1. Global Natural Systems
Geography of Canada

2. Global Natural Systems
Biomes
Climate Change

3. The Ring of Fire

4. World Ocean Currents

5. Other Global Natural Systems
Transboundary Air Pollution
Continental Shelves
Jet Stream
Natural Disasters

6. Biomes
Biomes are large areas of the Earth that share similar temperature, precipitation, food chains, animals, and soils.
Rainforest
Chapparal
Grassland
Savanna
Desert
Tundra
Deciduous Forest
Boreal or Taiga Forest

7. Biomes
Polar
Mid-Latitude
Sub-Tropical
Tropical

8. Biomes

9. Deserts of the World

10. Rainforests of the World

11. Climate Change
Climate change is a change in the “average weather” that a given region experiences (remember that weather = temperature + precipitation)
Climate changes over the long term have many implications for natural ecosystems
Right now the climate change that we are experiencing is a global warming which leads to higher sea levels due to melting ice caps and many other environmental problems

13. Climate Change
So the Earth is getting warmer right now, but is it a natural cycle or a man-made disaster?
You are here! *
Temp
16°C
years
Time

14. Climate Change
So global warming is happening, and it is a natural cycle, BUT humans are making it significantly worse than the natural cycle.
Climate change is most noticeable by the recent increase in the number and increase in strength of major natural disasters (e.g., Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in the Gulf of Mexico, 2005).
But what is causing this rapid increase in global warming?

15. Climate Change

16. Climate Change
What can be done to reduce the effects of climate change?
Implement the Kyoto Protocol on Greenhouse Gas Emissions which is reducing emissions of gases that speed up the Greenhouse Effect
Specifically:
Governments – setting guidelines for people to follow
Business – becoming more environmentally friendly
Schools – teaching students about living responsibly
Individuals – take the “One Tonne Challenge” to use less energy, conserve water and resources, and to reduce waste

17. Climate Change
Remembering all of your energy saving ways from the Economic Geography unit?
e.g., Individuals can buy energy-efficient appliances.