Video Transcript
Which of the following is not a
severe climatic event linked to the increasing temperatures on planet Earth? (A) Floods, (B) droughts, (C)
wildfires, (D) tropical hurricanes, (E) smog.
Increasing concentrations of
greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere have led to a greater heating effect in
recent decades. The main greenhouse gases we find
in Earth’s atmosphere are carbon dioxide and methane. When short-wavelength radiation
from the Sun reaches the surface of the Earth, the Earth is heated. Radiation of a longer wavelength is
emitted by the warm surface of the Earth.
The greenhouse gases in the Earth’s
atmosphere absorb the longer wavelength radiation and they heat up the lower
atmosphere. This is known as the greenhouse
effect. The greenhouse effect over a long
period of time is causing a phenomenon known as global warming. But what exactly are the dangerous
or negative effects of the global warming phenomenon?
Global warming could cause severe
climatic changes. Global warming can lead to severe
climatic events, such as tropical hurricanes, flooding, and drought. Since drought leads to extremely
dry conditions, wildfires can start more easily. Since floods, droughts, wildfires,
and tropical hurricanes are all severe climatic events linked to increasing
temperatures on planet Earth, they are not correct answers.
Smog is caused by air
pollution. It reduces visibility and decreases
air quality on a localized scale. Since smog is caused by localized
pollution, it is not a severe climatic event linked to the increasing temperatures
on planet Earth. Smog is the correct answer.
