The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

(which includes Global Warming)

The Greenhouse Effect

Good Bad

Global Warming

Good Bad

Water VaporCarbon

DioxideMethane

Nitrous Oxide

The Greenhouse

Gases

•Carbon Dioxide (CO2)-Sources

•Burning fossil fuels (gasoline for cars, coal for electricity)•Cutting down and burning forests.

-Ways to reduce•Plant more trees/plants•Reduce the amount of fuel and electricity we use.

• Methane (CH4)– Sources

• Cows• Rotting Vegetation

– Ways to reduce• Eat less beef and dairy• Slow population growth

• Water Vapor (H20)– Sources

• Transpiration of plants• Naturally Occurring

– Ways to reduce• Warmer air can hold more water

vapor.• Keep the atmosphere from

warming.

• Nitrous Oxide (N2O)– Sources

• Soil, Manure and Sewer Management

– Ways to reduce• Eat less beef and dairy• Slow population growth

What is happening/might happen?• Average global temperature rise of ¾ °C.• Glaciers and ice caps melting/rise in sea level.• Changes in climates and severity of weather.• Organisms will migrate or die out.• Our “breadbasket” might move to Canada.• Diseases and invasive species spread.• A link to EPA’s Climate Change Site

Do you care?What can you do?

How can the following help reduce greenhouse gasses?

• Stop breathing (just kidding . . . I said just kidding)• Riding your bicycle/scooter/skateboard/walk• Turning off (and unplugging) your appliances• Turning lights off/using ambient (outside) light• Turning the heat down & wearing a sweatshirt• Taking shorter showers• Growing your own food• Buying local food• Eating all of your food (no food waste)• Planting/protecting plants

How can the following help reduce greenhouse gasses?

• Reduce–Clothes–Water Usage

• Reuse–Bags–Binders/folders– Food containers–Backpacks

How can the following help reduce greenhouse gasses?

• Rethink–Cell phones/electronics–Clothes

• Recycle–Paper–Plastic

• TELL OTHER PEOPLE (preferably without being too judgmental)

How can the following help reduce greenhouse gasses?

• Join YMCA Earth Service Corps

• Black background inspired by Blackle.• Polar Bear Commercial