Transcript Global warming: why should we care? (30 min discussion)

Global Warning!
What is global warming? Why should we care? What can we do?
We all use energy
all day, everyday!
Most of our energy comes
from burning fossil fuels,
such as coal, gas and oil.
Fossil fuels are polluting
our world and causing it to
get hotter.
Most scientists agree that
pollution levels are
contributing to global
warming.
Scientists predict that the Earth will warm by
1.4 - 5.8C in the next 95 years!
The last Ice Age was only 5C colder than today.
There is little doubt that the
temperature of the Earth is rising.
The last decade was the warmest
of the century, and the last
century was the warmest of the
millennium.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a
consortium of several thousand independent scientists.
EffaithTy Gwydr / The Greenhouse Effect
The gas from pollution traps the
heat from the sun and causes our
planet to overheat.
Recent records show that our climate is
getting warmer.
Sea ice is melting.
Our climate is already changing!
In America ice is disappearing.
Our sea levels are rising.
Our climate is already changing!
Rising tides. Some scientists predict that a warmer climate will trigger
more violent storms, which will cause increased rates of coastal erosion.
Cape Hatteras in North Carolina in the USA.
Our climate is already changing!
Low-lying Bangladesh is prone to coastal flooding caused by storm surges,
which have killed thousands of people in recent years. Experts say if the sea
level goes up by 1 metre, Bangladesh will lose 17.5% of its land.
Our climate is already changing!
UK
October
2004
Experts predict that fierce storms and floods are likely to become more
frequent in the future. If homes and factories continue to be built on
floodplains, the cost of severe flooding will soar.
Most scientists
agree that
pollution levels
are contributing
to global
warming.
Look at the graphs.
What do you think?
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), a
consortium of several thousand independent scientists.
2029 In 25 years…
Worst case: if high pollution emissions
Best case: if low pollution emissions
How old will you or your children be?
The way we live will determine the temperature.
2099 In 95 years…
Worst case: if high pollution emissions
Best case: if low pollution emissions
How old will your grandchildren be?
The way we live will determine the temperature.
Newidiadau i gyfartaledd tymheredd blynyddol
Predicted changes in annual average temperature
Scientists predict that by 2080 Wales
will experience:
An average
increase in
temperature
of by 2%
Scientists predict that by 2080 Wales
will experience:
More rain in
winter and less
rain in the
summer
Scientists predict that by 2080 Wales
will experience:
A rise in sea level
that could range
from 18-79 cm
Scientists predict that by 2080 Wales
will experience:
More extreme
weather
conditions and
very severe gales
10% more drought years
If you don’t care, who will?
“Global warming is the most serious
threat facing the planet”
Tony Blair
“Climate Change is a far greater
threat to the world than
international terrorism”
Sir David King, UK Government's Chief Scientific
Adviser
Scientists predict that the Earth will warm by
1.4 - 5.8C in the next 95 years!
But what can I do?
Be energy – efficient!
If every household installed two energy efficient light bulbs, enough energy
would be saved in a year to supply all street lighting in the UK.
Always remember to switch the
bathroom light off after you go
to the toilet.
Only fill the kettle with the
amount of water you need.
Don't leave your computer on
after you're finished using it.
If you feel cold try putting on a
jumper before you turn up the
heating.