Greenhouse Gases: Changing the Climate

As we learned, Greenhouse Gases have been part of our atmosphere for millions of years. However, over the past 200 years the amount of gases has increased dramatically.

Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases Additional amount of human-produced greenhouse gases

Concentration of Greenhouse Gases Concentration in the Atmosphere Pre-Industrial Level 2008 Increase Lifetime (years) carbon dioxide 280 ppm 384 ppm 1.4x 100 to 1000 methane 0.7 1.785 2.6x 12 nitrous oxide 0.27 0.321 1.2x 114 CFC-11 trace 0.000251 45 CFC-12 0.000525 100

Summary of Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases Natural Source Man-made Sources carbon dioxide volcanic eruptions burning of organic matter cellular respiration burning fossil fuels methane plant decomposition animal digestion agricultural activities landfills and sewage treatment coal mining, natural gas extraction deforestation nitrous oxide reactions of bacteria in soil and water livestock feed and waste fertilizers industrial processes CFC’s no natural sources refrigeration agents aerosol cans

Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases and Global Temperature

Feedback Loop Between Carbon Dioxide and Global Temperature More carbon dioxide is released from carbon sinks Carbon dioxide traps thermal energy in greenhouse effect Global temperature increases

Increases to Earth’s Average Temperature The anthropogenic greenhouse effect is causing Earth’s temperature to increase Earth’s average temperature will likely increase by 2°C to 6°C by the end of the century if things do not change Consequences of this could be severe heat waves, flooding and droughts, and species extinction

Map of the World

Remapping the World Based on Population

Remapping the World Based on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Canadian Emissions of Greenhouse Gases Canada has < 1% of the world’s population, but contributes about 2% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions Read Pg. 390 – 392 Make a summary note by copying out the In Summary Section. Answer pg. 392 #1-4