by Christine Engels

The Changing Climate and The Need for Climate Literacy

Climate Change or Global Warming

What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘climate change’ or ‘global warming’?

The Changing Climate and The Need for Climate Literacy

• What changes climate?• Is climate changing?• How do we know?• Why should we care?• What can we do? • Why teach about climate

change?

What to call it?

is the increase of the Earth’s average surface temperature due to a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere

is a broader term that refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and precipitation

Global Warming Climate Change

Global Warming increases the world’s average temperature, which results in Climate Change.

Earth’s Climate System

Image: A. Degaetano

What changes climate?Natural forces

• Sun’s output• Earth’s orbit• Volcanic eruptions• Ocean variability• Interactions between

components of the climate system

Images: USGS; NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

• Burning of fossil fuels• Land use changes

– Deforestation• Trees are sinks for CO2• Changes land surface

– Urbanization

What changes climate?Human factors

Images: http://www.firehow.com/images/stories/traffic-jam.jpg; Patrick Zimmerman, ©University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

Is climate changing?

• The atmosphere regulates climate

• Sunlight mostly absorbed by Earth, some trapped by gases, some re-emitted back to surface

• Greenhouse effect allows liquid water to exist and life on Earth to flourish

A simplified diagram illustrating the greenhouse effect

Source: IPCC, 1990 Image: International Space Station, NASA

The Greenhouse EffectNatural greenhouse effect Enhanced greenhouse effect

Diagrams adapted from: http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/science/faq/page5.html

Causes of GHG increases

• CO2: 75% fossil fuel, 24% deforestation

• CH4: agricultural source- rice paddies, herds of cattle, + fossil fuel, landfills and sewage

• N2O: loss of agricultural soils due to fertilizer application

Source: From the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, Climate Change 2001: The Scientific Basis.]

Carbon Dioxide

Emphasis has been placed on CO2 emission because:

• Humans produce it more than any other GHG

• Long lived gas• High levels may cause

imbalances to Earth’s energy budget

Images: iPhoto

Could the warming be natural?

2007 IPCC Report

• Warming of the climate system is unequivocal• Very high confidence that global average net effect of

human activities since 1750 one of warming • Human-caused warming over last 30 years has likely had

a visible influence on many physical and biological systems

• Continued GHG emissions at or above current rates would cause further warming and induce many changes in the global climate system during the 21st century that would very likely be larger than those observed during the 20th century.”

Is Climate Changing?97% of US climate scientists agreed that ‘global average temperatures have increased in the past century

Photos: NOAA Photo Collection and Gary Braasch – WorldViewOfGlobalWarming.org

Portage Glacier, Alaska1914 and 2004

Effects on Snow and Ice

Effects on Precipitation• Change in the character

of precipitation• Eastern part of N and

S America, N Europe and N, C Asia

• Dessert regions of Africa and S America

• Amazon example

Images: State of California; istock photos; Laura Borma/INPE

Effects on the Oceans

• Temperature increased 0.5 F in past 50 years

• Precipitation, wind and circulation changes

• Coral bleaching and lower nutrient availability

• Increased acidic levels

Images: NASA.gov; Marine Photobank: The Comet Program

Effects on Ecosystems

Images: NASA WorldWind; www.photoinnatura.com; www.forestryimages.com,

• Decline in numbers

Effects on Species

Illustration Source: VancouverIslandBirds.com; USFWS

Sooty Shearwater

Cassin’s auklet

• Shifts in ranges and migration

Effects on Species

Photos: National Wildlife Federation; Tim Zurowski/Corbis; USFWS

Golden-winged warbler

Edith’s checkerspot butterflyRed fox

Effects on Species

Photos: National Park Service; University of Wisconsin; USFWS

• Timing shifts

Robin

Lilacs

Cherry-blossom trees

How do we know?

Why should we care?

Images: NOAA; www.forestryimages.org, Paul Bolstad, University of MN; CDC/James Gathany; World Resources Organization;

What can we do?

Joel Pett, USA Today

What can we do?

1. Support legislation to reduce CO2

2. Reduce our individual and collective carbon footprint

3. Support ongoing conservation work

4. Educate others Images: Department of Energy; Matthew Jeffery, National Audubon Society

Why teach about climate change?

• Integrates many subjects• Requires students to

– use analytical tools and math skills

– research, think and understand complex issues

• Empowerment

On the horizon• Energy efficient homes, buildings and vehicles• Fast, clean and convenient public

transportation• Solar computers and cell phones• Cleaner air and water• Healthier people• More wildlife

Open Discussion

• What do you think about teaching climate change in your classroom?

• How would you teach it? What topics would you focus on? What types of lessons do you think would work for your grade level?

• What are some of the issues you would face?