are major sources of CO₂ emissions.
• Deforestation and land use changes also reduce the planet's ability to absorb CO₂, exacerbating the problem.

Addressing carbon emissions is a critical component in combating climate change. This can be achieved by shifting to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting policies aimed at reducing emissions globally.