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Global Warming
November 17th, 2006
Student Meteorologists: Brian Kerschner and Kristin Ketchell
Let’s Start With The
Atmosphere…
What is the atmosphere?
• A “bubble” of gases and water vapor
surrounding the Earth from the surface out
15 miles! That’s 80,000 feet!
• The atmosphere is made of gases like
Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, Oxygen, etc.
•There are other gases present in the
atmosphere called Greenhouse Gases.
Some examples are Carbon Dioxide,
Methane, Ozone, Nitrous Oxide, and most
importantly…water vapor.
So…What Does The Atmosphere Have To
Do With Global Warming?
Gases in the atmosphere are responsible for what is known as the
Greenhouse Effect.
We Can Think Of The Greenhouse
Effect Like This…
The Greenhouse Effect
The Natural Greenhouse Effect is when gases in
our atmosphere trap heat from the Sun and keep the
Earth warm. When operating naturally, the
Greenhouse Effect keeps Earth's climate at a stable
temperature and makes it possible for humans and
animals to live.
The Enhanced Greenhouse Effect is the rise
in the temperature of the Earth because of certain
Greenhouse Gases present in the atmosphere.
Human activity, fossil fuel emissions,
deforestation, and pollution all contribute to the
enhanced greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse Gases act as a
blanket around the Earth.
They allow the energy from
the Sun to enter the
atmosphere and reach the
Earth, but when the Earth
releases some of that energy,
Greenhouse Gases absorb it
and prevent it from escaping,
causing temperatures to rise.
Greenhouse Gases
Most people believe that Carbon Dioxide is the most dangerous
and important Greenhouse Gas, when in fact, water vapor has a
larger effect on Global Warming.
Water vapor is always present
in the atmosphere. It is
naturally released into the
atmosphere by Evaporation.
Water vapor is responsible for
regulating the temperature of
the Earth, which is why it is so
important.
Present Effects of Global
Warming…
In the past 100 years:
• The average temperature of the
Earth has increased by 1◦ F
• Some glaciers have begun to melt
• Sea levels have risen 6 – 8 inches
• Ecosystems have had to migrate
to more comfortable climates to be
able to survive.
Future Effects of Global Warming
Future Effects of Global Warming
1. By the year 2050, sea levels are expected to rise 1 foot.
2. By the year 2030, the average temperature of the Earth is expected to rise 3.6◦F
3. Melting of Polar Ice Caps and Glaciers
4. Increases in hurricanes and tropical storms
5. Severe droughts in parts of the world
6. Increased rainfall in other parts of the world
7. Loss of unique ecosystems
8. Loss of crops that cannot survive in hotter climates
9. Spread of diseases and bacteria – they love hot, wet climates
10. Increased forest and wildlife fires
What Is Being Done About Global
Warming?
Kyoto Protocol:
It was developed to prevent harmful effects of global warming in the
future.
Countries around the world signed the document and promised to reduce
greenhouse gases.
Over 150 countries around the world signed it, including Mexico, Canada,
the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Can you guess which major country did NOT sign the document?
Answer: The United States! Can you believe it?
What Is Being Done About Global
Warming?
In 1988, the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) was created.
This panel looks over environmental, social,
economic and scientific information on climate
change.
We receive much of our information on
climate change from this panel.
What Can You Do To Help?
1. Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
2. Turn off your computer or the TV when you’re not using it.
3. Take shorter showers. Heating water uses energy.
4. Walk or ride a bike short distances instead of asking for a ride in a car.
5. The 3R’s – REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
6. Plant a tree
7. Become more educated about global warming issues
8. Tell someone else about the importance of understanding global warming
9. Write to your local Congressperson to find out what they are doing to help
stop global warming
10.Become a meteorologist at Millersville University!
Question #1
There is only one gas that
causes the greenhouse effect.
True or False
Answer : False
Question #2
Which is not a greenhouse gas?
Water Vapor
Hydrogen
Methane
Ozone
Answer: Hydrogen
Question #3
Without the greenhouse effect would
the Earth be colder or warmer?
Answer: Colder (Below 0○F)
Question #4
The greenhouse effect and the
hole in the ozone layer are the
same thing?
True or False
Answer: False
Question #5
How much has the Earth
warmed over the past 100
years?
1○F
2○F
3○F
Answer: 1○F
Question #6
The greenhouse effect will cause…
Sea levels to rise
Sea levels to fall
Sea levels to stay the same
Answer: Sea levels to rise
Question #7
What is not a future effect of global
warming?
Increased forest fires
Loss of ecosystems
More crops and farmland
Melting ice caps
Answer: More crops and farmland
Question #8
How much has the sea level
risen in the past 100 years?
2 – 4 inches
3 – 5 inches
6 – 8 inches
Answer: 6 - 8 inches
Question #9
Which country did NOT sign the Kyoto Protocol?
United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Mexico
France
Answer: United States
Question #10
Name one thing you can do to help
prevent global warming…
Thank You For Listening!
Does Anyone Have Any Questions?
Visit our website!
www.MillersvilleMeteorology.org