Climate Change… and Global Warming

 Temperature  Currents  Precipitation

Key Questions Is the climate changing? If so, do the actions of humans contribute to the changes? If so, what can/should be done about these issues?

Key Questions Who Studies? Numerous Scientific Organizations Leading University Researchers Fossil Fuel Industry

Key Questions What are the Most Relevant Areas of Science? Climatology Oceanography Meteorology Atmospheric Science

The Sides… Over 97% of climatologists, atmospheric scientists, oceanographers and meteorologists agree: - The Earth is Warming - Increased Greenhouse gases are the cause Less than 3% of scientists in these key fields claim: - The Earth may be getting warmer, but - It is part of a natural climate cycle DO SOMETHING NOW DO SOMETHING NOW DO NOTHING DO NOTHING

Key Terms Solar Energy Radiation Cooling Greenhouse Gases Carbon Dioxide

Solar Energy

Radiation Cooling radiational cooling (rā′dē-ā′shə-nəl) - The cooling of the Earth's surface, occurring mostly at night. - It is caused by the emission of infrared radiation from the Earth's surface, the tops of clouds, and the atmosphere. - It is important in maintaining the Earth's energy balance.

Solar Energy and Radiation Cooling

Sun Earth’s Temperature Solar Energy Solar Energy Radiation Cooling Radiation Cooling

Sun Earth’s Temperature Solar Energy Solar Energy Radiation Cooling Radiation Cooling

Greenhouse Gases Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse Gases

How Global Warming Works Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 )

Example of the Greenhouse Effect

The U.S. emits about 5.4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases annually, 17.6 tons of CO2 per American. Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for approximately 100 years, methane lasts about 12 years. As these gases continue to raise surface temperatures, they trigger the release of even more carbon dioxide and methane that are currently trapped in frozen Arctic permafrost and tundra soils, further increasing temperatures. 5.4 billion metric tons CO2/yr These greenhouse gases last a long time… Warming begets more warming… A “feedback mechanism” …

CO 2 Measurements Since 1958 – Mauna Loa, Hawaii

Ice Core Data CO 2 Measurements Before Antarctica

CARBON EMISSIONS BY COUNTRY (Millions of Tons in 2007)

DEFORESTATION o PLANTS AND TREES ABSORB CO 2 o PLANTS AND TREES EXHALE O 2 o AS THE NUMBER OF PLANTS AND TREES ARE REDUCED, THERE IS A HIGHER CONCENTRATION OF CO 2 IN THE ATMOSPHERE

ICE SURFACES o ICE REFLECTS SOLAR ENERGY o AS ICE MELTS, LAND AND WATER ABSORB MORE HEAT o AS THE EARTH ABSORBS MORE HEAT, MORE ICE MELTS

Future Carbon Dioxide Levels Significant increases in CO 2 emissions –Massive development in China, India and other advancing nations –Increased coal usage

Of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come from households: Vehicles Home Heating Electricity Households are Big Contributors to Climate Change

So how can each of us slow global warming now?

What ’ s being done now to reduce our emissions? Solar PowerWind PowerFuel-Efficiency

Because greenhouse gas emissions are tied very closely to our energy consumption, using less fossil fuel puts fewer greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Reduce Consumption of Fossil Fuels Mountaintop removal for coal mining near Rawl, West Virginia. 50% of electricity in the United States is produced from coal. (

Small changes add up… Replace your old refrigerator with a new Energy Star: Annual savings: $90; 700 pounds CO 2 Set your thermostat down a few degrees in the winter Annual savings: $135; 1400 pounds CO 2 Wash clothes in cold water only Annual savings: $70; 500 pounds CO 2 Drive JUST 10 fewer miles per week Annual savings: $80; 520 pounds CO 2 Reduce your garbage by 10% through greater recycling or reduced packaging Annual savings: 1200 pounds CO 2 Caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows Annual savings: $80; 650 pounds CO 2