This document discusses greenhouse gases and global climate change. It explains that greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat in the atmosphere and have caused the planet's temperature to rise by 1.2 degrees Celsius since the 19th century. Both natural processes and human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere can cause changes to the Earth's climate. If greenhouse gases continue to increase, warming and sea level rise will also continue for centuries and some effects may be permanent, negatively impacting ecosystems.
This document discusses greenhouse gases and global climate change. It explains that greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat in the atmosphere and have caused the planet's temperature to rise by 1.2 degrees Celsius since the 19th century. Both natural processes and human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere can cause changes to the Earth's climate. If greenhouse gases continue to increase, warming and sea level rise will also continue for centuries and some effects may be permanent, negatively impacting ecosystems.
This document discusses greenhouse gases and global climate change. It explains that greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, trap heat in the atmosphere and have caused the planet's temperature to rise by 1.2 degrees Celsius since the 19th century. Both natural processes and human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere can cause changes to the Earth's climate. If greenhouse gases continue to increase, warming and sea level rise will also continue for centuries and some effects may be permanent, negatively impacting ecosystems.
greenhouse gases? Any gases that cause the “greenhouse effect!”
Imagine… a car on a cool but sunny day…
Global Climate Change refers to changes forced by human activities that change the atmosphere • When these fossil fuels burn, they release greenhouse gases - mostly carbon dioxide (CO2). These gases trap the Sun's heat and cause the planet's temperature to rise. • The world is now about 1.2C warmer than it was in the 19th Century – and the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere risen by 50% . What causes Earth’s climate to change?
Changes in the atmosphere
Natural processes Volcanoes Tectonic plate movement Changes in the sun Shifts in Earth’s orbit Human activities – any activity that releases “greenhouse gases” into the atmosphere • Warming and sea level rise will continue and will probably occur more quickly than what we’ve already seen • Even if greenhouse gases are stabilized, this will probably continue to occur for centuries • Some effects may be permanent • Effects on Ecosystems – Coral systems and other unique ecosystems cannot handle higher temperatures well – Wildfires will increase – Up to 30% of species will be at increased risk for extinction due to the rapid changes in their ecosystems – flood • 3R (Reuse,Reduce,Recycle) • Reduce the usage of plastic • Use alternative energy that free pollution • Turn of f electrical devices when not used