MS. KOPCHICK’S EARTH SCIENCE CLASS

GLOBAL WARMING AND THE GREENHOUSE

EFFECT

Global warming refers to a rise in the temperature of the surface of the

earth An increase in the concentration of

greenhouse gases leads to an increase in the magnitude of the

greenhouse effect. (Called enhanced greenhouse effect)

What is the difference between Global Warming

and the Greenhouse Effect?

GREENHOUSE GASES REGULATE OUR CLIMATE BY TRAPPING HEAT AND HOLDING IT IN A KIND OF WARM-AIR BLANKET THAT SURROUNDS THE

PLANET. WITHOUT IT, OUR AVERAGE TEMPERATURE WOULD BE COLDER BY 54

DEGREES FAHRENHEITWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY TO COLD TO SUSTAIN OUR

CURRENT ECOSYSTEM!

The Greenhouse Effect is a GOOD THING!

THE PROBLEM WITH THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT IS WHEN

HUMAN ACTIVITIES DISTORT AND ACCELERATE THE NATURAL

PROCESS BY CREATING MORE GREENHOUSE GASES IN THE

ATMOSPHERE

The “Enhanced” Greenhouse Effect

• CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) – Source: Fossil fuel burning, deforestation Anthropogenic increase: 30% Average atmospheric residence time: 500

years METHANE (CH4)

– Source: Rice cultivation, cattle & sheep ranching, decay from landfills, mining

Anthropogenic increase: 145% Average atmospheric residence time: 7-10

years

Greenhouse Gases

NITROUS OXIDE (N2O)

– Source: Industry and agriculture (fertilizers) Anthropogenic increase: 15% Average atmospheric residence time: 140-190 years

WATER VAPOR (H2O)THE MOST IMPORTANT GREENHOUSE GAS!!

SOURCES: EVAPORATIONANTHROPOGENIC INCREASE: 35 %

Greenhouse Gases

BURNING NATURAL GAS, COAL, OIL RAISES THE LEVEL OF CO2 IN THE ATMOSPHERE

SOME FARMING PRACTICES AND LAND-USE CHANGES INCREASES THE LEVELS OF METHANE AND NITROUS OXIDE

MANY FACTORIES PRODUCE LONG LASTING INDUSTRIAL GASES THAT DO NOT OCCUR NATURALLY

AND THOSE GASES ENHANCE THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

More greenhouse gases means more heat trapped which

increases the Earth’s temperature

DEFORESTATION: TREES USE CO2 AND GIVE OFF O2 IN WHICH HELPS TO CREATE THE OPTIMAL

BALANCE OF GASES IN THE ATMOSPHERE. AS MORE FORESTS ARE LOGGED FOR TIMBER OR CUT DOWN TO MAKE WAY FOR FARMING, THERE ARE FEWER

TREES TO PERFORM THIS CRITICAL FUNCTION. IN ADDITION WHEN THIS WOOD IS BURNED IT

PRODUCES EVEN MORE CO2 IN THE ATMOSPHERE.

Even more ways these gases are added to the

atmosphere!

AS MORE PEOPLE USE FOSSIL FUELS FOR HEAT, TRANSPORTATION AND INDUSTRY, THE LEVEL OF GREENHOUSE GASES CONTINUE TO INCREASE. AS MORE FARMING OCCURS TO FEED MILLIONS OF

NEW PEOPLE, MORE GREENHOUSE GASES ENTER THE ATMOSPHERE

Population Growth

ICE

How do scientists measure the increase of greenhouse

gases?

Increased TemperatureIncreased Temperature Rising Sea LevelRising Sea Level

Effects of Global Warming due to the unbalance of greenhouse gases

Habitat Damage and Species Extinction

Habitat Damage and Species Extinction

Changes in water supply; contamination of fresh water

Changes in water supply; contamination of fresh water

Effects of Global Warming due to the unbalance of greenhouse gases

More severe storms; hurricanes and floodsMore severe storms;

hurricanes and floodsDroughts, changes in

weather patternsDroughts, changes in

weather patterns

Effects of Global Warming due to the unbalance of greenhouse gases

Portage Glacier Alaska then….

Portage Glacier Alaska then….

Portage Glacier Alaska now….Portage Glacier Alaska now….

Some Proof of Global Warming

Colorado River, Az June 2002

Colorado River, Az June 2002

Colorado River, Az December 2003

Colorado River, Az December 2003

Some Proof of Global Warming

What can we do to help reduce greenhouse gas

emissions?

Wind PowerWind Power Solar PowerSolar Power

Educate and Use!!

Fuel Efficient CarsFuel Efficient Cars Compact FluorescentCompact

Fluorescent

Educate and Use!!

TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER OR THE TV WHEN YOU’RE NOT USING IT.

TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS. HEATING WATER USES ENERGY.

KEEP ROOMS COOL BY CLOSING THE BLINDS, SHADES,

OR CURTAINS.

TURN OFF THE LIGHTS WHEN YOU LEAVE A ROOM.

USE COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS

Today you can….