Videos / "Earth’s Heat Blanket: The Power of Carbon Dioxide"
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Earth’s Heat Blanket: The Power of Carbon Dioxide
In Earth’s Heat Blanket: The Power of Carbon Dioxide, geologist Iain Stewart explores how volcanoes play a vital role in releasing carbon dioxide, a gas that helps trap heat and keeps Earth warm enough for life. Without it, our planet would be a frozen wasteland, but too much of it can cause rapid climate changes. Scientists are now studying Siberia, one of the coldest places on the planet, to understand how melting permafrost could be a predictor of Earth’s future climate. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Earth: The Power of the Planet, a documentary series in which Dr. Iain Stewart discovers how Earth's forces can shape nature, species, and even the climate.
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Earth: The Power of the Planet
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3:02
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Program:
Earth: The Power of the Planet
Time:
3:02
Subject:
Topic:
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Q: How do human activities add to the greenhouse effect, and how does this impact Earth’s climate?
A: Humans burn fuels like coal, oil, and gas for energy, which releases a lot of carbon dioxide into the air. This adds to the natural greenhouse effect, making Earth heat up faster. When the planet warms too quickly, it can cause problems like stronger storms, melting ice, and changes in ecosystems that affect animals and people.
Q: Why is the frozen ground in Siberia important to climate change, and what could happen if it melts?
A: Siberia’s frozen ground, called permafrost, holds a lot of methane, a gas that traps heat even better than carbon dioxide. If the permafrost melts because of global warming, it could release huge amounts of methane, making the planet heat up even faster. This could cause major changes in weather and make life for people and animals difficult to sustain.
Q: What can people do to lower greenhouse gases and protect the planet’s future?
A: People can use cleaner energy sources like solar and wind power, drive less, save energy at home, and protect forests that absorb carbon dioxide. These actions can help slow down climate change, prevent extreme weather, and protect animals and plants.
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