explain how the accumulation of carbon dioxide (co 2 ) and other gases, in the atmosphere increases...
TRANSCRIPT
Global Warming
Explain how the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases, in the atmosphere increases Earth’s “greenhouse” effect and may cause climate changes.
D23
Global warming is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface.
Global warming can occur from a variety of causes, both natural and human-caused.
Generally when people say "global warming," they are referring to the warming which results from increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities.
What is global warming?
How Global Warming Works
Burning of Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and other human activities
Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide
Carbon dioxide – CO2
◦ This is the major problem, but it is not the only one!
Water vapor (H2O) Methane – CH4 (this is a hydrocarbon) Nitrous oxide
Greenhouse Gases
Global Atmospheric Concentration of CO2
The Sun’s energy passes through the car’s windshield.
This energy (heat) is trapped inside the car and cannot pass back through the windshield, causing the inside of the car to warm up.
Global Warming is similar to this …
Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time.This is measured in terms of such things as wind,
temperature, humidity, and precipitation. In most places, weather can change from hour-to-hour,
day-to-day, and season-to-season.
Climate is the average pattern of weather in a place. For example, we New Englanders experience four seasons
each year, have warm and humid summers, and cold snowy winters.
Climate vs. Weather
Spring arrives earlier and the number of extremely hot summer days has been increasing.
Northeast Climate Impacts Assessment (NECIA) team reports that the Northeast has been warming at a rate of nearly 0.5° F per decade.
Winter temperatures are rising faster, at a rate of 1.3 ° F per decade from 1970 to 2000.
2010 was the warmest year on record. Despite recent harsh winters, snowfall in northern
New England has overall decreased since 1953.
Climate change in New England
Temperature increases could affect New England’s brilliant fall colors as trees migrate north or die out. This affects the tourism industry.
Maple syrup production may be jeopardized because sap flow depends on freezing nights and warm days.
The skiing industry will face the threat of less natural snowfall and the inability to produce artificial snow, which requires temperatures of 28 degrees or less.
How will local climate change affect us?
GLOBAL WARMING is the increase of the Earth’s average surface temperature due to a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
CLIMATE CHANGEis a broader term that refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and precipitation.
Global Warming vs. Climate Change
The MAJOR SOURCES are the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas, when burned release carbon dioxide, the most important greenhouse gas.
Contributors to global warming
Burning of Fossil Fuels
Pollution from coal, natural gas, and oilPollution from coal, natural gas, and oilPollution from coal, natural gas, and oil
Deforestation ◦ when wood is burned, the carbon contained in the
trees is released as carbon dioxide. ◦ Rotting wood can produce methane
Rice paddies, cattle, coal mines, gas pipelines, and landfills ◦ produce methane which causes about 30% as
much warming as carbon dioxide.
Fertilizers and other chemicals◦ release nitrous oxide, causes about 10% as much
warming as carbon dioxide.
Other Sources
Effects of Global WarmingIncreased Temperature
Habitat Damage and
Species AffectedChanges in Water Supply
Rising Sea Level
In the past, the natural environment has adapted to gradual climate changes
However, they also find instances in which changes have occurred rapidly, brought about by events such as sudden shifts in ocean currents.
These rapid changes have often caused widespread species extinctions and the collapse of natural ecosystems.
Impact on Nature
Global warming could mean that those plants currently growing in Georgia might be better suited to New England.
If climate changes gradually, many plants may be able to "migrate" by spreading seeds into new areas where they can now grow.
But if climate changes rapidly, many plants may not be able to spread their seeds far enough to reach the new area. If they die out, so may many of the animals that depend upon them.
One possible scenario – changing distribution patterns of species
www.epa.gov
There is debate about whether the ice caps would completely melt.
But, sea level would rise because water expands when it is heated.
An increase in the earth's average temperature of about 3.5°F, would result in an increase in sea level of between 8 and 30 inches.
Higher sea level would mean that hurricanes and similar large storms could do more damage than in the past.
Some experts argue that such storms would become more frequent and intense in a warmer climate. This could have large impacts.
Sea level rise and coastal storms.
What proof exists that shows that that global
warming is taking place?
Alaska
Portage Glacier
1914 2004
Photos: NOAA Photo Collection and Gary Braasch – WorldViewOfGlobalWarming.org
Arizona
Colorado River
June 2002 Dec 2003
Temperature (Northern Hemisphere) CO2 Concentrations
1000 Years of CO2 and Global Warming
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The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased in recent years.
Environmentalists suggest this change is a direct result of the overcutting of forests and the increased use of fossil fuels.
There have been changes in the overall temperature of the planet and the effects of this are beginning to be seen by humans.
So … what can be done about this?
What does this all mean?
2007
Goal: Reductions in CO2 Per Year
Bill
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2007Reductions
in CO2
Per Year
Gig
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Produce electricity efficientlyUse electricity efficientlyVehicle efficiencySolar and Wind PowerBiofuelsCarbon capture and storage
Bill
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Car
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nOur Goal
What’s being done now to reduce our emissions?
Solar Power Wind Power Fuel-Efficiency
What can you do to help solve the problem?
Reduce energy use! When you buy a car, choose one that gets
good mileage. Insulate and weatherize your home or
apartment. Carpool or drive less.
Most effective actions.
Replace old, worn-out appliances with the most efficient new models.
Turn off lights and appliances when not needed. Plant trees. Set the thermostat lower in winter and higher in
summer. Recycle.
If the average citizen undertakes all of these actions, they can reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by about 3%, which equals just over half a ton of carbon dioxide per year.
Helpful actions
An example - CFLs
IncandescentCompact
Fluorescent
500 lbs. of coal
What’s the difference?
• 1,430 lbs. CO2 pollution avoided • $30 saved
National Wildlife Foundation www.nwf.com Carnegie Mellon University
http://www.gcrio.org/gwcc/index.htm New England Aquarium
http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/climate_change/climate_change_in_new_england.php
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