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Global Climate ChangeGlobal Climate Change
Fact & FictionFact & Fiction
True – False?True – False?
• The “Greenhouse Effect” is GOOD for life on planet Earth
QuestionQuestion
• What exactly are fossil fuels?
Word GameWord Game
• Put these words into two appropriate groups:
• Infrared rays (IR) * Ozone
• Visible light * CO2
• Ultra-violet * Greenhouse Effect
Word GameWord Game
• Ozone Depletion • Greenhouse Effect
BIG QUESTIONBIG QUESTION
• What are the scientific FACTS regarding the Greenhouse Effect/Global Climate change????
FACT #1FACT #1
• The Carbon Cycle (See board)
Humans DO engage in activities which affect atmospheric CO2 e.g. combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation, lowering rates of photosynthesis
Not in dispute!!
Fact #2Fact #2
• Greenhouse Effect
Verified by:– Actual greenhouses– Hot car/ cold day phenomenon– Greenhouse gasses on Earth and other
planets
Not in dispute!!
Review: The Greenhouse EffectReview: The Greenhouse Effect
Step 1: Earth’s surface absorbs short-wavelength solar radiation (visible lights), and become warmer
Step 2: Earth’s surface re-radiates the energy as long-wavelength radiation (heat)
Fact #3Fact #3
• Does life on planet Earth benefit from the GE?
• Would life on planet Earth benefit from an enhanced GE?
Fact #4Fact #4
• IF carbon dioxide levels rise, more heat (IR) will be trapped
Not in dispute!
Fact #5Fact #5
• Carbon dioxide levels ARE rising…..
therefore…………..
Not in dispute
Hawaii Data: Global CO2 levels!Hawaii Data: Global CO2 levels!
•
Carbon Dioxide Levels ARE Carbon Dioxide Levels ARE increasingincreasing
Did you note TODAY’s level of CO2 on the last slide?
How does that compare historically?
COCO22, Greenhouse Effect, , Greenhouse Effect,
and Global Warmingand Global Warming
Today: CO2 concentration in our atmosphere is 0.037 % or 370 ppm
ReviewReview
Global Carbon Dioxide levels ARE rising….
Therefore……
More heat IS being trappedMore heat IS being trapped
With respect to average temperature 1940-1980
Global average temperature 1855-2002Global average temperature 1855-2002
Rocky MountainsRocky Mountains
Fact #6Fact #6
• Carbon dioxide is increasing at a RATE higher than any natural cycle ever recorded
• Current levels of CO2 are higher than in all of recorded history
Long term Ice Core DataLong term Ice Core Data
Source: OSTP
Change in CO2 and TemperatureChange in CO2 and Temperature
•Source: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/pastcc_fig1.html
Fact #7Fact #7
• Climates are determined by atmospheric and oceanic convection currents
Not in dispute!
Fact #8Fact #8
• If you increased the amount of IR (heat) being trapped, you will alter the convection currents
Not in dispute!
Uncertainties #1-4Uncertainties #1-4
• How MUCH will the convection currents be altered?
• What areas of the globe will be hotter/colder/wetter/drier?
• How MUCH of the ice sheets will melt?
• How HIGH will sea level rise due to thermal expansion & melting ice?
Fact #9Fact #9
The global climate IS changing!
And this is called the THEORY of Global Climate Change because the evidence is so diverse…..
For example, area of Arctic Ice cap:
is the increased greenhouse effect; I'd bet the mortgage it
Mark Serreze, NSIDC
• • ARCTIC SEA ICE
EXTENT - SEPTEMBER TREND, 1978-2005
The area covered by sea ice
Arctic Ice Area Arctic Ice Area
Data: Changes in Flowering DatesData: Changes in Flowering Dates
Data: Mismatch of Bird Nesting & Food Data: Mismatch of Bird Nesting & Food AvailabilityAvailability
We have “Early Warning Signs”We have “Early Warning Signs”
•
Uncertainties #5 - 8Uncertainties #5 - 8
• What can individuals do?
• What can our government do?
• Which actions are BEST to take?
• What are the consequences of inaction???
As of April 17, 2007As of April 17, 2007
• Question in front of UN Security Council:
Is Global Climate Change a threat to global security????????
December 7, 2009December 7, 2009
• What is going on TODAY in Copenhagen????????