Starter Which is an effect of lower levels of solar radiation striking Earth? increased incidences of skin cancer decreased rates of photosynthesis increased phytoplankton activity decreased carbon dioxide levels
Global Warming
Essential Question: How does the greenhouse effect relate to global warming?
Greenhouse Effect Water vapor and carbon dioxide – major greenhouse gases Trap heat in our atmosphere Without the greenhouse gases, Earth would be too cold to live on. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi3ERes0h84
Greenhouse Effect Humans can impact the greenhouse effect Burning of fossil fuels releases CO2 into the atmosphere Increasing the amount of carbon dioxide which causes temperatures to increase beyond the normal amounts
Global Warming Global warming – increase in global temperatures from an increase in carbon dioxide Might lead to the melting of the glaciers Would raise sea level 60 meters and would flood coastal towns
Global Warming Global Warming could potentially have an affect on the biosphere Glaciers melt Destroys polar bears habitats Sea level rises
Global Warming National Geographic video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs
Measuring Global Warming At the start of the Industrial Revolution – temperatures began to rise and have continued
Measuring Global Warming Arguments that skeptics of global warming put forth: Before humans the Earth went through climate shifts There is not enough evidence 2009-Global warming activists knowingly submitted false data to forward their agenda
Climate Change TED talk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7ktYbVwr90
Climate Change Discussion
Exit Slip Urban City X has been referred to as an urban heat island because it tends to be warmer than the surrounding rural areas. The report below lists changes that have occurred in one year in Urban City X. Report for Urban City X: Eight roads were repaved. The population increased by 20%. Public transportation increased by 5%. Four new apartment complexes were built. Plans were drafted to build a local park. A meeting was held about alternative energy sources. What is the main cause of Urban City X being an urban heat island? A the planting of trees and other vegetation B the building of rooftop gardens C the installation of solar panels D the construction of parking areas and road systems