You are on page 1of 37

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Lets fit the pieces together to save the climate

Global Climate Change


Identifiable change in the climate of Earth as a whole that lasts for an extended period of time (decades or longer)
When due to natural processes, it is usually referred to as global climate variability Usually refers to changes forced by human activities that change the atmosphere

What causes Earths climate to change?


Natural processes
Volcanoes Tectonic plate movement Changes in the sun

Human activities any activity that releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere

What are greenhouse gases?


Any gases that cause the greenhouse effect!

Imagine a car on a cool but sunny day!

Increasing greenhouse gases trap more heat

Observed Changes and Effects

Why should we care?

Warming of Climate
Warming of the climate is definitely occurring and can be observed by the:
Increases in global sea and air temperatures Widespread melting of snow and ice Rising global sea level

Temperature Change Data

1880-1884

1886-1890 1880-1884

1896-1900

1906-1910

1916-1920

1926-1930

1936-1940

1946-1950

1956-1960

1966-1970

1976-1980

1986-1990

1996-2000

2003-2007

Other Observed Changes and Effects


89% of current changes in ecosystems are consistent with changes expected due to global climate change Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide levels in atmosphere have increased greatly due to human activities since 1750 and now far exceed previous levels. Carbon dioxide has increased by approximately 80% since 1970.

Human-Produced Greenhouse Gas Levels

Most of the observed increase in global average temperature since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in humancaused greenhouse gas concentrations and human influences have very likely contributed to sea level rise, too.

Warming and sea level rise will continue and will probably occur more quickly than what weve already seen Even if greenhouse gases are stabilized, this will probably continue to occur for centuries Some effects may be permanent

Effects on Ecosystems Coral systems cannot handle higher temperatures well Wildfires will increase Up to 30% of species will be at increased risk for extinction due to the rapid changes in their ecosystems

Effects on the world :


Increased rain: will actually help some crops Heat waves will increase in number, length, and intensity Coastal communities will be affected by increased flooding and storms

What can we do ?
Produce more fuel-efficient vehicles Reduce vehicle use Improve energy-efficiency in buildings Develop carbon capture and storage processes Triple nuclear power Increase solar power Decrease deforestation/plant forests Improve soil carbon management strategies

THANK YOU

You might also like