Global Climate ChangeGlobal Climate Change

Fact & FictionFact & Fiction

True – False?True – False?

• The “Greenhouse Effect” is GOOD for life on planet Earth

QuestionQuestion

• What exactly are fossil fuels?

Word GameWord Game

• Put these words into two appropriate groups:

• Infrared rays (IR) * Ozone

• Visible light * CO2

• Ultra-violet * Greenhouse Effect

Word GameWord Game

• Ozone Depletion • Greenhouse Effect

BIG QUESTIONBIG QUESTION

• What are the scientific FACTS regarding the Greenhouse Effect/Global Climate change????

FACT #1FACT #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 #2Fact #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 EffectReview: The Greenhouse Effect

Step 1: Earth’s surface absorbs short-wavelength solar radiation (visible lights), and become warmer

Step 2: Earth’s surface re-radiates the energy as long-wavelength radiation (heat)

Fact #3Fact #3

• Does life on planet Earth benefit from the GE?

• Would life on planet Earth benefit from an enhanced GE?

Fact #4Fact #4

• IF carbon dioxide levels rise, more heat (IR) will be trapped

Not in dispute!

Fact #5Fact #5

• Carbon dioxide levels ARE rising…..

therefore…………..

Not in dispute

Hawaii Data: Global CO2 levels!Hawaii Data: Global CO2 levels!

•

Carbon Dioxide Levels ARE Carbon Dioxide Levels ARE increasingincreasing

Did you note TODAY’s level of CO2 on the last slide?

How does that compare historically?

COCO22, Greenhouse Effect, , Greenhouse Effect,

and Global Warmingand Global Warming

Today: CO2 concentration in our atmosphere is 0.037 % or 370 ppm

ReviewReview

Global Carbon Dioxide levels ARE rising….

Therefore……

More heat IS being trappedMore heat IS being trapped

With respect to average temperature 1940-1980

Global average temperature 1855-2002Global average temperature 1855-2002

Rocky MountainsRocky Mountains

Fact #6Fact #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 DataLong term Ice Core Data

Source: OSTP

Change in CO2 and TemperatureChange in CO2 and Temperature

•Source: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/pastcc_fig1.html

Fact #7Fact #7

• Climates are determined by atmospheric and oceanic convection currents

Not in dispute!

Fact #8Fact #8

• If you increased the amount of IR (heat) being trapped, you will alter the convection currents

Not in dispute!

Uncertainties #1-4Uncertainties #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 #9Fact #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 Arctic Ice Area

Data: Changes in Flowering DatesData: Changes in Flowering Dates

Data: Mismatch of Bird Nesting & Food Data: Mismatch of Bird Nesting & Food AvailabilityAvailability

We have “Early Warning Signs”We have “Early Warning Signs”

•

Uncertainties #5 - 8Uncertainties #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, 2007As of April 17, 2007

• Question in front of UN Security Council:

Is Global Climate Change a threat to global security????????

December 7, 2009December 7, 2009

• What is going on TODAY in Copenhagen????????