Date post: | 27-May-2015 |
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Climate ChangeGlobal Warming &
TheGreenhouse Effect
Questions
1. Define the following concepts:- Climate Change- Global Warming- Greenhouse Effect
2. Present arguments based on data/evidence that the earth is actually warming.
3. What might be causing global warming?
4. Present counter arguments to the global warming debate.
5. What effects might global warming have on the earth and its inhabitants?
6. How might we solve the problem of the Greenhouse Effect?
Objectives
Define the terms: Climate Change, Greenhouse effect and Global Warming
List at least 3 causes of Global Warming State at least 3 facts that the earth is warmingExplain at least two reasons why you think that
the earth isn't warming.List at least 3 effects of global warming on the
earth and its inhabitants.State at least 5 ways in which global warming
can be reduced.
First of all, you should know that
weather and climate
are not the same thing.
Weather is:
Short term
Limited area
Can change rapidly
Difficult to predict
Climate is:
Long term
Wide area
Season changes
Measures over long spans of time
What is climate change?
Climate Change refers to any distinct change in measure of climate lasting for a long period of time.
What is the Greenhouse Effect
The 'greenhouse effect' takes place when certain gases in the atmosphere of the earth trap heat. The term 'greenhouse' is used because light is allowed to reach the earth, but most of the heat generated is not allowed to escape.
Examples of Greenhouse gases
• Water vapor (H2O)
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Nitrous oxide (N2O)
• Methane (CH4)
What is Global Warming
Global warming refers to the increase in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere.
Causes of Global Warming
Greenhouse gases increase through human activity
• Deforestation
• Use of fertilizers
• Burning of organic matter
• Burning of fossil fuels
• Uses of aerosol
Natural Causes
Solar Irradiance - energy out put from the sun
Volcanic Aerosols- volcanoes can contribute 130 and 230 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year
Arguments based on data/ evidence that the earth is actually warming
Arguments
The increase in global temperature over the past 50 years.
The increase in co2 is a result of human activities
Melting of glaciers and ice caps
Evidence- changes in weather patters & rising sea level
Flooding in Brazil (2009)
Flooding in lake district England
Widespread vanishing of animal populations
Spread of disease
Bleaching of Coral Reefs due to warming seas and acidification due to carbonic acid formation
Loss of Plankton due to warming seas
Heat waves and Droughts in Australia
Counter Arguments
- Earth may be warming but human activity is not responsible
Counter arguments
There were warmer periods in earth’s history
Fossil fuel and human activity does not contribute towards global warming
Computer models are not reliable in predicting weather changes.
The sun is responsible for global warming
Effects of global warming on earth & its inhabitants
- More powerful and dangerous hurricanes
- Drought and wildfire
- Intense rainstorms
- Bad air allergy & Asthma
Infectious Disease and Food and Waterborne Illness Outbreaks
- Ecosystem Shifts and Species Die-Off
- Melting Glaciers, Early Ice Thaw
- - Sea-Level Rise
Solutions for Global Warming
Reduce the usage of electrical appliances which emits green house gases.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Replanting of trees
Insulation of the ceiling of a house
use only energy-efficient appliances
Consumption of organic food
Dry clothes on a clothes line only
Drive less and drive smart
How has Guyana contributed towards reducing global warming?
Encouraging the use of energy saving light bulbs
Encourages citizens to use energy wisely and conserve as much as possible
Introducing the use of Solar Panels
Low carbon development strategy (LCDS)
Conclusion