The Power of You\\

“Global Warming”

THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY UNIVERSITY LEARNING SERIES

We have been given an amazing gift.

Earth.

We have been given

the opportunity to live

amongst the earth’s

beauty…

…and its natural

resources.

It is a planet known for its ability to

create and sustain life.

But today, much of the world has

evolved into a modern era of

technology and industrial growth

its human population growing

exponentially.

Gridlock traffic

Massive Factories

Air Pollution

Earth has evolved into a very different

place.

We are now faced with a serious problem

that affects you, me, our children

and future generations of people from

all over the world.

It is called Global Warming

and we are responsible.

What is Global Warming?

It is a general warming effect felt on Earth’s surface, produced by greenhouse gases.

A general warming effect felt on the

Earth’s surface produced by greenhouse

gases.

Primary Greenhouse Gases

Carbon Dioxide released from burning coal, oil and natural gas in power plants, cars, factories, etc.

Methane released from both ends of cows, rice paddies, rotting garbage in landfills, mining operations, and gas pipelines.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) released from air conditioners, refrigerators, sprays, pesticides, perfumes, paints, and aerosols.

Nitrous Oxide released from artificial soil fertilization, the burning of fossil fuel, and livestock manure.

These gases and other air pollution

collects in the atmosphere like a thick

blanket, trapping the sun’s heat

causing the planet to warm.

We have already begun seeing the

troubling effects of global warming

with unusual climate changes

and

extreme weather conditions.

“How do greenhouse gases get into the

air?”

Whenever we do these everyday things…

Watch TV

Use the air conditioner

Turn on a light

Use a hair dryer

Ride in a car

Play a video game

Listen to a stereo

Wash or dry clothes

Use a dishwasher

Microwave a meal

…we are sending greenhouse gases into the environment.

When our massive and ever-increasing

population performs these daily functions,

electricity is used.

Electricity comes from power plants.

Most power plants burn

coal and oil to create

electricity

Which produce greenhouse

gases.

Also, consider this…

There are countless greenhouse gas

producing factories around the world

that make the things we buy and use

everyday.

Even the animals we raise for dairy and meat products release

greenhouse gases into the environment.

All the trash we send to landfills around the

world produce greenhouse gases.

It is important to know the

Greenhouse effect is necessary. Without it, the

Earth would not be warm enough for humans to

live.

However, if we continue to increase

the amounts of greenhouse gases into the

atmosphere, the Earth’s temperature will likely

continue to grow warmer

causing serious problems for

plants, animals and humans.

“The Effects on Our Ecological Systems”

Many places on Earth depend on a

delicate balance of rainfall,

temperature, and soil type.

All living things rely on these factors.

Some scientists believe if future

climate changes continue as they have,

plants and animals may not be able to

react quickly enough to survive.

“The Rise of the Sea Level”

Warmer weather makes glaciers melt

adding more water to the ocean.

Warmer temperatures also makes

water expand creating higher sea

levels,

causing devastating flooding.

Thousands of small islands are

threatened by the projected sea-level

rise

for the 21st century.

Coastal flooding also may

reduce the quality of drinking water.

“The Effects on Our Crops and Food Supply”

Climate change may bring serious droughts

to places where we grow crops.

In some parts of the world,

people may not have enough to eat

because they cannot grow

the food they need.

“The Effects on Human Health”

Climate change affects our health

both directly and indirectly.

Heat stress and other heat related

health problems are directly related to

very hot temperatures and high

humidity.

Ecological disturbances such as wildfires.

Poor air quality due to pollution.

Generally, poor people and poor

countries are less likely to have the

money and resources to cope with

preventing and treating health problems.

So how can we make a difference?

Reading - Learn about the environment.

Discussing global warming with family and friends.

Use less energy and reduce air pollution by carpooling.

Save energy by taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking.

Save electricity by turning off lights, the television,

and the computer when done.

Planting trees absorbs carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air.

Recycling cans, bottles, plastic bags, and newspapers sends less trash to landfills saving natural resources.

Buy energy efficient products. Many products with the Energy Star label are made to help protect the environment.

Buy recyclable products. They are usually made out of things that have already been used. Look for the recycle

symbol.

Consider solar energy – Energy that comes from the sun. Solar energy can be used to heat homes, buildings,

and to make electricity.

Consider environmentally friendlier cars. Some cars are better for the environment travelling longer on smaller amounts of

gasoline or alternative sources of fuel.

Encourage our political and business leaders to be stronger supporters of environmental issues promoting

new, innovative solutions.

Global warming is real.

The issue is

what are we going to do about it?

The problem is our responsibility.

The climate system may take a long

time to respond to our changes,

but every day we can begin to

do the little things

That help produce positive changes

to our atmosphere

and have enormous benefits for

future generations.

Our environment.

Our atmosphere.

Our future.