Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Global Climate Change Fact & Fiction True – False? • The “Greenhouse Effect” is GOOD for life on planet Earth Question • What exactly are fossil fuels? Word Game • Put these words into two appropriate groups: • Infrared rays (IR) • Visible light • Ultra-violet * Ozone * CO2 * Greenhouse Effect Word Game • Ozone Depletion • Greenhouse Effect BIG QUESTION • What are the scientific FACTS regarding the Greenhouse Effect/Global Climate change???? FACT #1 • The Carbon Cycle (See board) Humans DO engage in activities which affect atmospheric CO2 e.g. combustion of fossil fuels, deforestation, lowering rates of photosynthesis Not in dispute!! Fact #2 • Greenhouse Effect Verified by: – Actual greenhouses – Hot car/ cold day phenomenon – Greenhouse gasses on Earth and other planets Not in dispute!! Review: The Greenhouse Effect Step 1: Earth’s surface absorbs shortwavelength solar radiation (visible lights), and become warmer Step 2: Earth’s surface re-radiates the energy as long-wavelength radiation (heat) Fact #3 • Does life on planet Earth benefit from the GE? • Would life on planet Earth benefit from an enhanced GE? Fact #4 • IF carbon dioxide levels rise, more heat (IR) will be trapped Not in dispute! Fact #5 • Carbon dioxide levels ARE rising….. therefore………….. Not in dispute Hawaii Data: Global CO2 levels! • Carbon Dioxide Levels ARE increasing Did you note TODAY’s level of CO2 on the last slide? How does that compare historically? CO2, Greenhouse Effect, and Global Warming Today: CO2 concentration in our atmosphere is 0.037 % or 370 ppm Review Global Carbon Dioxide levels ARE rising…. Therefore…… More heat IS being trapped With respect to average temperature 1940-1980 Global average temperature 1855-2002 Rocky Mountains Fact #6 • Carbon dioxide is increasing at a RATE higher than any natural cycle ever recorded • Current levels of CO2 are higher than in all of recorded history Long term Ice Core Data Source: OSTP Change in CO2 and Temperature • Source: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/pastcc_fig1.html Fact #7 • Climates are determined by atmospheric and oceanic convection currents Not in dispute! Fact #8 • If you increased the amount of IR (heat) being trapped, you will alter the convection currents Not in dispute! Uncertainties #1-4 • How MUCH will the convection currents be altered? • What areas of the globe will be hotter/colder/wetter/drier? • How MUCH of the ice sheets will melt? • How HIGH will sea level rise due to thermal expansion & melting ice? Fact #9 The global climate IS changing! And this is called the THEORY of Global Climate Change because the evidence is so diverse….. For example, area of Arctic Ice cap: is the increased greenhouse effect; I'd bet the mortgage it Mark Serreze, NSIDC • • ARCTIC SEA ICE EXTENT - SEPTEMBER TREND, 1978-2005 The area covered by sea ice Arctic Ice Area Data: Changes in Flowering Dates Data: Mismatch of Bird Nesting & Food Availability We have “Early Warning Signs” • Uncertainties #5 - 8 • • • • What can individuals do? What can our government do? Which actions are BEST to take? What are the consequences of inaction??? As of April 17, 2007 • Question in front of UN Security Council: Is Global Climate Change a threat to global security???????? December 7, 2009 • What is going on TODAY in Copenhagen????????