This document discusses global warming, defining it as a gradual increase in average global temperatures due to human emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane from activities like burning fossil fuels. It notes the scientific consensus that global temperatures have increased 0.4-0.8°C over the past 100 years. It then lists some of the major human activities that contribute to rising greenhouse gas levels and discusses potential effects of global warming like melting polar ice caps, more intense droughts and hurricanes, and economic consequences.
This document discusses global warming, defining it as a gradual increase in average global temperatures due to human emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane from activities like burning fossil fuels. It notes the scientific consensus that global temperatures have increased 0.4-0.8°C over the past 100 years. It then lists some of the major human activities that contribute to rising greenhouse gas levels and discusses potential effects of global warming like melting polar ice caps, more intense droughts and hurricanes, and economic consequences.
This document discusses global warming, defining it as a gradual increase in average global temperatures due to human emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane from activities like burning fossil fuels. It notes the scientific consensus that global temperatures have increased 0.4-0.8°C over the past 100 years. It then lists some of the major human activities that contribute to rising greenhouse gas levels and discusses potential effects of global warming like melting polar ice caps, more intense droughts and hurricanes, and economic consequences.
HUMAN ACTIVITIES AND GLOBAL WARMING STATISTICS OF GLOBAL WARMING EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
DEFINITION Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earths climate forever. While many view the effects of global warming to be more substantial and more rapidly occurring than others do, the scientific consensus on climatic changes related to global warming is that the average temperature of the Earth has risen between 0.4 and 0.8 C over the past 100 years. The increased volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, agriculture, and other human activities, are believed to be the primary sources of the global warming that has occurred over the past 50 years.
THE CAUSE OF GLOBAL WARMING Scientists have determined that a number of human activities are contributing to global warming by adding excessive amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide accumulate in the atmosphere and trap heat that normally would exit into outer space.
GREENHOUSE EFFECT THE IMPACT OF THE HUMAN ACTIVITIES
Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere by the burning of solid waste, wood and wood products, and fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal).
Nitrous oxide emissions occur during various agricultural and industrial processes, and when solid waste or fossil fuels are burned.
Methane is emitted when organic waste decomposes, whether in landfills or in connection with livestock farming. Methane emissions also occur during the production and transport of fossil fuels.
HUMAN CONTRIBUTIONTS IN INCREASING THE EMISSIONS OF GREENHOUSE GAS STATISTICS OF GLOBAL WARMING EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING 1. Polar ice caps melting:
First, it will raise sea levels.
Second, melting ice caps will throw the global ecosystem out of balance. The ice caps are fresh water, and when they melt they will desalinate the ocean.
Third, temperature rises and changing landscapes in the artic circle will endanger several species of animals.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING 2. Increased probability and intensity of droughts and heat waves
3. Warmer waters and more hurricanes
4. Economic consequences
There is a conference held in Copenhagen by the United Nations about the climate change and people are hoping that developed countries will come out with a solution to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. www.en.cop15.dk Any Questions ?!