Global Warming and Climate Change

What is global warming?A gradual increase in the Earths temperatures as a result of rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

How Global Warming WorksFossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Greenhouses can trap the suns rays because of their glass panels. This makes the inside of them warm. This is why in the winter they remain warm enough to be able to grow plants. The Greenhouse Effect

When the suns rays pierce onto the glass window of a greenhouse, the rays become weaker. Not all can pierce back through into the air. This causes the temperature inside the greenhouse to rise (get warmer). The Greenhouse Effect

When the suns rays pierce onto a window, they get trapped. The rays cannot all bounce back into the air. This causes heating of the area, which is known as the greenhouse effect. The Greenhouse Effect

The Suns energy passes through the cars 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.Example of the Greenhouse Effect

This Greenhouse Effect on EarthA similar situation happens in the Earths atmosphere, but of course, no window is involved.

The greenhouse effect on Earth helps us understand temperatures of the Earth, as well as the recent increase in the Earths temperatures, known as Global Warming.

The Earths greenhouse effect involves the suns rays, the Earths atmosphere, and greenhouse gases which exist in the atmosphere.

Lets see...

The Greenhouse Effect on EarthThere are a tiny number of gases (i.e. carbon dioxide, methane) found in the Earths atmosphere that when they suns rays are released, they absorb some of the heat before it can escape back into space. These are called greenhouse gases.

The Greenhouse Effect on EarthGreenhouse gases are essential for all life on Earth. They help keep some heat (warmth) in the Earth. Without greenhouse gases, temperature on Earth would always be about 30C colder. It would be a cold and lifeless planet like Mars!

The Greenhouse Effect on EarthWe call them Greenhouse Gases because of the way they warm our Earth, very similar to how a greenhouse works as we saw in previous slides.

How does this contribute to Global Warming?Greenhouse gases have been increasing due to human activities that cause pollution (i.e. the burning of fossil fuels) in our atmosphere. The increase of greenhouse gases cause the Earth to get HOTTER. The atmosphere becomes thicker and more heat gets absorbed by greenhouse gases, because less can escape from the thicker atmosphere. This makes the Earth warmer. This is called Global Warming.

How does this contribute to Global Warming?Global Warming:

Warming of the Earthstemperatures due to a rise in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Effects of Global WarmingRise in sea levelsChance in precipitationForests, farmlandsNew parasites, new insect-borne diseasesDroughts, flooding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_jHP6xBLe8http://youtu.be/n94lepehpm4

Assignment:Making Connections Textbookpage 462 #1-3

Whats the difference between global warming and climate change?

DifferenceGLOBAL WARMING is the increase of the Earths average surface temperature due to a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.CLIMATE CHANGE is a broader term that refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and precipitation.

Effects of Global WarmingIncreased TemperatureHabitat Damage and Species AffectedChanges in Water SupplyRising Sea Level

Whats the proof that global warming is taking place?

Portage GlacierAlaskaPhotos: NOAA Photo Collection and Gary Braasch WorldViewOfGlobalWarming.org

Colorado RiverArizonaJune 2002Dec 2003

Why is global warming happening?

Burning of Fossil Fuels

When did global warming start?

Global Atmospheric Concentration of CO2

How is global warming measured?

Ice Core DataCO2 Measurements Before 1958 - Antarctica

CO2 Atmospheric MeasurementsCO2 Measurements Since 1958 Mauna Loa, Hawaii

1000 Years of CO2 and Global Warming Degree Celsius IncreaseParts Per MillionYearYear 100012001400160018002000 100012001400160018002000

Global Warming: Shifting Gears

2007Goal: Reductions in CO2 Per Year Billions of Metric Tons Carbon

2007Reductions in CO2Per Year Gigaton CarbonProduce electricity efficientlyUse electricity efficientlyVehicle efficiencySolar and Wind PowerBiofuelsCarbon capture and storageBillions of Metric Tons CarbonOur Goal

Whats being done now to reduce our emissions?Solar Power Wind PowerFuel-Efficiency

We can stop global warming!

What can you do to help solve the problem?

Simple Things To Do Turn off your computer or the TV when youre not using it.Take shorter showers. Heating water uses energy. Keep rooms cool by closing the blinds, shades, or curtains. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Use compact fluorescent bulbs.

Be Bulb SmartUse CFLsIncandescentCompact FluorescentWhats the difference?1,430 lbs. CO2 pollution avoided $30 saved

Simple Things To Do Dress lightly when its hot instead of turning up the air conditioning. Or use a fan. Dress warmly when its cold instead of turning up the heat. Offer to help your parents keep the air filters on your AC and furnace clean. Walk short distances instead of asking for a ride in the car. Plant a tree. Recycle.

Scientists agree that the burning of fossil fuels is causing global warming. Since these fuels are burned for energy, and everyone uses energy, everyone can help stop global warming just by using less energy or energy from renewable sources!