Global Climate Change Milankovitch Cycle

 The sun transfers heat to the Earth through radiation.  Milutin Milankovitch, born in 1879 and died in 1958, is a
 It absorb in the form of long wave energy called infrared Serbian astronomer, explain the past climatic change.
(IR) light.  Have 3 cycles:
 If all the heat is release into the outer space, our planet  1st Cycle: Precession
would be a very cold planet with a temperature -18°C.  Takes into account that as the Earth rotates on
 Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide it’s axis.
are called greenhouse gases because they cause the  It wobbles or vibrates like a spinning top.
greenhouse effect.  2 Cycle: Obliquity
nd

 Three key factors which sustain life on Earth:  Takes about 41,000 years to complete.
 Solar Energy  Takes into account that changes in the Earth’s
 Biogeochemical Cycles tilt.
 Gravity  3rd Cycle: Eccentricity
 Not new to our planet  Deals with the changes in the shape of the
Earth’s orbit around the sun.
Montreal Protocol  Within 100,00 years, the Earth’s orbit changes
 Signed in September 17, 1987 in Montreal, Canada from elliptical to circular.
 Diminished the use of CFCs  The more eccentric, the greater is the
 24 countries initially signed but after 20 years, it became difference.
191 countries who signed the protocol. Ice Core
 In 1985, group of scientists and government
representatives from different countries met in Vienna,  When a more potent GHG like CH4 was analyzed, it
Austria. showed a strong correlation with changing temperature.
 Banned the CFCs by 2010

Incoming Solar Radiation

 Scientists believe that solar radiation is one of the

important factors in the climate changes.
The Signs of Global Warming How can we help stop the Global Warming

 Historical accounts are based on the recorded accounts
by people who described environmental situations in the
past. (1st Method)
 Tree ring analysis makes use of the annual growth rings of
trees which may be thicker or thinner, depending on the
past climate. (2nd Method)
 Ice Core Analysis makes use of ice extracted from the
glacier’s depth. (3rd Method)
 Ocean sediment analysis makes use of remnants of
organism which once lived on land, and indicated past
temperatures. (4th Method)
 Phenology is the study of the time of recurring natural
phenomena especially in relation to climate. (5th
Method)
 There were studies that link increasing Co2 concentration
with raising global temperature.
 Use energy-efficient electrical appliances
 Use electrical appliances efficiently
 Do not let any electrical appliance “sleep”
 Campaign for the use of renewable energy resources
 Do not throw away garbage
The Ozone Hole
 Not exactly a hole but a much thinner layer.
 Made up of ozone molecules which are gaseous spread
out over the stratosphere approximately 20 km to 30 km.
 The concentration over the Earth’s surface varies from
one location to another.
 Caused by the special weather conditions in the area.
 In this warmer season, the ozone hole disappears again
 1980s when the ozone hole was first observed

Kyoto Protocol HCFC- hydrochlorofluorocarbon

 About 10 years ago, some scientists doubted the role of
GHGs in climate change.
HFC- hydrofluorocarbon
 Established in 1988 by the World Organization and the
HC- hydrocarbon
United Nations Environment Programme, the IPCC is
mostly made up of scientists who study about climate
CFC- chlorofluorocarbon
change and represent different governments.
 Was established in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.
 148 governments ratified the Kyoto Protocol
 36 developed countries committed
 5% reduce of the 1990 levels to reduce their collective
emissions of 6 key GHGs
 Was entered into force in 2005 and will end in 2012
 Kyoto Protocol II after 2012