Human Impacts on Climate Change The Greenhouse Effect The greenhouse effect is a natural warming of both Earth’s lower ATM and Earth’s surface Major gas – CO2 Without this effect, Earth would be too cold to support life

The Greenhouse Effect Earth re-radiates heat back into the ATM (keeps temperature balanced) This energy can remain within the atmosphere or return to the surface

The Greenhouse Effect Greenhouse gases absorb some of Earth’s re-radiated heat and causes the Earth to warm naturally Greenhouse Gases: H2O (water vapor) CH4 (Methane) CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)*** Why do you use a blanket in the winter? To keep warm. Does your body heat escape from the blanket? No it stays trapped under the covers to warm you. The earths ATM is like a blanket, keeping in the warmth and not letting it escape.

The Greenhouse Effect Humans burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere increasing the greenhouse effect leading to global warming. Why do you use a blanket in the winter? To keep warm. Does your body heat escape from the blanket? No it stays trapped under the covers to warm you. The earths ATM is like a blanket, keeping in the warmth and not letting it escape. Factories could decrease the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere by transitioning from burning fossil fuels to using alternative energies

Increased CO2 levels has increased global temperatures Increased temperatures = melting ice caps = rise in sea level

Deforestation Trees are vital for life Trees store greenhouse gases When trees are cut down, they release these gases back into the ATM 20% of global CO2 emissions are caused by deforestation