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