by Christine Engels The Changing Climate and The Need for Climate Literacy

Climate Change or Global Warming What comes to mind when you hear the words ‘climate change’ or ‘global warming’?

The Changing Climate and The Need for Climate Literacy What changes climate? Is climate changing? How do we know? Why should we care? What can we do? Why teach about climate change?

What to call it? is the increase of the Earth’s average surface temperature due to a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is a broader term that refers to long-term changes in climate, including average temperature and precipitation Global WarmingClimate Change Global Warming increases the world’s average temperature, which results in Climate Change.

Earth’s Climate System Image: A. Degaetano

What changes climate? Natural forces Sun’s output Earth’s orbit Volcanic eruptions Ocean variability Interactions between components of the climate system Images: USGS; NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Burning of fossil fuels Land use changes – Deforestation Trees are sinks for CO2 Changes land surface – Urbanization What changes climate? Human factors Images: Patrick Zimmerman, ©University Corporation for Atmospheric Researchhttp://

Is climate changing? The atmosphere regulates climate Sunlight mostly absorbed by Earth, some trapped by gases, some re- emitted back to surface Greenhouse effect allows liquid water to exist and life on Earth to flourish A simplified diagram illustrating the greenhouse effect Source: IPCC, 1990 Image: International Space Station, NASA

The Greenhouse Effect Natural greenhouse effectEnhanced greenhouse effect Diagrams adapted from:

Causes of GHG increases CO2: 75% fossil fuel, 24% deforestation CH4: agricultural source- rice paddies, herds of cattle, + fossil fuel, landfills and sewage N2O: loss of agricultural soils due to fertilizer application Source: From the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, Climate Change 2001: The Scientific Basis.]

Carbon Dioxide Emphasis has been placed on CO2 emission because: Humans produce it more than any other GHG Long lived gas High levels may cause imbalances to Earth’s energy budget Images: iPhoto

Could the warming be natural?

2007 IPCC Report Warming of the climate system is unequivocal Very high confidence that global average net effect of human activities since 1750 one of warming Human-caused warming over last 30 years has likely had a visible influence on many physical and biological systems Continued GHG emissions at or above current rates would cause further warming and induce many changes in the global climate system during the 21 st century that would very likely be larger than those observed during the 20 th century.”

Is Climate Changing? 97% of US climate scientists agreed that ‘global average temperatures have increased in the past century

Photos: NOAA Photo Collection and Gary Braasch – WorldViewOfGlobalWarming.org Portage Glacier, Alaska 1914 and 2004 Effects on Snow and Ice

Effects on Precipitation Change in the character of precipitation Eastern part of N and S America, N Europe and N, C Asia Dessert regions of Africa and S America Amazon example Images: State of California; istock photos; Laura Borma/INPE

Effects on the Oceans Temperature increased 0.5 F in past 50 years Precipitation, wind and circulation changes Coral bleaching and lower nutrient availability Increased acidic levels Images: NASA.gov; Marine Photobank: The Comet Program

Effects on Ecosystems Images: NASA WorldWind;

Decline in numbers Effects on Species Illustration Source: VancouverIslandBirds.com; USFWS Sooty Shearwater Cassin’s auklet

Shifts in ranges and migration Effects on Species Photos: National Wildlife Federation; Tim Zurowski/Corbis; USFWS Golden-winged warbler Edith’s checkerspot butterfly Red fox

Effects on Species Photos: National Park Service; University of Wisconsin; USFWS Timing shifts Robin Lilacs Cherry-blossom trees

How do we know?

Why should we care? Images: NOAA; Paul Bolstad, University of MN; CDC/James Gathany; World Resources Organization;

What can we do? Joel Pett, USA Today

What can we do? 1.Support legislation to reduce CO 2 2.Reduce our individual and collective carbon footprint 3.Support ongoing conservation work 4.Educate others Images: Department of Energy; Matthew Jeffery, National Audubon Society

Why teach about climate change? Integrates many subjects Requires students to – use analytical tools and math skills – research, think and understand complex issues Empowerment

On the horizon Energy efficient homes, buildings and vehicles Fast, clean and convenient public transportation Solar computers and cell phones Cleaner air and water Healthier people More wildlife

Open Discussion What do you think about teaching climate change in your classroom? How would you teach it? What topics would you focus on? What types of lessons do you think would work for your grade level? What are some of the issues you would face?