Global Natural Systems Geography of Canada

Global Natural Systems Biomes Climate Change

The Ring of Fire

World Ocean Currents

Other Global Natural Systems Transboundary Air Pollution Continental Shelves Jet Stream Natural Disasters

Biomes Biomes are large areas of the Earth that share similar temperature, precipitation, food chains, animals, and soils. Rainforest Chapparal Grassland Savanna Desert Tundra Deciduous Forest Boreal or Taiga Forest

Biomes Polar Mid-Latitude Sub-Tropical Tropical

Biomes

Deserts of the World

Rainforests of the World

Climate Change Climate change is a change in the “average weather” that a given region experiences (remember that weather = temperature + precipitation) Climate changes over the long term have many implications for natural ecosystems Right now the climate change that we are experiencing is a global warming which leads to higher sea levels due to melting ice caps and many other environmental problems

Climate Change So the Earth is getting warmer right now, but is it a natural cycle or a man-made disaster? You are here! * Temp 16°C 10 000 years Time

Climate Change So global warming is happening, and it is a natural cycle, BUT humans are making it significantly worse than the natural cycle. Climate change is most noticeable by the recent increase in the number and increase in strength of major natural disasters (e.g., Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in the Gulf of Mexico, 2005). But what is causing this rapid increase in global warming?

Climate Change

Climate Change What can be done to reduce the effects of climate change? Implement the Kyoto Protocol on Greenhouse Gas Emissions which is reducing emissions of gases that speed up the Greenhouse Effect Specifically: Governments – setting guidelines for people to follow Business – becoming more environmentally friendly Schools – teaching students about living responsibly Individuals – take the “One Tonne Challenge” to use less energy, conserve water and resources, and to reduce waste

Climate Change Remembering all of your energy saving ways from the Economic Geography unit? e.g., Individuals can buy energy-efficient appliances.