g04.    What causes climates to change?

The oscillation of the earth's axis with respect to the plane of its orbit has been from 22^o to 24^o and there has been a variation of the earth's orbit.  The result of these two factors coinciding is a cold point in the cycle which occurs every about 40,000 years.  However, this does not account for all the ice ages, or the lack of (See Paleomap Project). Another factor is a variation in the amount of solar energy reflected back into space rather than being absorbed. A 1% lessening could cause as much as an 8^o drop in surface temperatures. A drop in CO₂ could cause a decrease in the greenhouse effect; a build-up in CO₂ could cause more rapid evaporation, triggering sustained cloud cover. Also, large areas of ice and snow reflect back solar radiation. Yet another cause of climate change is the drifting continents that can restrict the flow of warm water.  

e10.    Why do organisms become extinct?

e12.    Where are tropical forests?

m12.    Why are organisms becoming extinct?

m20.    What is the status of forests the US and Canada?

m21.    Why is there controversy over old-growth deforestation?

m32.    How do ethics impact ecology?

m33.    How does global warming affect climate?

m36.    How could human health be affected by weather extremes?

m37.     What are some methods to slow global warming?

m39.    How does ozone affect life?

m41.    How can matter affect the environment?

m53.    How does air pollution affect organisms?

m59.    How do diapers affect the environment?

m76.    What contaminates soil?

m78.    How do droughts and floods impact populations?