1. Climate Change
All facts and images are from NASA and NOAA unless otherwise indicated.

2. Definition
Climate change is the long term warming of the planet, beginning in 1880, accelerating in the late 20th century, caused by human activity, and resulting in a broad range of consequences that negatively impact life on the planet.
Global warming refers only to the rise in temperatures, not the consequences to overall climate.

3. Greenhouse Gases
Gases in the atmosphere that prevent heat from escaping include:
Water vapor (H2O): clouds and precipitation
Nitrous oxide (N2O): fertilizers and fossil fuels
Methane (CH4): landfills, agriculture, livestock
Carbon dioxide (CO2): respiration, volcanoes, fossil fuels, deforestation

4. Causes
Climate change is caused by the increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

5. Evidence Increased temperature Increased carbon dioxide
Decreased arctic sea ice
Decreased land ice
Increased sea level
Glacial retreat
Increase in extreme weather events
Acidification of the oceans
Decreased snow cover

6. Consequences
On average, Earth will become warmer.
Climate.nasa.gov

7. Consequences
Changes in precipitation patterns will occur, causing droughts, heat waves, wildfires and floods and impacting crops and human and ecosystem health.
Climate.nasa.gov

8. Consequences
The Arctic will become ice free, and sea levels will rise 1-4 feet by the end of the century.
Climate.nasa.gov

9. Consequences
Plant and animal ranges shift, extinctions occur daily species go extinct each DAY. (UN)
We are entering the 6th mass extinction in Earth’s history (extinction rate is 53x greater than average).

10. Consequences
Oceans acidify, coral reefs bleach, ocean ecosystems will collapse and oxygen producing organisms will decrease.

11. Consequences
Insect borne diseases increase (Chagas, Dengue, Malaria, Lyme, West Nile, Zika) and new ones will develop

12. Consequences
Agriculture will be impacted as growing seasons lengthen, temperatures increase, and precipitation becomes unpredictable.
Water shortages and rationing will become more prevalent.
Climate.nasa.gov

13. The Future There are 2 ways to combat climate change:
Mitigation: reducing emissions of and stabilizing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Adaptation: adapting to the climate change that has already occurred and will occur.

14. Mitigation Strategies: Fuel
Burn less fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas)
Use more green energy (solar, wind, waves, hydroelectric, geothermal, biofuel)
Increase mass public transportation
Build more bike lanes
Develop more fuel efficient/electric (solar) cars
Conserve electricity at home and at work

15. Mitigation Strategies: Trees
Reduce deforestation (especially in the Amazon and Southeast Asia)
Plant more trees to absorb more carbon dioxide

16. Mitigation Strategies: Food
Decrease meat consumption (leading cause of methane)
Buy local food to reduce transportation associated emissions

17. The Future: less than 2°C Mitigation
Food, water, and human health will be more protected.
A shift to greener fuels will be implemented.
Adapting will be easier

18. Adaptation Strategies
Prepare for increased sea levels by raising buildings and creating flood defenses
Prepare for more extreme weather events (heat waves, storms)
Ensure food (develop resilient crops) and water security (permeable sidewalks)
Have less children

19. The Future: more than 2°C Adaptation
Islands like the Seychelles and the Philippines will flood or be submerged.
The 6th extinction will proceed unchecked.
The Earth and all of its inhabitants will be significantly affected (from the Great Barrier Reef to polar bears to people).