Term
| How does the greenhouse effect work? |
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Definition
Greenhouse gases absorb the sun's energy, slowing or preventing heat from escaping into space.
Greenhouse gases absorb energy, slowing or preventing the loss of heat to space. These gases act like a blanket, making Earth warmer than it would otherwise be and throwing off the energy balance of the planet. This is known as the greenhouse effect. |
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Term
| What is the most potent greenhouse gas? |
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Definition
Fluorinated gases
Fluorinated gases like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have the highest global warning potentials all the greenhouse gases - meaning that they trap much more heat than the same amount of carbon dioxide. The global warming potential for these gases can be over 1,000 times more than carbon dioxide. However, carbon dioxide is the primary driver of climate change, accounting for 82 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions. |
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Term
| How much have global average temperatures increased in the last century? |
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Definition
1.4 degrees Fahrenheit
Global average temperatures have increased more than 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit over the last 100 years. Scientists project that Earth's average temperature will rise between two and 12 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100. It's estimated that a change of just two degrees in average global temperature could result in sea level rise, lower crop yields, increased rainfall and flooding, more wildfires and other negative environmental impacts. The historic climate agreement involving 196 nations at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference set a goal to limit global warming to less than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Term
| How much have sea levels risen in the past 100 years? |
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Definition
7 inches
On average, global sea level has risen about seven inches in the last 100 years. By 2100, sea level is expected to increase by another 1.5 to 3 feet, resulting in stronger and more frequent storm surges.
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Term
| How much have carbon dioxide emissions changed in the United States since 2006? |
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Definition
Dropped 480 million metric tons
While carbon dioxide emissions are up globally, they are down in the United States. Since 2006, carbon dioxide emissions in the United States have fallen by 480 million metric tons- more than any other country. However, the United States is still one the world's leading carbon dioxide emitters, ranking second behind China.
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