The greenhouse effect and pollution

Climate change Global temperature fluctuations have been a normal part of the Earth’s climate cycle. Typically these cycles occur over tens of thousands of years. Warmer parts of the cycle have been associated with higher levels of carbon dioxide. Colder parts of the cycle (ice ages) have been associated with lower levels of carbon dioxide.

Climate change Over the past 100 years we have seen major changes in temperature that normally would occur over a much larger period of time. In addition to warmer temperatures, we have also seen increased flooding, stronger tropical storms, and the loss of biodiversity.

Greenhouse effect The air pollution humans produce alters the balance of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor) in the atmosphere. An increase in these gases can increase the overall temperature of the planet.

Greenhouse gases The burning of fossil fuels has lead to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels and the way we raise livestock has increased the levels of methane in the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels and chemicals released from factories has also put other harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.

Pollution Chemicals put into the air through burning fossil fuels and other chemical reactions lower the quality of the air. This makes humans and other living organisms sick and makes it harder to breath. Certain pollutants when put into the air cause acid rain. Acid rain damages ecosystems and the living organisms within them.

Pollution Pollutants also go into the soil and water. Pollution in the soil can make it harder for plant life to grow. Water pollution can damage aquatic ecosystems and affect the drinking water that humans and other animals use. Pollution can even cause species to become endangered or extinct.

Pollution Noise pollution from too many loud man-made machines can make it hard for animals to communicate with each other including during mating season. Light pollution explains why you can’t see stars easily in areas populated heavily by humans (ex. cities and suburbs).

Human impact Humans are currently destroying ecosystems and causing species to be destroyed. What are some things that we can do to change this?