The Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect

Anthropogenic: resulting from a human influence Increase of GH gases through human sources is causing an enhanced greenhouse effect Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect is based NOT on causation, but on correlation there is a difference If we continue on producing greenhouse gases at a similar rate, Earths average temperature will likely increase by 2°C to 6°C by the end of the century. May not sound like much, but can cause dramatic impacts on species survival, habitability, and weather conditions

Anthropogenic Sources of Greenhouse Gases Carbon Dioxide: burning fossil fuels (transportation, heating, electricity and industry) and deforestation Methane: agricultural activities (rice farming, cattle ranching), decay of organic materials in landfills and sewage treatment, coal mining and natural gas extraction Nitrous Oxide: management of livestock feed and waste, farming using nitrogen fertilizer, industrial processes

Our Own Doing!!! Chloroflourocarbons (CFCs) - There are no natural sources of CFCs. Leak out from refrigerators, air conditioners and through other industrial processes

Carbon Dioxide and Global Temperature Feedback Loop Over the past 400,000 years, rising temperatures increased the release of carbon dioxide stored in plants and oceans (carbon sinks). Photosynthesis rates in plants decline after a certain increase in temperature. At the same time CO2 discharging respiration rates increase with the warming.

Carbon Dioxide traps Thermal Energy in Greenhouse Effect Global Temperatures Increase More Carbon Dioxide is released from Carbon Sinks

Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in the ocean water. The colder and more turbulent the water are the better it is absorbed. A warmer water surface dissolves less CO 2 then a cold surface.