Global WarmingWhat is Global Warming?

How does it work?What can we do?

The Greenhouse Effect• Global warming is a term used to describe the increase in the

average temperature of the earth’s surface and oceans• Greenhouse gases are naturally released into the atmosphere

allowing heat to be trapped in, which warms our planet• However, man can also contribute to global warming• When too much of these GHGs are released, more heat is trapped• GHGs, like CO2 are released into the atmosphere by burning fossil

fuels such as gasoline, oil, natural gas, and coal

How Global Warming Works

Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The Sun’s energy passes through the car’s windshield.

This energy (heat) is trapped inside the car and cannot pass back through the windshield, causing the inside of the car to warm up.

Example of the Greenhouse Effect

Don’t need to copy:

The Science of Global Warming• The average temperature of the earth has risen about .06 degrees in the

past 50 years• During that same time period there has been more deforestation & the

use of more fossil fuels• Science clearly shows that gases such as CO2 have also increased in

our atmosphere.

TemperatureCO2 Concentrations

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• The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is found by studying ice cores

• Ice cores are a frozen record of what was in the air in the past

• Using this info helps determine past temperatures

How does Global Warming Effect Us?• Glaciers and permanent ice in the Arctic & Antarctic regions are

melting, the melted water will go into our oceans

Dec. 1914 Dec. 2004•Sea Levels could rise 1-3 meters (3 to 9 feet), which could affect 200 million people

•Scientists estimate global temperature could rise 2-8 degrees by 2100

Effects of Global Warming

2) Increased Temperature

3) Habitat Damage and

Species Affected

4) Changes in Water Supply

1) More powerful storms

Can Global Warming Be Stopped?• Most scientists agree that manmade activity is behind global warming• Some say this is just a natural occurrence that has happened before• 150 Countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol, which requires

nations to cut their greenhouse gases

Wind Power Solar Power Fuel efficient or alternative cars

•So far the US has refused to ratify Kyoto, stating more studies need to be done!

What are the other alternatives to fossil fuels?

Simple Things To Do (don’t’ need to copy)

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.

Simple Things To Do Dress lightly when it’s hot instead of turning up

the air conditioning. Or use a fan.

Dress warmly when it’s cold instead of turning up the heat.

Offer to help your parents keep the air filters on your AC and furnace clean.

Walk short distances instead of asking for a ride in the car.

Plant a tree. Recycle.