Global = whole earth Warming= temperature going up Global Warming Global = whole earth Warming= temperature going up

Greenhouse effect Heat reaches Earth’s surface, reflects off and escapes into space Some heat is absorbed by gases in the troposphere and warms the air Water vapor, carbon dioxide, CFC’s, methane, and nitrous oxide

Temperature vs. Carbon Dioxide CO2 levels are higher when Northern Hemisphere is in winter WHY? Plants are not absorbing CO2 We release more CO2 today than at any other time in our history Trees are burned, coal is burned, automobiles are driven, etc.

Global Warming Most scientists predict the Earth will continue to warm Many also believe this is directly linked to increased levels of greenhouse gases Effects include: melting ice, changing of sea levels, changes in weather patterns locally and globally, human health problems, effects on agriculture, et al Kyoto Protocol: requires developed countries to decrease CO2 emissions to below 1990 levels