Understanding the Science of

Climate Change Calvert School

Sixth Grade Science

What Are Greenhouse Gases?

*Gases in our atmosphere that trap heat energy.

*Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone

*The most abundant and potent = Water Vapor!

*But the real questions is which greenhouse gases are natural and which are result of population growth and urbanization?

What about the Ozone Layer, Dude?

*Ozone is Oxygen 3, special gas that protects Earth from ultraviolet radiation.

*Although it is a greenhouse gas, it is not directly related Global Warming.

*Hole in ozone layer grew in 1970s as result of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) from fridges, aerosol, etc/.

*International laws eliminated CFCs and hole is now shrinking!

Greenhouse Effect?

*A natural effect that insulates Earth and keeps atmosphere warm

*As a result of influx of additional greenhouse gases (whether man-made or natural) global warming is increasing at a faster rate.

*Infrared radiation is bounced back to earth by insulating gases.

*According to textbook, over last 120 years average global temps have risen over 0.5 degree Celsius.

Videos!

“Futurama” Video

NASA Climate Change:A Warming World

Climate Change FlowChart

Natural Biological Emissions

& Man-Made Carbon

Emissions from Fossil Fuels

Influx of Greenhouse

Gases

Greenhouse Effect

Global Warming

Climate Change

Ecological Shifts that

Affect Us!Socially,

Financially, Economically,

Agriculturally, and Environmentally

Why Such a Political Issue?

Why Do You Think?

Who Might Say YES its man-made!

Who Might Say NO its natural!

Who is Right?

Does It Matter Who Is Right?

NOPE! Why?

What Can WE ALL Agree on?Brainstorm with classsmates

#1 We ALL Agree that …..

The USA Needs to be Energy

Independent!-USA is the third largest producer of oil, yet we still import over 60% of what we need!

#2 We ALL Agree that …..

Fossil Fuels Will Eventually Run

Out!In YOUR lifetime this is going to be a serious issue …. As the supplies start to dwindle, population will continue to grow …. What will happen to the price?

#3 We ALL Agree that …..

Conservation is Inherently a

Good ThingMaking things more efficient and reducing costs …. What’s the argument?

Effects of Climate Change

Coral Bleaching & Ocean pH

Weather & Hurricanes

Shrinking Ice Caps and Poles

Gulf Stream & Europe

The End