Chapter 18: Problem 3

Provide a brief synopsis of global climate change. What are the main issues and trends?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Global climate change refers to the transformation in global or regional climate patterns, specifically the rapid global warming. Main issues include global warming, melting ice caps and altering weather patterns leading to environmental problems. Trends are increasing global temperature, melting of polar ice caps and extreme weather situations.

Step by step solution

Defining Global Climate Change

Global climate change is a long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. Frequently it refers specifically to the rapid global warming observed worldwide since the Industrial Revolution, and the predicted continuation which has been primarily attributed to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by fossil fuels use.

Listing the Main Issues

The main issues include but are not limited to increased temperature on Earth (global warming), melting of ice caps and glaciers leading to sea-level rise, changing weather patterns causing natural disasters, impacts on natural flora and fauna due to habitat disruption.

Discussing the Trends

Trends of global climate change include increased global surface temperature, often referred to as global warming. According to NASA, Earth's average surface temperature has risen about 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. Other common trends include melting of polar ice caps, an increase in extreme weather events such as hurricanes, changing precipitation patterns, and shifts in the seasons.

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Provide a brief synopsis of global climate change. What are the main issues and trends?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Defining Global Climate Change

Listing the Main Issues

Discussing the Trends

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