CONNECT

Earth’s atmosphere is a transparent layer of gases that allows sunlight to pass through, reaching and warming Earth’s surface. The radiation from the Sun absorbed by the Earth warms the surface which then emits radiation of longer wavelengths (infrared) that do not pass through the atmosphere but are absorbed by it, keeping the Earth warm. This is called the greenhouse effect because it is similar to the way the inside of a greenhouse is heated by the Sun. Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb and retain the energy radiated from land and ocean surfaces, thereby regulating Earth’s average surface temperature and keeping it habitable for life on Earth. Climate change is a multidisciplinary issue, concerning the world’s scientists, politicians, humanitarian organizations and global citizens alike. In this investigation, students will analyze climate change data in order to respond to the United Nation’s call to action to lessen the impact of climate change on Earth.