Climate Change All facts and images are from NASA and NOAA unless otherwise indicated.

Definition Climate change is the long term warming of the planet, beginning in 1880, accelerating in the late 20th century, caused by human activity, and resulting in a broad range of consequences that negatively impact life on the planet. Global warming refers only to the rise in temperatures, not the consequences to overall climate.

Greenhouse Gases Gases in the atmosphere that prevent heat from escaping include: Water vapor (H2O): clouds and precipitation Nitrous oxide (N2O): fertilizers and fossil fuels Methane (CH4): landfills, agriculture, livestock Carbon dioxide (CO2): respiration, volcanoes, fossil fuels, deforestation

Causes Climate change is caused by the increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Evidence Increased temperature Increased carbon dioxide Decreased arctic sea ice Decreased land ice Increased sea level Glacial retreat Increase in extreme weather events Acidification of the oceans Decreased snow cover

Consequences On average, Earth will become warmer. Climate.nasa.gov

Consequences Changes in precipitation patterns will occur, causing droughts, heat waves, wildfires and floods and impacting crops and human and ecosystem health. Climate.nasa.gov

Consequences The Arctic will become ice free, and sea levels will rise 1-4 feet by the end of the century. Climate.nasa.gov

Consequences Plant and animal ranges shift, extinctions occur daily. 150-200 species go extinct each DAY. (UN) We are entering the 6th mass extinction in Earth’s history (extinction rate is 53x greater than average).

Consequences Oceans acidify, coral reefs bleach, ocean ecosystems will collapse and oxygen producing organisms will decrease.

Consequences Insect borne diseases increase (Chagas, Dengue, Malaria, Lyme, West Nile, Zika) and new ones will develop

Consequences Agriculture will be impacted as growing seasons lengthen, temperatures increase, and precipitation becomes unpredictable. Water shortages and rationing will become more prevalent. Climate.nasa.gov

The Future There are 2 ways to combat climate change: Mitigation: reducing emissions of and stabilizing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Adaptation: adapting to the climate change that has already occurred and will occur.

Mitigation Strategies: Fuel Burn less fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas) Use more green energy (solar, wind, waves, hydroelectric, geothermal, biofuel) Increase mass public transportation Build more bike lanes Develop more fuel efficient/electric (solar) cars Conserve electricity at home and at work

Mitigation Strategies: Trees Reduce deforestation (especially in the Amazon and Southeast Asia) Plant more trees to absorb more carbon dioxide

Mitigation Strategies: Food Decrease meat consumption (leading cause of methane) Buy local food to reduce transportation associated emissions

The Future: less than 2°C Mitigation Food, water, and human health will be more protected. A shift to greener fuels will be implemented. Adapting will be easier

Adaptation Strategies Prepare for increased sea levels by raising buildings and creating flood defenses Prepare for more extreme weather events (heat waves, storms) Ensure food (develop resilient crops) and water security (permeable sidewalks) Have less children

The Future: more than 2°C Adaptation Islands like the Seychelles and the Philippines will flood or be submerged. The 6th extinction will proceed unchecked. The Earth and all of its inhabitants will be significantly affected (from the Great Barrier Reef to polar bears to people).