Global Warming Applied Chemistry Global Warming Video Clip

Global Warming Global warming is the increase in the temperature of the Earth due to the increase in greenhouse gases.

Solar radiation is radiation from the sun. About 30% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back into space by clouds and particles. 47% is absorbed to warm the atmosphere, oceans, and land. 23% powers the hydrologic cycle or water cycle.

Greenhouse Gases The hydrologic cycle is the continuous cycling of water into and out of the atmosphere by evaporation and condensation.

Greenhouse Gases Earth’s warmed surface reradiates the absorbed radiation at lower energies as infrared radiation. Some molecules in the atmosphere absorb this lower energy. This traps and returns the radiation to the atmosphere. This is known as the greenhouse effect. These atmospheric molecules, or gases, are known as greenhouse gases.

1. Solar radiation 2. planet’s atmosphere contains greenhouse gases 3. Solar radiation passes through the gases 4. Solar radiation warms the surface of the earth and heat rises from the surface. 5. Some heat is able to pass throughout the gases. 6. Some heat cannot pass through, adding to the overall temperature.

Greenhouse Gases Greenhouse gases trap heat from the Sun on the Earth’s surface causing the temperature of the earth to rise. The most abundant greenhouse gas is water which is mostly naturally occurring. Other greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs and HFCs).

Greenhouse Gases Most greenhouse gases occur naturally. The increase in the amount of greenhouse gases is due to human activity. Anthropogenic means man-made.

U.S. Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Gas 2006 (Million Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent)

Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) - colorless, odorless nonflammable gas The most prominent greenhouse gas in earth's atmosphere Results from the combustion of petroleum, coal, and natural gas Deforestation is logging for lumber, pulpwood, and fuel wood.

Methane - colorless, odorless, flammable gas Methane comes from landfills, coal mines, oil, natural gas, and agriculture It represents 9% of total emissions. It is formed when plants decay and where there is very little air. It is often called swamp gas because it is abundant around water and swamps. Bacteria that breakdown organic matter in wetlands and bacteria that are in the gut of animals (cows, sheep, goats, buffalo, termites, camels) produce methane naturally. It stays in the atmosphere for only 10 years, but traps 20 times more heat than carbon dioxide. Since 1750, methane has doubled, and could double again by In one day, a cow can emit ½ pound of methane into the air.

Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) – colorless gas, sweet odor Nitrous oxide is emitted through the use of nitrogen fertilizers, from burning fossil fuels, disposing of human and animal waste in sewage treatment plants, automobile exhaust 5% of total emissions Anesthetic - deadens pain  aka “laughing gas” Nitrous oxide released today will still be trapped in the atmosphere 100 years from now. Nitrous oxide gas has risen by more than 15% since 1750.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - nonreactive, nonflammable gases and volatile liquids.volatile CFCs are used in aerosol cans, refrigerators, and air conditioners. In 1978 CFCs were banned in the US. In 1987, over 180 countries signed the Montreal Protocol to ban CFCs The substitute for CFCs are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).  HFCs do not harm or breakdown the ozone molecule, but they do trap heat in the atmosphere, making it a greenhouse gas, aiding in global warming.  The way to reduce emissions of this gas is to be sure that in both devices the coolant is recycled and all leaks are properly fixed. Before throwing the appliances away, be sure to recover the coolant in each.

Greenhouse Gases Earth’s average surface temperature is 15°C (59°F) due, in part, to the presence of water and carbon dioxide. Without these gases, Earth’s surface temperature would be -18°C (0°F).

Causes for increased gas levels Deforestation Tree use carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to make food. Trees are being cut down for development and other uses. Because less carbon dioxide is removed, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases.

Plant a Tree!!! One tree can absorb as much carbon dioxide in a year as a car produces driving 26,000 miles. A single tree produces approximately 600 pounds of O 2 a year. That means two mature trees can supply enough O 2 annually for a family of 4

Causes for increased gas levels Burning Fossil Fuels Fossil fuels include coal, natural gas, and petroleum, also known as crude oil. Fossil fuels originate from plants and animals. Pressure, heat and microbes convert once living matter into fossil fuels over millions of years. Fossil Fuels contain carbon. When burned, they produce water and carbon dioxide, two greenhouse gases.

Affects of Global Warming on the Environment Increase temperature of the Earth. Increase melting of the ice caps, which results in a higher sea level. Coastal areas will be affected by higher sea levels. Changes to climate patterns on Earth.  Climate change = Precipitation patterns, storm severity, and sea level

Affects of Global Warming on the Environment Salinity of the ocean is disturbed. Salinity is the concentration of dissolved salts. A change in salinity creates problems for marine life.

Ways to Combat Global Warming Find alternative energy sources, “green sources.” Green energy sources do not contribute to the production of greenhouse gases. Green energy sources include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, and nuclear energy.

Recycle paper, plastics, and aluminum products. Conserve energy.  Video “Kill A Watt” Ways to Combat Global Warming

The Renaissance of Nuclear Power Oil is used to produce fuels and as a starting material for the production of medicines, carpet, clothing, plastics, and artificial limbs. Currently, about 50% of total energy needs in the US are met by burning oil. Burning oil increases the level of greenhouse gases.

The Renaissance of Nuclear Power There is an increase in the demand for oil worldwide. Costs for oil are increasing. Oil is a nonrenewable resource. There is an increased demand for energy today and for the foreseeable future.

What Is Renewable Energy? Renewable energy sources can be replenished in a short period of time. The five renewable sources used most often are:  Biomass — including wood and wood waste, municipal solid waste, landfill gas, and biogas, ethanol, and biodiesel Biomassethanol biodiesel  Water (hydropower)hydropower  Geothermal Geothermal  Wind Wind  Solar Solar

The Clean Truth About Nuclear Coal 271 Natural Gas 150 Oil 222 Nuclear0 Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A 1,000 MW plant emits this many metric tons of CO 2 every hour based on its fuel

The Renaissance of Nuclear Power Nuclear power plants do not contribute to the production of greenhouse gases. Nuclear power plant safety has been improved since the accidents at 3-Mile Island and Chernobyl. More energy is generated by a nuclear power plant than that by a coal-fired plant based on per gram of fuel used.

Sustainable Development Sustainable Development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable Energy involves Development of new technologies Energy efficiency Conservation Expanded use of nuclear energy.