Climate and Human Activity
Recall Natural Greenhouse Gases
History of Climate Research Greenland Ice Core Project (GRIP) – Pieces of ice layer are dated, labeled, and analyzed – Scientists take slices out of the sample, melt it and measure gas concentrations in the bubbles – Results show that CO 2 levels rose gradual as the Earth naturally warmed – Then they leveled off – Starting in 1750, CO 2 concentrations rose quickly
Trends Based on the graphs you just saw, what trends do you see? Why might we see these trends? 1.Increase in greenhouse gases since industrial revolution
The Problem of Greenhouse Gases Absorb heat and change the net radiation budget Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect: the enhancement of the natural greenhouse effect due to human activities – Activities include: use of fossil fuels, deforestation, coal mining, landfills, cattle, fertilizer use
Global Warming and Climate Change
Increase in greenhouse gases has led to global warming – an increase in Earth’s average annual temperature Global warming leads to climate change – More storms, change in rain patterns, droughts and floods Why is this a Global Problem?
How Do We Contribute? In groups, brainstorm what human activities lead to an increase in greenhouse gas production (3 minutes) Be prepared to share!
Happy Times! Pg. 307 # 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11