Global Warming: The General Theory

Lauren Gibbons, Martyn ‘S Gravemade,

Arcan Chirathivat, Arielle Tenorio

Global Warming is defined as “the increase of the average temperature on Earth.”

Every year the average temperature increases, causing natural disasters.

The sun is the Earth’s primary source of energy.

The Greenhouse Effect: When energy trapped in the atmosphere warms the land, oceans, and air.

The gases that used to make life on Earth possible are now threatening our very existence.

CARBON DIOXIDE

CO2

METHANECH4

NITROUS OXIDENO2

Gas Main SourceOverall contribution to

increased global warming

H2O Evaporation of oceans and lakes -

CO2 Combustion of fossil fuels and biomass 50%

CH4 Anaerobic decay of organic matter caused by intensive farming

18%%

N2O Artificial fertilizers and combustion of biomass 6%

O3 Secondary pollutant in photochemical smogs 12%

CFCs Refrigerants, repellants, foaming agents, solvents. 14%

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that contribute to the Greenhouse Effect.

Some Greenhouse Gases occur in nature- such as water vapor, methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. Others are man made.

Attributions to climate change include:

Man-made causes:1. Transportation.

2. Deforestation.

3. Population.

Natural causes: 1. Arctic tundra's and wetlands.2. Earth’s cycle. 3. Cow manure.4. Sun spots.5. Volcano eruptions.

The burning of fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas is the main cause of

climate change.

Countries by Carbon Dioxide Emissions

As these gases and chemicals are released into the air, the concentration of the Ozone layer in the stratosphere

decreases.

1. The spread of disease 2. Warm waters, hurricanes

3. Droughts and heat waves 4. Economic consequences

Global Warming is negatively affecting the Earth and it’s occupants. Effects of Global Warming include:

5. A major effect of Global Warming is the melting of polar ice caps. This is a “four-pronged” danger resulting in different situations.

Raised sea levels Global ecosystem off balance

Changing landscapes in the arctic circle endangers animals

Global Warming increases with the melting of ice caps.

International School Bangkok can reduce their carbon footprint and their contribution to Global Warming by limiting the Week Without Walls (WWW) trips within Asia and

the surrounding area.

Finding the carbon footprint based on WWW air travel:

•Result bigger than actuality: 9.4x 10^2 kg/person/year

• http://www.terrapass.com/carbon-footprint-calculator/#air

“Carbon Offsets." PACURH No Frills. University of Washington. <http://students.washington.edu/nofrills/phil.htm>.

"The Greenhouse Effect." Climate Change. United States Environmental Protection Agency. <http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/greenhouse.html>.

Simmons. "5 Deadliest Effects of Global Warming." Environmental Graffiti. 11 Sept. 2007. <http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/sciencetech/5-deadliest-effects-of-global-warming/276>.

TerraPass. Carbon Footprint Calculator. 3 Mar. 2009 <http://www.terrapass.com/carbon-footprint-calculator/#air>.

"What Is Global Warming?" Kowledge Allianz. Ed. Karen Lindinger. 30 Aug. 2007. Allianz. <http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/globalissues/climate_change/global_warming_basics/global_warming_definition.html>.

"What is the Greenhouse Effect?" Kowledge.Allianz. Ed. Thilo Kunzemann. 30 Apr. 2007. Allianz. <http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/globalissues/climate_change/global_warming_basics/global_warming_greenhouse_effect.html>.

"With Knowledge Comes a Responsibility to Act." Allianz. 2 Mar. 2009 <http://knowledge.allianz.com/en/>.

Our Sources include: