Transcript Global Climate Change - University of Dayton

Global Climate Change
Fact & Fiction
True – False?
• The “Greenhouse Effect” is GOOD for life
on planet Earth
Question
• What exactly are fossil fuels?
Word Game
• Put these words into two appropriate
groups:
• Infrared rays (IR)
• Visible light
• Ultra-violet
* Ozone
* CO2
* Greenhouse Effect
Word Game
• Ozone Depletion
• Greenhouse Effect
BIG QUESTION
• What are the scientific FACTS regarding
the Greenhouse Effect/Global Climate
change????
FACT #1
• The Carbon Cycle (See board)
 Humans DO engage in activities which
affect atmospheric CO2 e.g. combustion of
fossil fuels, deforestation, lowering rates of
photosynthesis
 Not in dispute!!
Fact #2
• Greenhouse Effect
 Verified by:
– Actual greenhouses
– Hot car/ cold day phenomenon
– Greenhouse gasses on Earth and other
planets
 Not in dispute!!
Review: The Greenhouse Effect
Step 1: Earth’s surface
absorbs shortwavelength solar
radiation (visible
lights), and become
warmer
Step 2: Earth’s surface
re-radiates the energy
as long-wavelength
radiation (heat)
Fact #3
• Does life on planet Earth benefit from the
GE?
• Would life on planet Earth benefit from an
enhanced GE?
Fact #4
• IF carbon dioxide levels rise, more heat
(IR) will be trapped
 Not in dispute!
Fact #5
• Carbon dioxide levels ARE rising…..
 therefore…………..
 Not in dispute
Hawaii Data: Global CO2 levels!
•
Carbon Dioxide Levels ARE
increasing
Did you note TODAY’s level of CO2 on the
last slide?
How does that compare historically?
CO2, Greenhouse Effect,
and Global Warming
Today: CO2 concentration in our
atmosphere is 0.037 % or 370 ppm
Review
Global Carbon Dioxide levels ARE rising….
Therefore……
More heat IS being trapped
With respect to average temperature 1940-1980
Global average temperature 1855-2002
Rocky Mountains
Fact #6
• Carbon dioxide is increasing at a RATE
higher than any natural cycle ever
recorded
• Current levels of CO2 are higher than in all
of recorded history
Long term Ice Core Data
Source: OSTP
Change in CO2 and Temperature
•
Source: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/science/pastcc_fig1.html
Fact #7
• Climates are determined by atmospheric
and oceanic convection currents
 Not in dispute!
Fact #8
• If you increased the amount of IR (heat)
being trapped, you will alter the convection
currents
 Not in dispute!
Uncertainties #1-4
• How MUCH will the convection currents be
altered?
• What areas of the globe will be
hotter/colder/wetter/drier?
• How MUCH of the ice sheets will melt?
• How HIGH will sea level rise due to
thermal expansion & melting ice?
Fact #9
The global climate IS changing!
And this is called the THEORY of
Global Climate Change because
the evidence is so diverse…..
For example, area of Arctic Ice cap:
is the increased greenhouse effect; I'd bet the mortgage it
Mark Serreze, NSIDC
•
• ARCTIC SEA ICE
EXTENT - SEPTEMBER
TREND, 1978-2005
The area covered by sea ice
Arctic Ice Area
Data: Changes in Flowering Dates
Data: Mismatch of Bird Nesting & Food
Availability
We have “Early Warning Signs”
•
Uncertainties #5 - 8
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What can individuals do?
What can our government do?
Which actions are BEST to take?
What are the consequences of inaction???
As of April 17, 2007
• Question in front of UN Security Council:
Is Global Climate Change a threat to
global security????????
December 7, 2009
• What is going on TODAY
in Copenhagen????????