1. Global Warming Causes “Greenhouse gases” collect in the atmosphere & trap infrared radiation (heat) in the Earth’s atmosphere The #1 Greenhouse Gas = Carbon dioxide builds up from: Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil & natural gas) Emissions from cars and factories Deforestation (cutting down trees)

2. Greenhouse gas Human Activity Carbon dioxide Methane Nitrous oxide CO 2 CH 4 N2ON2ON2ON2O Burning Fossil Fuels (Coal Power Plants); Deforestation Burning Fossil fuels; farming (cows); landfills; decomposition Fertilizers; Factories Global Warming

5. In 2007, China surpassed the United States in greenhouse gas emissions, although the US still is #1 per capita. Scientists estimate that China will double its greenhouse gas production in the next 20 years. http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,611818,00.html Global Warming

7. Effects Rise in TemperatureRise in Temperature Melting ice-caps; Rise in sea levelMelting ice-caps; Rise in sea level Large-scale climate changeLarge-scale climate change Shifting Biomes & Destruction of ecosystemsShifting Biomes & Destruction of ecosystems Spread of malaria from tropicsSpread of malaria from tropics Increase in number and severity of hurricanesIncrease in number and severity of hurricanes Acidification of the oceansAcidification of the oceans Global Warming

9. How much carbon is stored in the forests of the world? What happens as these areas become cleared? http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/earth20110531_prt.htm Global Warming

11. Coral Bleaching BeforeAfter Global Warming

12. Rising coastal sea levels would result from an increase in melted ice Global Warming

13. 19412004 Muir Glacier: Glacier National Park, Alaska Global Warming

15. San Francisco Bay Area After a 20 foot rise in sea level http://visions2200.com/EnvironmentSeasRising.html Global Warming

16. Louisiana After a 20 foot rise in sea level Global Warming

17. Florida After a 20 foot rise in sea level Global Warming

18. SOLUTIONS Conservation – changing bad habits - Sustainable living (Ecological Footprint & Green Home Project) Future Clean Energy Sources (Activity) The Kyoto Protocol (1997) focuses on controlling greenhouse gas emissions (NOT very successful – US did NOT sign) Carbon cap-and-trade systems; carbon taxes on CO 2 emissions and gasoline Fuel Efficient Cars: www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/best-worst.shtml Global Warming