Global Warming Basics

GLOBAL WARMINGBASICS

What is global warming?

Global warming is when the earth heats up. 

It happens when greenhouse gases such asIt happens when greenhouse gases such as

,water vapor,water vaporcarbon dioxidecarbon dioxide

and methaneand methane

trap heat and light from the sun in the earth’s atmosphere, which increases the temperature. 

trap heat and light from the sun in the earth’s atmosphere, which increases the temperature. 

,nitrous oxide,nitrous oxide

The Sun’s energy passes through the car’s windshield.

This energy (heat) is trapped inside the car and cannot pass back through the windshield, causing the inside of the car to warm up.

Greenhouse Effect

Effects of Global Warming

5. Spread of disease

As northern countries warm, disease carrying insects migrate north, bringing plague and disease with them.

As the temperature of oceans rise, so will the probability of more frequent and stronger hurricanes.

4. Warmer waters and more hurricanes

3. Increased probability and intensity of droughts and heat waves

Hurricanes and diseases cost money which affect a country’s economy

2. Economic Consequences

1. Polar ice caps melting

• Raise sea levels.

• Raise temperatures

• Affect Wildlife

Wildlife Effects

• Polar Bears– Require pack ice to live– Might eventually go extinct in the wild

• Sea turtles– Breed on the same islands as

their birth– Could go extinct on some islands

as beaches are flooded

• Other species may go extinct as rainfall patterns change throughout the world

• Polar Bears– Require pack ice to live– Might eventually go extinct in the wild

• Sea turtles– Breed on the same islands as

their birth– Could go extinct on some islands

as beaches are flooded

• Other species may go extinct as rainfall patterns change throughout the world

What’s the proof that global

warming is taking place?

Drought in Africa

Lake FaguibineLake Faguibine Lake ChadLake Chad

19142004

Portage Glacier, Alaska

June 2002

Colorado River, Arizona

Dec 2003

Why is global warming

happening?

Rapid CO2 IncreasesRapid CO2 Increases

Burning of Fossil Fuels in plants, factories, cars and houses

Methane from rice paddies both ends of animals, garbage in landfills and mining operations

Nitrous oxide from fertilizers and other chemicals

Possible Solutions to Global Warming

Mitigation of Global Warming

• Conservation– Reduce energy needs– Recycling

• Alternate energy sources– Nuclear– Wind– Geothermal– Hydroelectric– Solar– Fusion

Together we can make a big change!Together we can make a big change!

• Keep rooms cool by closing the blinds, shades, or curtains.

• Conserve electricity! DO NOT leave appliances on standby

• Conserve electricity! DO NOT leave appliances on standby

• Turn off the lights when you leave. • Turn off the lights when you leave.

• Use CFLs

IncandescentCompact

FluorescentWhat’s the difference?

•1,430 lbs. CO2

Pollution avoided

•500 lbs. of coal

•1400 Php saved•1400 Php saved

•Avoid turning up the air conditioner. Instead dress lightly or

use a fan.

•Avoid turning up the air conditioner. Instead dress lightly or

use a fan.

•Keep the air filters on your AC clean.•Keep the air filters on your AC clean.

•Walk short distances instead of asking for ride in the car.

•Walk short distances instead of asking for ride in the car.

•Plant a tree•Plant a tree •Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

•Reduce, Reuse, Recycle