AIM: What is Global Warming?

DN: Fill in the following chart:

Problem Definition Cause Effect

Acid Rain

Ozone Depletion

Global Warming

A gradual increase in the temperature of the surface of

the Earth

The Greenhouse Effect• The trapping of heat by

gases in the atmosphere• Raises the average

temperature of the Earth

Why is this needed for life to exist? It keeps the temperature warm enough for life to exist

Greenhouse GasesTrap heat

1. Carbon Dioxide burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas

2. Methane- decomposing wastes in landfills

3. Nitrous Oxide- fertilizers 4. Water Vapor

An increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is caused by burning of fossil

fuels.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL

WARMING?????

1. Rising Sea Levels

• Caused by melting glaciers

• Flooding of coastal cites

2. Extinction

• Species may not be able to adapt to change in climate

• Decrease in biodiversity

3. Effect on plants and animals

• Possible migration to cooler areas

• Change in life cycles– Extend time for warmer climate plants

4. Human Health

• Increased geographical area for tropical diseases- ideal conditions for many insects such as mosquitoes– Malaria, West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever– cholera

5. Storms

• Warmer ocean water = more hurricanes

• Floods, loss of lives, damage to property

6. Droughts• Crop failure

• Decrease in global food production- starvation

7. Economy

• Cost of natural disasters

• Increase in food and energy costs

8. Ecosystems

• Land, water, air

• Change in ecosystems can decrease the biodiversity- plants and animals may not be able to adapt

• Migration of animals- depletion of resources in certain ecosytems

1. What are some natural sources of pollution?2. What are particulates?3. What causes normal precipitation to become

acidic?4. Explain why Carbon Monoxide is a dangerous

air pollutant.5. What is the function of the ozone layer?6. Why is there concern about CFC’s in the

stratosphere?7. What are some effects of UV radiation on

living things?8. Define the term greenhouse effect.9. What are some greenhouse gases?10. What is global warming and what is believed

to be its cause?