The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change

(which includes Global Warming)

The Greenhouse Effect

Good Bad

Global Warming

Good Bad

Water Vapor

Carbon Dioxide

Methane

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