AQA (9-1) Topic 9

The early atmosphere was formed by green plants and algae producing oxygen.

Select the four TRUE statements.

Select the main greenhouse gases.

Increasing levels of carbon dioxide have been linked to climate change

What is the main reason it's so hard to fully understand the Earth’s climate?

Select the main FOUR effects of climate change

Select six sensible ways to reduce carbon footprints

The carbon footprint can be reduced by reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and methane. Here are some of the ways that governments can reduce our carbon footprint: capture, and store, carbon - [blank_start]carbon dioxide gas[blank_end] from power stations can be stored underground increase/introduce taxes - penalise companies/individuals for releasing too many [blank_start]greenhouse gases[blank_end] carbon off-setting - plant more trees ([blank_start]reforestation[blank_end]) to convert [blank_start]carbon dioxide[blank_end] into [blank_start]oxygen[blank_end] carbon neutrality - companies introduce methods, such as [blank_start]planting trees[blank_end], to take out as much carbon dioxide as they put into the atmosphere. Overall the amount of [blank_start]carbon[blank_end] entering the atmosphere would be zero

[blank_start]carbon monoxide[blank_end] is a toxic, colourless and odourless gas, and it preferentially (and permanently) binds to haemoglobin in red blood cells instead of oxygen [blank_start]carbon particulates[blank_end] are unreacted carbon atoms that cause soot that can damage/clog up appliances, contributes to smog and global dimming [blank_start]sulfur dioxide[blank_end] is caused by sulfur impurities in fossil fuels like coal and crude oil can react with oxygen when the fuels are burned [blank_start]sulfur dioxide[blank_end] can dissolve in rain water to produce acid rain, which can damage structures, and wildlife habitats such as lakes and forests [blank_start]nitrogen oxides[blank_end] form when when fuels are burned in engines, oxygen and nitrogen from the air can react together at high temperatures to produce oxides of nitrogen, these can also dissolve in rain water to produce acid rain

Carbon dioxide is a much more powerful greenhouse gas than methane.

Complete the diagram below