Global Warming Lawrence Lee, Gajan P. Nathan, Khadafy Mob

What is Global Warming?

 The gradual rise in average temperature:  atmosphere  oceans  landmasses of the Earth

Temperatures of the Earth   Average surface temperature is 15 °C Average temperature rose about 0.6

°C in the last 100 years  Average temperature may rise from 1.4 to 5.8

°C by 2100

Temperatures of the Earth  Accelerated warming during the last 20 years  Much of the increase in temperature within the past 50 years is caused by human activities

Natural Causes of Global Warming  More Cows= More Methane  Volcanic eruptions release carbon dioxide

Human Causes of Global Warming  Burning of fossil fuels, such as oil and coal  Build up of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide helps insulate terrestrial radiation

The Greenhouse Gases  Carbon Dioxide  Burning of solid waste, fossil fuels, and wood

The Greenhouse Gases  Methane  Released during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil  Nitrous Oxide  Released from agricultural and industrial activities

The Greenhouse Gases  Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)  From heavy Industries  Perflurocarbons and Sulfur Hexafluoride (PFCs) and (SF6)  From heavy Industries

Impacts on the Atmosphere  More frequent and intense storms  Worldwide precipitation increased by 1%

Impact on the Lithosphere  Soil Moisture likely to decline  Increase in soil erosion

Impacts on the Hydrosphere   Glaciers will melt faster  Contributes to the rise of sea level Sea levels may rise 9 to 88 cm in the 21 st century

Impact on the Hydrosphere  Changes coastal ecosystems  Possibly more flooding

Impact on the Biosphere  The rate of extinctions may increase  Areas with more subtle/tolerable temperatures will decrease  More diseases infecting humans

General Impacts of Global Warming?

 Possibly longer growing seasons and more rainfall in colder regions (i.e. Southern Canada)  More insects will plague the farms  Possibly more plant diseases

Possible Solutions  Reduce the production of greenhouse gases  Initiate reforestation projects

Possible Solutions  Store Carbon Dioxide underground  Use fuels that release less Carbon Dioxide  Use alternative energy that release no Carbon Dioxide (i.e. Nuclear Energy)

Possible Solutions  Conserve energy  Impose heavy taxes on energy usage  Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Global Example  The increase in temperature has contributed to the melting of glaciers in the Arctic  Sea level has risen and the fresh water supply will decrease

Regional Example  Rising temperature contributes to the increasing number of hurricanes

Local Example  Increase in the number of forest fires in BC  Increase evaporation

Works Cited    Hart, John. “Global Warming.” MSN Encarta Encyclopedia. Microsoft Corporation. 08 May 2004 “Global Warming.” World Book Encyclopedia. 2001 ed.: 232-233.

“Global Warming – Climate.” EPA’s Global Warming Site. 07 Jan. 2000. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 07 May 2004