Global Warming By: Melissa Jurado

What is the problem? The sun heats the earths surface. The earth radiates energy back into space. Greenhouse gases trap some of the outgoing energy, like the glass panels of a green house. This is known as the greenhouse effect”.

What’s so bad about the greenhouse effect? Although without it humans could not survive (it would be too cold), problems arise when the concentration of GHG’s becomes too high Problems: - accelerate the rate of climate change -Evaporation will increase as climate warms (as will precipitation) -intense rainstorms more often -soil moisture is likely to decline -Sea level is likely to rise about 2 feet -It could get really hot!

What are greenhouse gases? Naturally Occurring: carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, ozone, methane, and more. Unnatural (Human byproducts): chloroflourocarbons (CFC’s), hydro fluorocarbons (HFC’s), and perfluorocarbons (PFC’s)

How much do we emit? GHG emitting activities: Combustion of fossil fuels, driving cars, heating homes and businesses, powering factories, deforestation, industrial production etc. etc.

How serious is it? Over the past fifteen years: Average global surface temperatures have increased F since the late 19 th century. The 20 th century’s 10 warmest years occurred within the last 15 years. Of these, 1998 was the warmest year on record. The snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere and floating ice in the Arctic Ocean have decreased. Globally, sea level has risen 4-10 inches over the past century. Worldwide precipitation over land has increased by about one percent.

In the future? In the future? Scientists expect: Continuing acceleration of GHG emissions could lead the global surface temperature to rise F by 2100 Evaporation will increase as the climate warms, which will increase average global precipitation. Soil moisture is likely to decline in many regions Intense rain storms are likely to become more frequent. Sea level is likely to rise two feet along most of the US coast.

What’s being done? Many organizations at the state and local level have begun running programs to reduce GHG emissions Examples: -Reducing Nitrogen Fertilizer Use - Iowa -Energy Efficient Building Design - Utah -Alternative Fuel Vehicles - Kentucky

What can I do? Change a few of your daily routines: Running the dishwasher only when there is a full load. Replacing air filters at there recommended times. Buying energy efficient light bulbs, buying a car with good gas mileage, reducing waste, and selecting energy efficient home appliances. Amount of CO2 saved per year: lbs lbs. -a whole lot

Advertising Campaign: “TURN DOWN THE HEAT!”

Works Cited wable html n/Ozone.html.eagle.com/matink/themes/Envio n/Ozone.html html/edu4 html/edu4 index.html index.html

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