Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases key terms

Rainfall patterns

The distribution and frequency of precipitation events over time and space, which can shift in intensity, seasonality and location due to changes in atmospheric temperature and moisture.

Climate change impact

The alterations in Earth’s climate system, such as temperature rise, sea‑level rise and altered rainfall, that result from increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.

global climate change

In Global climate change, global climate change means long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. This matters in Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases because it supports the learning objective to describe possible effects of global climate change, including more frequent extreme weather events. Use global climate change only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

extreme weather events

Severe or unusual weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, or droughts.

climate change

In Global climate change, climate change means a long-term alteration in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. This matters in Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases because it supports the learning objective to explain why climate change can affect ecosystems, agriculture and human communities. Use climate change only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

ecosystems

In Global climate change, ecosystems means a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. This matters in Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases because it supports the learning objective to explain why climate change can affect ecosystems, agriculture and human communities. Use ecosystems only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, curriculum-specific, and useful for AQA GCSE Biology revision. Students should use this term accurately when they explain the biology, identify symptoms, or justify an answer in GCSE Biology questions.

Atmospheric CO₂ concentration

The amount of carbon dioxide present in the air, usually expressed in parts per million (ppm), which increases as greenhouse gases are emitted.

Global temperature anomaly

The difference between the current average global temperature and a long‑term baseline, used to show how temperatures change alongside CO₂ levels.

correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables where changes in one variable are associated with changes in another.

proof

Evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement, often requiring rigorous validation.

peer review

A process where scientific work is evaluated by experts in the field before publication to ensure quality and validity.

scientific consensus

The collective agreement among scientists on a particular scientific issue based on a body of evidence.

limitations in evidence

Factors that restrict the reliability or completeness of data used to predict future climate change.

uncertainty in predictions

The degree of doubt or variability in forecasts regarding future climate change outcomes.

carbon footprint

the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full lifecycle of a product, service or event.

lifecycle

the series of stages a product, service, or event goes through from creation to disposal, impacting its carbon footprint.

carbon footprint

the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full lifecycle of a product, service or event.

direct emissions

emissions that occur from sources that are owned or controlled by an individual or organization.

carbon footprint

the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full lifecycle of a product, service or event.

renewable energy

energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

energy efficiency

The measure of how much energy is used to provide a service compared to the total energy consumed.

carbon footprint

The total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full lifecycle of a product, service or event.

carbon capture

A technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from sources like power stations to prevent them from entering the atmosphere.

storage

The process of securely storing captured carbon dioxide to prevent its release into the atmosphere.

carbon footprint

the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full lifecycle of a product, service or event.

taxation

a government action that can be used to reduce carbon footprints by imposing charges on carbon emissions.

carbon footprint

the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full lifecycle of a product, service or event.

energy efficiency

the goal of reducing the amount of energy required to provide the same level of energy service.

carbon footprint

the total amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full lifecycle of a product, service or event.

renewable energy

energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.