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Questions for Discussion: Global Warming: Carbon Dioxide and the Greenhouse Effect
- Why does the image of the scientist in the video segment fade after carbon dioxide has been turned on? How does this explain the greenhouse effect?
- Draw a diagram that explains how radiant energy from the Sun heats Earth's atmosphere. Show how heat is absorbed and reradiated by both Earth and the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
- What personal actions do you think might contribute to the amount of carbon dioxide entering the atmosphere, either by increasing it or decreasing it?
- How long does it take for carbon dioxide to spread throughout Earth's atmosphere? How long does it take to be absorbed into the oceans?
- Under what circumstances do you think carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere becomes harmful? Explain.
