Greenhouse Gases Global Warming
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Transcript of Greenhouse Gases Global Warming
Greenhouse Gases &Global Warming GREENHOUSE GASES Why Is Our
Climate Changing
GREENHOUSE GASES Why Is Our Climate Changing?The Earth's climate
changes through natural processes, but also as a result of our
society's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. GHGs, such as carbon
dioxide and methane, have an insulating effect on our atmosphere.
Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gases
Anthropogenic: resulting from human activity of carbon dioxide
released due to human influence ends up in the atmosphere.
Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
Atmospheric composition: Nitrogen: 78.09% Oxygen: 20.9% Argon:
0.93% Carbon dioxide: 0.035% All other gases: 0.05% Common GHGs:
water vapour (H2O) carbon dioxide (CO2) methane (CH4) nitrous oxide
(N2O) ozone (O3) halocarbons (CFCs, HFCs, etc.) Carbon Dioxide in
the Atmosphere
Largely created by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
Fossil fuels are used in transportation, heating, electricity,
industry. Carbon Dioxide Removal
Much of this carbon dioxide is captured by forests during
photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6+ 6O2 Carbon dioxide + water
glucose + oxygen Trees therefore act as CARBON SINKs, as they
remove carbon from the atmosphere. 10% of carbon dioxide emissions
are due to deforestation stored CO2 is released and carbon sink is
removed. Methane (CH4) Methane is 25 times more effective as a
greenhouse gas than CO2. This means that although methane is less
abundant than CO2, its presence has a major impact on heat
absorption in the atmosphere. Methane (CH4) Agricultural
Activities- rice farming, cattle ranching
Bacterial decay in landfills and sewage treatment plants Coal
mining Natural Gas Extraction Slash and Burn clearcutting of
forests. Nitrous Oxide (N2O) livestock feed and waste Nitrogen
fertilizers
Industrial processes Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
No natural sources Refrigerants and Air conditioners Industrial
processes The Greenhouse Effect GHGs in our atmosphere keep the
sun's heat in and help make our planet livable. Without this
natural insulation, the average temperature on Earth would be -18C,
rather than 15C! Whats the Problem? Climate Explained (sort
of)
Environment Canada How does it affect us? Average temperatures in
Ontario could rise by as much as 8C. How does it affect us? Less
snow but more freezing rain
a threat to transmission lines, road and airline safety. How does
it affect us? More extremely hot days (above 35C)
increasing the risk of heat stress-related illness among the old,
the young and those with chronic lung diseases such as asthma. How
does it affect us? Changes in wildlife habitats and crop yields,
requiring more irrigation and increasing the risk of warm climate
diseases such as Lyme and West Nile diseases and malaria. How does
it affect us? A drop in Great Lakes water levels by as much as one
metre by 2050, affecting shipping, fisheries, water quality, water
intake systems in our cities and shoreline property. What Can We
Expect? CIDA NFB NFB IISD What Can We Do? Environment Canada
Consolidate List 6 major greenhouse gases.
Describe 2 natural and 2 anthropogenic sources of GHGs. Using a
labeled diagram, explain the greenhouse effect. Describe in detail
2 ways in which an increase in GHGs will affect life on Earth.
Provide 2 examples of changes you can make in your everyday life
that will decrease GHG emissions. Natural vs. Anthropogenic
Natural Sources: Volcanic eruptions Water vapour Forest fires
Decomposition of carbonate rocks Methane emissions from swamps and
marshes. Anthropogenic Sources: Energy from burning of fossil fuels
(transportation, heating & cooling, manufacturing)
Deforestation Methane from agriculture, mining, landfills, etc.