INTRO TO CLIMATE CHANGE Objective: I will differentiate between global warming and climate change. I will discuss the causes of natural and human influenced climate change. 4/27/16 PAGE 89

Climate Change vs. Global Warming Both of these terms are often used to describe the rapid change in atmospheric conditions currently happening on Earth… But which term is correct???

Climate Change the long-term change in Earth’s climate Refers to changes in: temperature, wind, precipitation, length of seasons frequency of extreme weather conditions Climate change cycles are natural, but there is increasing evidence that humans are speeding up the process

Natural Causes of Climate Change Plate Tectonics movement of continents over time changes temp. and precip. patterns Orbital Changes Variation in the shape of Earth’s orbit and the degree of tilt in Earth’s axis Volcanic Activity Ash from eruptions can reflect sunlight and decrease temperatures

Global Warming The current increase in Earth’s temperature due to increased levels of greenhouse gases Causes of increased greenhouse gases: Burning of fossil fuels Clearing of land for agriculture Use of aerosols Rate of change in Earth’s temperature is of concern