Photo AI
Name two fossil fuels - Leaving Cert Geography - Question i - 2006
Question i
Name two fossil fuels. (ii) Fossil fuels cause much damage to the environment such as global warming and acid rain. Explain how either global warming or acid rain i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Name two fossil fuels - Leaving Cert Geography - Question i - 2006
Step 2
Explain how either global warming is caused and describe its effects on the environment.
Answer
Global warming is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels which releases greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) into the atmosphere.
Mechanism of Global Warming
When fossil fuels are burned, GHGs trap heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in global temperatures. This process is known as the greenhouse effect, where:
ightarrow ext{Trapped Heat}$$ ### Effects on the Environment 1. **Rising Sea Levels**: Higher temperatures lead to the melting of polar ice caps, contributing to rising sea levels. This threatens coastal communities and ecosystems. 2. **Extreme Weather Events**: Increased temperatures can result in more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves. 3. **Ecosystem Disruption**: Many species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing climates, leading to loss of biodiversity. Coral reefs, for example, are severely impacted by warmer waters and acidification. 4. **Human Health Risks**: Rising temperatures can exacerbate health issues, including heat-related illnesses and respiratory problems due to poor air quality.