Global WarmingGlobal Warming

Erin LeeErin LeeWes EhningerWes EhningerLannie DavisLannie DavisLaura BurnsLaura Burns

What is Global Warming?What is Global Warming?

The Earth's surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit The Earth's surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past century, with accelerated warming during the past two in the past century, with accelerated warming during the past two decades. decades.

There is new evidence that most of the warming over the last 50 years There is new evidence that most of the warming over the last 50 years has been attributed to human activities.has been attributed to human activities.

Human activities have altered the chemical composition of the Human activities have altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Since 1980, we have experienced 19 of the 20 warmest years on record; Since 1980, we have experienced 19 of the 20 warmest years on record; all three of the hottest years ever recorded have taken place since 1998. all three of the hottest years ever recorded have taken place since 1998.

Global warming has been particularly strong over the past 20 years.Global warming has been particularly strong over the past 20 years.

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The Greenhouse EffectThe Greenhouse Effect

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, Carbon dioxide Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, Carbon dioxide concentrations have increased by 30%, methane concentrations concentrations have increased by 30%, methane concentrations have more than doubled, and nitrous oxide concentrations have have more than doubled, and nitrous oxide concentrations have risen15%. risen15%.

These increases have enhanced the heat-trapping capability of These increases have enhanced the heat-trapping capability of the earth’s atmosphere. the earth’s atmosphere.

Energy from the sun drives the earth’s weather and climate and Energy from the sun drives the earth’s weather and climate and heats the earth’s surface. The earth then radiates energy back heats the earth’s surface. The earth then radiates energy back into space. Atmospheric greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon into space. Atmospheric greenhouse gases (water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other gases) trap some of the outgoing energy, dioxide, and other gases) trap some of the outgoing energy, retaining heat somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse retaining heat somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse

This is how we get the “Greenhouse Effect”This is how we get the “Greenhouse Effect”

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Cont…Cont…

Without this natural “greenhouse effect,” temperatures Without this natural “greenhouse effect,” temperatures would be much lower than they are today making life would be much lower than they are today making life impossible. Because of greenhouse gases, the earth’s impossible. Because of greenhouse gases, the earth’s average temperature is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. average temperature is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, problems may arise when the atmospheric However, problems may arise when the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases increases.concentration of greenhouse gases increases.

The key greenhouse gases emitted by human activities The key greenhouse gases emitted by human activities remain in the atmosphere for periods ranging from remain in the atmosphere for periods ranging from decades to centuries.decades to centuries.

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and in turn warm the planet. and in turn warm the planet.

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What has this produced?What has this produced?

The planet has warmed up by 1°F since the The planet has warmed up by 1°F since the late 19th century and it will only get worse.late 19th century and it will only get worse.

Warming has occurred in both the northern and Warming has occurred in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and over the oceans. southern hemispheres, and over the oceans.

This has been proven by looking at melting This has been proven by looking at melting glaciers, decreased snow cover in the northern glaciers, decreased snow cover in the northern hemisphere, and also even by warmth hemisphere, and also even by warmth undergroundunderground

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Is the damage Is the damage already done or is already done or is there still hope?there still hope?

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* IF we don’t act now, our children will inherit dirtier water and air, a hotter world that has more droughts, wildfires and more severe floods *

CONSEQUENCES of global warming…CONSEQUENCES of global warming…climate pattern changes, droughts and wildfires, intense climate pattern changes, droughts and wildfires, intense rainstorms, melting water, sea levels rising and species die-offrainstorms, melting water, sea levels rising and species die-off

The global temperature The global temperature increased by 1 degree increased by 1 degree Fahrenheit over the last Fahrenheit over the last century and potentially will century and potentially will increase more rapidly in increase more rapidly in future centuries.future centuries.

The Earth has experienced The Earth has experienced 19 or its 20 hottest years on 19 or its 20 hottest years on record, with 1998 the record, with 1998 the hottest and 2002 and 2003 hottest and 2002 and 2003 ranking in second and third. ranking in second and third.

In 2002, the Western US In 2002, the Western US had its second worst had its second worst wildfire season in the last wildfire season in the last 50 years. More than 7 50 years. More than 7 million acres burned and million acres burned and Colorado, Arizona and Colorado, Arizona and Oregon had their worst Oregon had their worst seasons ever. seasons ever.

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Dry Conditions produced the worst wildfires in

Florida in 50 years.

Warmer temperatures increase the energy of the Warmer temperatures increase the energy of the climatic system and lead to a greater number of climatic system and lead to a greater number of rainfall. National yearly rainfall increased between 5 rainfall. National yearly rainfall increased between 5 and 10 % since the 20and 10 % since the 20thth century because of the heavy century because of the heavy downpour in some areas.downpour in some areas.

Rising Global Temperatures will speed up the Rising Global Temperatures will speed up the process of melting glaciers and cause early ice thaw process of melting glaciers and cause early ice thaw on lakes and rivers. At the current rate of melting, on lakes and rivers. At the current rate of melting, all of the glaciers located in the Glacier National Park all of the glaciers located in the Glacier National Park will be completely gone by 2070. will be completely gone by 2070.

Because of melting ice and glaciers, the current pace Because of melting ice and glaciers, the current pace of sea-level rise is more than three times the of sea-level rise is more than three times the historical rate and is accelerating. historical rate and is accelerating.

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The satellite photo above shows the Larson B ice shelf on Jan. 31, 2002. Ice appears as solid white. Moving to the right, in photos taken Feb. 17 and Feb. 23, the ice begins to disintegrate. In the photos at far right, taken Mar. 5 and Mar 7, see water (blue) where solid ice had been in the past, and that a portion of the shelf is drifting away. Photos: National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Over the past 25 Over the past 25 years, there has been years, there has been a 33% shrink of some a 33% shrink of some penguin populations penguin populations in parts of Antarctica in parts of Antarctica due to the decline in due to the decline in winter sea-ice winter sea-ice habitat. habitat.

In Washington’s In Washington’s Olympic Mountains, Olympic Mountains, sub-alpine forest has sub-alpine forest has invaded higher invaded higher elevation alpine elevation alpine meadows. In meadows. In Bermuda as well as Bermuda as well as other places, forests other places, forests are being lost.are being lost.

Warmer temperatures are causing some ecosystems, including alpine meadows in the Rocky Mountains, (pictured) to disappear slowly but surely.

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GreenlandGreenlandGlaciers along the southeastern coast of Greenland are thinning Glaciers along the southeastern coast of Greenland are thinning by more than 3 feet a year – many believe because of global by more than 3 feet a year – many believe because of global warming, according to a new study by NASA scientists.warming, according to a new study by NASA scientists.

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The entire US will warm, though sulfates The entire US will warm, though sulfates could limit the warming in areas. Scientist could limit the warming in areas. Scientist are not able at this time to say which parts are not able at this time to say which parts of the US will become drier or wetter. But of the US will become drier or wetter. But the trend is expected to be one that goes the trend is expected to be one that goes towards increased precipitation and towards increased precipitation and evaporation as well as more intense evaporation as well as more intense rainstorms and much drier soils. As of right rainstorms and much drier soils. As of right now though, the potentially most crucial now though, the potentially most crucial impacts depend upon whether rainfall impacts depend upon whether rainfall increases or decreases, which is hard to increases or decreases, which is hard to project for certain areas. Also, a lot of project for certain areas. Also, a lot of damage has been done, but depending upon damage has been done, but depending upon the role we take in the future, many of the the role we take in the future, many of the worst long term consequences of global worst long term consequences of global warming could still be on their way. warming could still be on their way. LD

Global Warming ImpactsGlobal Warming Impacts

A study done by U.S. Market A study done by U.S. Market Consequences of Global Climate Consequences of Global Climate Change, found that any species Change, found that any species or ecosystem that is less able to or ecosystem that is less able to adapt- for example coral reefs, adapt- for example coral reefs, coastal wetlands, already coastal wetlands, already endangered species, and alpine endangered species, and alpine forests- is at the greatest risk. forests- is at the greatest risk.

The southeast and the Southern The southeast and the Southern Great Plains are at most risk due Great Plains are at most risk due to their low-lying coasts and the to their low-lying coasts and the impacts of warmer conditions on impacts of warmer conditions on agriculture.agriculture.

Laura BurnsLaura Burns

Impacts of Global Impacts of Global Warming on PeopleWarming on People

The effects of climate on people may The effects of climate on people may vary…vary…

Economically devolved societies, like Economically devolved societies, like those in North America, Europe and those in North America, Europe and Japan, could use technology to reduce Japan, could use technology to reduce impacts.impacts.

For example, they might develop new For example, they might develop new

crop varieties, construct new water crop varieties, construct new water systems, and limit coastal development. systems, and limit coastal development. Some northern countries, such as Some northern countries, such as Canada and Russia, might even benefit Canada and Russia, might even benefit from longer growing season and lower from longer growing season and lower heating bills if the climate becomes heating bills if the climate becomes warmer.warmer.

Laura BurnsLaura Burns

Impacts of Global Impacts of Global Warming on PeopleWarming on People

In contrast, economically less In contrast, economically less developed societies, like those in developed societies, like those in parts of Africa, Asia, and South parts of Africa, Asia, and South America depend much more directly America depend much more directly on climate, and could be hit much on climate, and could be hit much harder by sudden or larger changes.harder by sudden or larger changes.

Places like coastal Bangladesh and Places like coastal Bangladesh and low-lying islands, could be flooded by low-lying islands, could be flooded by storms or rising sea level. storms or rising sea level.

Droughts in Africa might become Droughts in Africa might become more serious.more serious.

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Impacts of Global Impacts of Global Warming on PeopleWarming on People

Developing countries have far fewer Developing countries have far fewer resources for adapting to such resources for adapting to such changes.changes.

They may not be able to afford large They may not be able to afford large projects such as sea walls or projects such as sea walls or aqueducts. Peasant farmers may aqueducts. Peasant farmers may have difficulty adopting new have difficulty adopting new agricultural practices.agricultural practices.

The resulting social tensions could The resulting social tensions could lead to more political unrest and lead to more political unrest and large-scale migrations.large-scale migrations.

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Impacts of Global Warming Impacts of Global Warming on the Natural Environmenton the Natural Environment

Plant migration:Plant migration: Climate Climate may change faster than may change faster than plants can move from one plants can move from one region to another. This may region to another. This may cause species extinction, cause species extinction, lower biodiversity, and lower biodiversity, and changes in the way species changes in the way species interact. interact.

Coral reefs:Coral reefs: Slightly warmer Slightly warmer tropical water may kill the tropical water may kill the algae which reef animals use algae which reef animals use for food. for food.

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Impacts of Global Warming Impacts of Global Warming on the Natural Environmenton the Natural Environment

Changes in insect pests:Changes in insect pests: Climate change can affect the Climate change can affect the

number and kinds of pests directly. It number and kinds of pests directly. It can also affect them by changing the can also affect them by changing the mix of plant varieties and their mix of plant varieties and their nutrient content. This can influence nutrient content. This can influence plant survival, food chains, and the plant survival, food chains, and the spread of disease. spread of disease.

Mangrove swamps:Mangrove swamps: Mangrove Mangrove swamps are important breeding swamps are important breeding grounds for many animals that live in grounds for many animals that live in water. Increased ocean flooding may water. Increased ocean flooding may damage these areas by changing the damage these areas by changing the supply of nutrients and the amount of supply of nutrients and the amount of salt. salt.

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Actions Taken to Prevent Actions Taken to Prevent Global WarmingGlobal Warming

Governments can adopt a range of options Governments can adopt a range of options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including:including:

-increasing energy efficiency standards-increasing energy efficiency standards

-encouraging the use of renewable energy -encouraging the use of renewable energy sources (such as wind and solar power)sources (such as wind and solar power)

-eliminating subsidies that encourage the -eliminating subsidies that encourage the use of coal and oil by making them artificially use of coal and oil by making them artificially cheapcheap

-protecting and restoring forests, which -protecting and restoring forests, which serve as important storehouses of carbon serve as important storehouses of carbon

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What can Individuals Do?What can Individuals Do?

Individuals can reduce the need Individuals can reduce the need for fossil fuels and often save for fossil fuels and often save money by:money by:

driving less and driving more fuel-driving less and driving more fuel-efficient and less-polluting carsefficient and less-polluting cars

using energy-efficient appliancesusing energy-efficient appliances

insulating homesinsulating homes

using less electricity in general using less electricity in general

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U.S. Response to Global U.S. Response to Global WarmingWarming

29 States have completed or are 29 States have completed or are working on action plans to working on action plans to reduce Greenhouse Gas reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions.emissions.

States have access to a “state States have access to a “state action list” to see what other action list” to see what other states are implementing to states are implementing to reduce emissions.reduce emissions.

Implementation of the Energy Implementation of the Energy Star program, an initiative to Star program, an initiative to reduce CO2 emissions by reduce CO2 emissions by businesses and industry.businesses and industry.

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Kyoto TreatyKyoto Treaty

U.N. Sanctioned U.N. Sanctioned International Agreement International Agreement to reduce climate to reduce climate changing gasses in 1997changing gasses in 1997

Called for vast reduction Called for vast reduction in U.S. emissionsin U.S. emissions

Bush Administration Bush Administration refused to sign treaty, refused to sign treaty, arguing it would arguing it would devastate American devastate American industry and business. industry and business. W.E.

What else can be done?What else can be done?

““Fortunately, a number of analyses indicate that current Fortunately, a number of analyses indicate that current technologies do have the capability to reduce technologies do have the capability to reduce emissions in the next few decades by very large emissions in the next few decades by very large amounts, thus enhancing the ability of our generation amounts, thus enhancing the ability of our generation and those that follow to stabilize concentrations at and those that follow to stabilize concentrations at levels as low as 450ppm. The "toolbox" of current lower levels as low as 450ppm. The "toolbox" of current lower carbon technologies is well-known: substantial carbon technologies is well-known: substantial reductions in energy consumption by vehicles, reductions in energy consumption by vehicles, appliances, buildings and the megalopolises they form appliances, buildings and the megalopolises they form are achievable without any loss in servicesare achievable without any loss in services1515; ; renewable resources like wind, solar and biomass are renewable resources like wind, solar and biomass are already cost-competitive in certain applications…” already cost-competitive in certain applications…” (www.nrdc.org)(www.nrdc.org)

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SourcesSources

http://www.marshall.org/article.php?id=67#1http://www.marshall.org/article.php?id=67#1 http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/ http://www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/crosscuthttp://www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/crosscut

ting/climate.htmlting/climate.html http://http://yosemite.epa.govyosemite.epa.gov/oar//oar/ http://nrdc.org/globalwarming/fcons.asphttp://nrdc.org/globalwarming/fcons.asp ((

www.prweb.com/releases/2004/4/prewebxml12www.prweb.com/releases/2004/4/prewebxml121971.php1971.php))

www.gcrio.org/gwcc/part2.htmlwww.gcrio.org/gwcc/part2.html