Climate Change and Global Warming: Causes, Impacts and Mitigation Questions

Question 1

Define global warming.

Accepted Answer

Global warming is the long-term rise in Earth's average temperature mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions.

Question 2

Define climate change.

Accepted Answer

Climate change is long-term change in climate patterns including temperature and rainfall changes and extreme events.

Question 3

What are greenhouse gases?

Accepted Answer

Greenhouse gases are gases like CO2 and CH4 that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Question 4

State one cause of climate change.

Accepted Answer

Burning fossil fuels is a major cause of climate change.

Question 5

What is mitigation?

Accepted Answer

Mitigation means reducing greenhouse gas emissions to control climate change.

Question 6

What is adaptation?

Accepted Answer

Adaptation means adjusting to climate impacts to reduce risk and vulnerability.

Question 7

Differentiate between climate change and global warming (any three points).

Accepted Answer

Global warming is mainly temperature rise; climate change includes temperature rise plus rainfall changes and extreme events. Global warming is one component/cause of climate change. Climate change impacts are broader like sea level rise and storms.

Question 8

List any three greenhouse gases.

Accepted Answer

Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), ozone and CFCs/HFCs are greenhouse gases (any three).

Question 9

Write any three impacts of climate change.

Accepted Answer

Melting glaciers, sea level rise, increased heatwaves/droughts, extreme rainfall and biodiversity loss are impacts (any three).

Question 10

Write any three mitigation measures.

Accepted Answer

Use renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, promote public transport/EVs, prevent deforestation and manage waste methane (any three).

Question 11

Write any three adaptation measures.

Accepted Answer

Drought-resistant crops, rainwater harvesting, early warning systems, flood protection and heat action plans are adaptation measures (any three).

Question 12

Why is deforestation linked to climate change? (any three points)

Accepted Answer

Deforestation reduces CO2 absorption by trees, releases stored carbon when trees are burned/decay, and disturbs local climate and rainfall patterns.

Question 13

Explain causes and impacts of climate change and global warming.

Accepted Answer

Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, rainfall patterns and frequency of extreme weather events. Global warming is the long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature and is a major part of climate change.

Causes (mainly human):
- burning of fossil fuels in transport, industries and power plants (CO2)
- deforestation which reduces carbon absorption
- agriculture and livestock (methane)
- fertilisers and industrial processes (nitrous oxide)

Impacts:
- melting glaciers and polar ice
- sea level rise and coastal flooding
- more heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall and storms
- biodiversity loss and ecosystem imbalance
- impacts on agriculture, water availability and human health

Therefore reducing emissions and protecting forests is essential to control climate change.

Question 14

Explain mitigation measures to control climate change.

Accepted Answer

Mitigation means reducing the causes of climate change by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sinks.

Mitigation measures:
1) Shift to renewable energy: solar and wind.
2) Improve energy efficiency in homes, buildings and industries.
3) Cleaner transport: public transport, carpooling, electric vehicles and fuel standards.
4) Prevent deforestation and promote afforestation.
5) Better waste management and methane capture from landfills.
6) Cleaner technologies and reduced industrial emissions.

Mitigation reduces global warming and prevents severe long-term climate impacts.

Question 15

Explain adaptation measures and their importance in climate change.

Accepted Answer

Adaptation means adjusting to actual or expected climate impacts to reduce damage and vulnerability.

Adaptation measures:
- drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation
- water conservation and rainwater harvesting
- flood control, drainage improvement and early warning systems
- climate-resilient infrastructure and coastal protection
- heat action plans in cities (shade, hydration, alerts)
- disaster preparedness and community awareness

Adaptation is important because some climate change impacts are already happening; it helps protect lives, livelihoods and ecosystems.

Climate Change and Global Warming: Causes, Impacts and Mitigation

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