SEC23 GEOG Chapt10 Global Warming

CHAPTER 10CHAPTER 10

Global Warming and Global Warming and

Ozone DepletionOzone Depletion

Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes Learning OutcomesLearning Outcomes

You Will Learn:

• to describe the extent of global warming and ozone depletion

• to describe the causes and consequences of global warming

and ozone depletion

• to evaluate the measures to reduce the impact of global

warming and ozone depletion

You Will Learn:

• to describe the extent of global warming and ozone depletion

• to describe the causes and consequences of global warming

and ozone depletion

• to evaluate the measures to reduce the impact of global

warming and ozone depletion

1. Human activities are the likely cause of the changes in the Earth’s atmosphere. These activities, which release huge amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, have caused global temperatures to rise and altered the Earth’s climate patterns.

2. The increase in extreme weather events will take away more lives, destroy property and infrastructure, and cause frequent environmental disasters like droughts and floods.

Lead-in: Extreme Weather (Answers)

Lead-in: Extreme Weather (Answers)

Lead-in: Extreme WeatherLead-in: Extreme WeatherExtension activity: Killer Hurricanes

Year 2005 was dubbed by scientists around the world as the Year of the Hurricane. Never before had the Atlantic Ocean experienced 27 tropical storms in a year, of which seven made landfall in the USA. Storms are also getting more powerful and occurring more frequently. What could be the cause for the increase in tropical storms? How did they affect people and the environment?

Hurricane Katrina (Aug 28 2005)

Massive destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina

Changes in the Earth’s ClimateChanges in the Earth’s ClimateChanges in the Earth’s ClimateChanges in the Earth’s Climate

• In the last 150 years, global temperatures have been rising and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached phenomenal levels.

• The ozone layer over the Polar regions has depleted to alarmingly low levels since the 1950s. Studies conducted by NASA have shown that ozone depletion over the Antarctic and Arctic regions will be at its worst between 2010 and 2019.

• In the last 150 years, global temperatures have been rising and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached phenomenal levels.

• The ozone layer over the Polar regions has depleted to alarmingly low levels since the 1950s. Studies conducted by NASA have shown that ozone depletion over the Antarctic and Arctic regions will be at its worst between 2010 and 2019.

Ice cover in the Arctic sea has decreased dramatically due to rising global temperatures.

1979

2005

Source: NASA

The Greenhouse EffectThe Greenhouse EffectThe Greenhouse EffectThe Greenhouse Effect

• Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere which trap heat from the Sun’s rays. Examples of greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

• Greenhouse gases are gases in the atmosphere which trap heat from the Sun’s rays. Examples of greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

• The natural process in which greenhouse gases trap heat from the Sun’s rays in the atmosphere is termed the greenhouse effect. It warms the atmosphere and sustains life on the Earth.

• The natural process in which greenhouse gases trap heat from the Sun’s rays in the atmosphere is termed the greenhouse effect. It warms the atmosphere and sustains life on the Earth.

Why do you think the Earth’s natural warming process is named the greenhouse effect?

Global WarmingGlobal WarmingGlobal WarmingGlobal Warming

• As a result, average global temperatures around the world have increased. This is known as global warming.

• As a result, average global temperatures around the world have increased. This is known as global warming.

• Due to the rapid increase in the amount of greenhouse gases, more heat is trapped in the atmosphere, causing the phenomenon known as the enhanced greenhouse effect.

• Due to the rapid increase in the amount of greenhouse gases, more heat is trapped in the atmosphere, causing the phenomenon known as the enhanced greenhouse effect.

• The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased dramatically over the last two centuries because of industrialisation and other human activities.

• The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased dramatically over the last two centuries because of industrialisation and other human activities.

Causes of global warmingCauses of global warmingCauses of global warmingCauses of global warmingSources of carbon dioxide: Burning fossil fuels in cars, factories and power plants

Sources of CFCs: Aerosol cans, air-conditioners, refrigerators, plastic forms

Sources of methane: Landfills, rice paddies, guts of cattle

Sources of nitrous oxides: Vehicle exhaust pipes, fertilisers, livestock wastes

Increase in greenhouse

gas emissions

due to human activities

• Not all places on the Earth experience the same temperature increase due to global warming.

• The Poles experience higher temperature increases than the Equator.

• The reflectivity of ice plays a crucial role in reflecting sunlight back into space.

• Not all places on the Earth experience the same temperature increase due to global warming.

• The Poles experience higher temperature increases than the Equator.

• The reflectivity of ice plays a crucial role in reflecting sunlight back into space.

Extent of global warmingExtent of global warming

• Ice reflects about 80-90% of sunlight back into space. As the ice in the Polar regions melts due to global warming, the darker-coloured ocean bodies absorb more sunlight.

• Thus, global warming is more pronounced in the Polar regions.

• Ice reflects about 80-90% of sunlight back into space. As the ice in the Polar regions melts due to global warming, the darker-coloured ocean bodies absorb more sunlight.

• Thus, global warming is more pronounced in the Polar regions.

Consequences of global warmingConsequences of global warmingConsequences of global warmingConsequences of global warming

Severe droughtSevere flooding

Changes in weather conditions• Prolonged droughts in dry regions• Frequent heat waves• Severe flooding in wet regions

Changes in weather conditions• Prolonged droughts in dry regions• Frequent heat waves• Severe flooding in wet regions


Impact on plants• Change in rainfall and temperature patterns

affect vegetation growth around the worldImpact on animals• Reduction in ice cover affects the natural

habitats of polar bears and Adelie penguins and force them to migrate or face extinction.

Impact on plants• Change in rainfall and temperature patterns

affect vegetation growth around the worldImpact on animals• Reduction in ice cover affects the natural

habitats of polar bears and Adelie penguins and force them to migrate or face extinction.

A polar bear threads what was once solid ice. Polar bears are drowning as warmer waters have widened the distance between ice floes.


Impact on people• Rising temperatures in the Tropics allow

mosquitoes to thrive, causing the spread of diseases like dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever

• Heat waves cause people to die of dehydration or heat stroke.

Impact on people• Rising temperatures in the Tropics allow

mosquitoes to thrive, causing the spread of diseases like dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever

• Heat waves cause people to die of dehydration or heat stroke.

A nurse tends to a heat wave victim in Pakistan as temperatures soar to as high as 45 degrees Celsius.

Coastal cities like Miami, Florida, along the US East Coast are threatened by the possibility of flooding due to the rising sea levels caused by global warming.

Consequences of global warmingConsequences of global warming

Rising sea levels• As the seas expand and ice in the Polar

regions melts due to rising temperatures, sea levels around the world will increase.

• Low-lying coastal wetlands and islands, coral reefs and parts of the world’s coastal cities will be subjected to flooding.

Rising sea levels• As the seas expand and ice in the Polar

regions melts due to rising temperatures, sea levels around the world will increase.

• Low-lying coastal wetlands and islands, coral reefs and parts of the world’s coastal cities will be subjected to flooding.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Miami, Florida, USA

Consequences of global warmingConsequences of global warming

Rising sea levels• Agricultural lowlands and deltas in parts of

Bangladesh, India, and China, where most of the world’s rice is grown, will be flooded.

• Low-lying islands in the Pacific Ocean (e.g. Marshall Islands) and the Indian Ocean (e.g. Maldives) will be submerged under the rising sea levels.

• Natural habitats and ecosystems along coastal areas will be at risk (e.g. French Polynesia).

Rising sea levels• Agricultural lowlands and deltas in parts of

Bangladesh, India, and China, where most of the world’s rice is grown, will be flooded.

• Low-lying islands in the Pacific Ocean (e.g. Marshall Islands) and the Indian Ocean (e.g. Maldives) will be submerged under the rising sea levels.

• Natural habitats and ecosystems along coastal areas will be at risk (e.g. French Polynesia).

Ozone DepletionOzone Depletion

• The ozone layer contains ozone gas and lies about 15 to 50 km above the Earth’s surface.

• It protects life on Earth by preventing about 95 per cent of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching the Earth’s surface.

• In 1985, scientists discovered that the ozone layer was so severely depleted to the extent that a gapping ‘hole’ had appeared in the ozone layer over the Antarctica.

• The ozone layer contains ozone gas and lies about 15 to 50 km above the Earth’s surface.

• It protects life on Earth by preventing about 95 per cent of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching the Earth’s surface.

• In 1985, scientists discovered that the ozone layer was so severely depleted to the extent that a gapping ‘hole’ had appeared in the ozone layer over the Antarctica.

• This gradual destruction of the ozone layer is known as ozone depletion.

• This gradual destruction of the ozone layer is known as ozone depletion.

Ozone hole over the Antarctic in 22 Sep 2004

Cause of ozone depletionCause of ozone depletion

• CFCs have been identified as the main cause of damage to the ozone layer.

• CFCs are mainly found in aerosol cans, refrigerators, air-conditioners and plastic foams.

• Once CFCs are released into the air, the chlorine in them reacts and destroys the ozone particles in the ozone layer.

• CFCs have been identified as the main cause of damage to the ozone layer.

• CFCs are mainly found in aerosol cans, refrigerators, air-conditioners and plastic foams.

• Once CFCs are released into the air, the chlorine in them reacts and destroys the ozone particles in the ozone layer.

Each CFC molecule can last up to 65-385 years in the atmosphere! In this time span, it can continuously destroy ozone particles.

Cause of ozone depletionCause of ozone depletion

• Although the ozone layer can replace itself over time as ozone is continually produced in the atmosphere, the rate of ozone depletion far exceeds that of its replacement.

• With the depletion of the ozone layer, huge amounts of UV rays can reach the Earth’s surface.

• This has severe consequences on animals, plants, and people.

• Although the ozone layer can replace itself over time as ozone is continually produced in the atmosphere, the rate of ozone depletion far exceeds that of its replacement.

• With the depletion of the ozone layer, huge amounts of UV rays can reach the Earth’s surface.

• This has severe consequences on animals, plants, and people.

UV rays reaching the Earth’s surface due to

ozone depletion

Extent of ozone depletionExtent of ozone depletion

• Since the 1980s, the ozone layer has been thinning throughout the world, with the exception of the Tropics.

• Ozone depletion is most severe over the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

• Generally, ozone depletion is greater at higher latitudes.

• Since the 1980s, the ozone layer has been thinning throughout the world, with the exception of the Tropics.

• Ozone depletion is most severe over the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

• Generally, ozone depletion is greater at higher latitudes.

Ozone depletion over the

Antarctic and Arctic

regions

Consequences of ozone depletion


Impact on animals and plants• The increase in UV radiation damages plant tissues and

may destroy crops, causing a decline in food supply.• Excessive UV radiation kills plankton, which is the food

for many marine animals. As a result, the survival of the marine animals dependent on plankton will be threatened.

• Fish supply could decrease and some marine species may face extinction.

Impact on animals and plants• The increase in UV radiation damages plant tissues and

may destroy crops, causing a decline in food supply.• Excessive UV radiation kills plankton, which is the food

for many marine animals. As a result, the survival of the marine animals dependent on plankton will be threatened.

• Fish supply could decrease and some marine species may face extinction.

Some species of whales feed on plankton to survive. Without plentiful plankton in the oceans, they may be pushed to the brink of extinction.



Impact on people• People may develop more severe sunburns, eye

cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens which reduces vision and if left untreated, may cause blindness), and skin cancers.

Impact on people• People may develop more severe sunburns, eye

cataracts (clouding of the eye’s lens which reduces vision and if left untreated, may cause blindness), and skin cancers.

• Excessive exposure to UV rays weakens the immune system, making people more vulnerable to illnesses and diseases.

• Excessive exposure to UV rays weakens the immune system, making people more vulnerable to illnesses and diseases.

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Ozone Depletion: International efforts

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Ozone Depletion: International efforts

Montreal Protocol (1987)• Signed by many countries around the world to reduce

the emissions of CFCs• The ozone layer is estimated to recover to 1980s levels

by 2050 and 1950 levels by 2100 if the world takes consistent preventive measures to ban the production and use of CFCs.

• However, due to the persistent nature and huge amounts of CFCs in the atmosphere, ozone recovery will take a long time.

Montreal Protocol (1987)• Signed by many countries around the world to reduce

the emissions of CFCs• The ozone layer is estimated to recover to 1980s levels

by 2050 and 1950 levels by 2100 if the world takes consistent preventive measures to ban the production and use of CFCs.

• However, due to the persistent nature and huge amounts of CFCs in the atmosphere, ozone recovery will take a long time.

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Global Warming: International

efforts

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Global Warming: International

efforts

Singapore signed the Kyoto Protocol in 2006.

Kyoto Protocol (1997)• Aims to reduce emissions of

carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide to about 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012

• However, some developed countries did not sign the treaty because they argue it will adversely affect the profits of their industries and cause many people to lose their jobs.

Kyoto Protocol (1997)• Aims to reduce emissions of

carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide to about 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012

• However, some developed countries did not sign the treaty because they argue it will adversely affect the profits of their industries and cause many people to lose their jobs.

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Global Warming: National

efforts


effortsUsing alternative sources of energy• Promoting the usage of vehicles that run on alternative

fuel (e.g. hybrid cars) which consume less fuel and emit less pollutants

• For example, Singapore introduced the Green Vehicle Rebate in 2001 to promote the use of ‘green’ cars.

• From 01January 2006, buyers of hybrid cars are also entitled to tax incentives and rebates.

Using alternative sources of energy• Promoting the usage of vehicles that run on alternative

fuel (e.g. hybrid cars) which consume less fuel and emit less pollutants

• For example, Singapore introduced the Green Vehicle Rebate in 2001 to promote the use of ‘green’ cars.

• From 01January 2006, buyers of hybrid cars are also entitled to tax incentives and rebates.


efforts


effortsEnforcing laws and regulations• Introduce and enforce laws that regulate the emission of

greenhouse gases by vehicles, industries and power stations• Encourage industries to develop energy efficient

technologies

Enforcing laws and regulations• Introduce and enforce laws that regulate the emission of

greenhouse gases by vehicles, industries and power stations• Encourage industries to develop energy efficient

technologies

Look out for this green label on electrical appliances. Products with this label require less energy to produce which means less fossil fuels are burned during its production. Thus, less greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere.

Look out for this green label on electrical appliances. Products with this label require less energy to produce which means less fossil fuels are burned during its production. Thus, less greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere.

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Ozone Depletion: National

efforts

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Ozone Depletion: National

effortsReducing use of CFCs• Use of CFCs are banned in

accordance to the Montreal Protocol

• Ozone friendly substitutes are developed to replace CFCs in refrigerators, aerosol cans and air-conditioners.

Reducing use of CFCs• Use of CFCs are banned in

accordance to the Montreal Protocol

• Ozone friendly substitutes are developed to replace CFCs in refrigerators, aerosol cans and air-conditioners.

• For instance, since 1995, Singapore law requires all new cars to be fitted with CFC-free air-conditioning systems.

• For instance, since 1995, Singapore law requires all new cars to be fitted with CFC-free air-conditioning systems.

CFC- free

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Global Warming: Individual

efforts

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Global Warming: Individual

effortsHelping to reduce emissions of greenhouse

gases• Taking public transport, choosing to cycle or walk to

destinations whenever possible• Car pooling• Using energy efficient appliances

Helping to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases

• Taking public transport, choosing to cycle or walk to destinations whenever possible

• Car pooling• Using energy efficient appliances• Reducing electricity

usage in your home, school and workplace

• Reducing electricity usage in your home, school and workplace

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Ozone Depletion: Individual

efforts

Measures to Reduce the Impact of Ozone Depletion: Individual

effortsHelping to reduce ozone depletion• Avoid buying products which contain CFCs• Ensure proper disposal of products with CFCs, such as

old air-conditioners, through a waste management company

Helping to reduce ozone depletion• Avoid buying products which contain CFCs• Ensure proper disposal of products with CFCs, such as

old air-conditioners, through a waste management company

Global Warming and Ozone Depletion: The Challenges

Ahead

Global Warming and Ozone Depletion: The Challenges

Ahead• We have to take action now to reduce the

catastrophic impacts of global warming and ozone depletion.

• If every one puts in a little effort to change our lifestyles, it will go a long way to ensure that the Earth will be a pleasant place for our future generations.

• We have to take action now to reduce the catastrophic impacts of global warming and ozone depletion.

• If every one puts in a little effort to change our lifestyles, it will go a long way to ensure that the Earth will be a pleasant place for our future generations.

Skills Builder: Suggested AnswersSkills Builder: Suggested AnswersSkills Builder: Suggested AnswersSkills Builder: Suggested Answers• Yes, ideally all countries should sign the Kyoto Protocol.

They should progressively work towards reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.

• We should act now to reduce the impact of global warming. Otherwise, if the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are allowed to rise further, the Earth will be subjected to disastrous environmental, economic and social consequences, which far outweigh the disadvantages of unemployment and costs brought about by signing the treaty.

• Moreover, even if the threat of global warming does not materialise, measures which reduce greenhouse gas emissions can lead to other environmental, health and economic benefits (e.g. improving energy efficiency is environmentally friendly and can help reduce fossil fuel usage and result in lower fuel costs). Can you think of more of such benefits?

• Yes, ideally all countries should sign the Kyoto Protocol. They should progressively work towards reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases.

• We should act now to reduce the impact of global warming. Otherwise, if the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are allowed to rise further, the Earth will be subjected to disastrous environmental, economic and social consequences, which far outweigh the disadvantages of unemployment and costs brought about by signing the treaty.

• Moreover, even if the threat of global warming does not materialise, measures which reduce greenhouse gas emissions can lead to other environmental, health and economic benefits (e.g. improving energy efficiency is environmentally friendly and can help reduce fossil fuel usage and result in lower fuel costs). Can you think of more of such benefits?

SEC23 GEOG Chapt10 Global Warming

Education

huge amounts

earths surface

kyoto protocol

suns rays

greenhouse

global warming

polar bears

polar regions