The Effect of Humans

On Ecosystems and Biological Cycles

Changes to the Atmosphere  The atm is a greenhouse  Normal atm composition maintains global temperature  Too much Carbon Dioxide in atm will increase global temperature.

 Carbon dioxide traps suns rays rather than reflecting them back into space - global warming

 CO 2 Increase Due to Human Activities Carbon dioxide has increased by 30% since the industrial revolution  Canadians release 18 000 kg of carbon dioxide/person/year  Why?

 Burning fossil fuels (gas, coal, oil) for energy (factories, homes, workplaces) and transportation   Aerosols Deforestation

Global Climate Change  Warmer atm influences: 1) Sea levels rise (melting ice caps and glaciers) -flooding of low lying areas and coastal regions -higher tides; coastline erosion -salt water can enter wetland ecosystems (some species may die out while others flourish)

Global Climate Change 2) Higher Ocean Temperatures -shift in ocean population -algae blooms -decreased fish population, species may die out

Global Climate Change 3) More Energy in the ATM -severe weather: storms, tornadoes, hurricanes -floods -droughts (increase in Forrest Fires) This will impact AGRICULTURE, HUMAN HEALTH, and PROPERTY.

BC Forest Fires Hurricane Katrina

Global Climate Change 4) A Shift in Carbon Cycle -increased photosynthesis -some plants growing faster -others may not grow due to higher temperatures -may change nature of agricultural crops (weeds?)

Global Climate Change 5) Human Health: -increase in viruses and bacteria that prefer warm climates e.g. malaria -respiratory illness due to increased pollutants in air; swelling due to heat

 Nitrogen Increase Due to Human Activity Sewage plants and crop fertilizers release nitrous oxides into the atmosphere  More nitrogen is being added to the environment than ecosystems can use  Excess nitrogen in soil increases soil acidity and damages tree and plant roots  Eutrophication of lakes when nitrogen compounds build up due to sewage plant wastes; increase algae growth

Acid Rain -caused by burning of fossil fuels -nitric acid and sulfur dioxide released -acidify lakes -species that cannot tolerate acidic environment die out (Maple trees) -degrades limestone buildings

What Can You Do to Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

    Be power smart - unplug, turn off lights Walk, bus, carpool Fuel efficient vehicles (not SUVs) Purchase energy efficient appliances   Recycle - reusable energy Plant trees near your home

A Few Interesting Facts  If people let their dishes air dry instead of using the heat setting on their dishwashers, we could decrease CO 2 emissions by 200 pounds/year/household  Painting houses dark colors in cool climates and light colors in warm climates decreases CO 2 emissions by 5000 pounds/year/house

How Much Carbon Dioxide Does Our Class Emit Getting to School?

 Estimate the distance to school:   Charleswood: 3.5miles

Waverly/Lindenwoods: 2.5 miles  Pembina: 5 miles away

Identify Transportation Method Miles/gallon Compact car 24 Pounds CO2/gallon 20 Fullsized car Truck/van Bus 16 13 8 20 21 22