Possible effects of global warming

Increase in global temperatures (possible droughts)

Flooding (reduction in sea ice)

Change in vegetation

Change in animals (possible extinctions)

Change in weather patterns (hurricanes)

Starter: What are the effects of global

warming?

Outcomes

• Describe the process of global warming• Explain the evidence for global warming• Explain whether the evidence for global

warming is reliable and conclusive.

Homework

• Write a detailed account of what you think London will look like in 50 years if the global temperature continues to rise.

Gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides (Greenhouse gases) trap the radiation from the sun that is reflected back from the Earth.

The Greenhouse Effect

(A quick recap)

Source: Solcomhouse.com

Greenhouse EffectSun

Sun Runaway Greenhouse Effect

Venus

• 97% carbon dioxide• 3% nitrogen• Water & sulfuric acid

clouds• Temperature:

860°F/460°C

Questions

• Define global warming?

• What are the 3 main greenhouse gases and where do they come from?

• Why is global warming sometimes called the greenhouse effect?

• What are the likely effects of global warming?

The Kyoto Agreement

On the 16th February 2005 the Kyoto agreement came into force.

The governments which signed up to the agreement have committed themselves to reducing their emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide.

The UK has committed itself to reducing the emissions of carbon dioxide to approximately 180 million tonnes by 2008 and domestic carbon dioxide to 130 million tonnes by 2010 or they will be penalised (fined).

Global warming is real. Temperatures are rising because of increased pollution, and it is our fault.

Look at the evidence…

Jacabamba Glacier, Peru, in 1980 (left) and 2002 (right)

Describe what is happening to Glaciers across the world

The observed sea ice in 1979 and 2003

Sun How does the white ice help to keep the earth temperature stable?

What will happen as the ice melts?

The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from 1958-2004

What does this graph show?

What does this graph show?

The Thames Barrier currently can hold back tidal heights of 70cm surges. In what year would we

expect central London to Flood?

Could this ever happen?

Questions

• What evidence is there for global warming?

• Is all of the evidence reliable?

• Can we stop the process, if so how could we do this?

Review

• Watch the video on global warming, make a note of any questions you may have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGTxR9jYmt8&list=PLA42F55B260496CEB&index=3&feature=plpp_video