1. Global Atmospheric Changes

2. The Atmosphere and Climate
Solar Radiation and Climate
Insolation = sunshine
Major determinant of climate
Makes life on Earth possible
Liquid water
Warm planet
Photosynthesis
Powers Earth’s biogeochemical cycles
Drives winds and ocean currents

4. Earth’s average temperature is increasing
Global Climate Change
Earth’s average temperature is increasing
Based on daily measurements taken by:
Meteorological stations, weather balloons, sea-surface buoys
NOAA: global temperatures in1995 and 2001–2009 may have been highest in the last 1000 yrs
Spring in Northern Hemisphere comes 6 days earlier than in 1959, Autumn comes 5 days later
Increase in heat waves, heat-related deaths
Sea levels rising, glaciers retreating, more severe hurricanes

6. Global Climate Change Scientific Consensus:
Human activities are largely responsible for current climate change
IPCC: United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Predicts
1.8 to 4.0 °C ( °F) increase in global temperature by 2100
Higher maximum temperatures
More hot days, fewer cold days
Increase in heat index
Changes in precipitation patterns

7. NASA Statement

8. Causes: Global Climate Change
Increase of atmospheric gases due to human activities -- Greenhouse gases:
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Nitrous Oxide (N20)
Methane (CH4)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Ozone (O3)
Water (H2O) - steady amount-does not increase due to human activity

9. Rise in Carbon Dioxide Concentration in the Atmosphere

10. More CO2 more heat in atmosphere– more transferred back to surface

11. Aerosols tend to cool the atmosphere
Global Climate Change
Aerosols tend to cool the atmosphere
Reflect sunlight into space
Cooling effect much weaker than enhanced greenhouse effect
Human and natural causes of aerosols
Sulfur emissions from fossil fuels
Volcanic eruptions

13. Effects of Climate Change:
Global Climate Change
Effects of Climate Change:
Sea-level rise
Polar ice caps and continental glacier melts
Warm water expands in volume
Changes in precipitation patterns
More droughts in some areas
More flooding in some areas
Fresh water availability

15. Effects of Climate Change:
Global Climate Change
Effects of Climate Change:
Impacts on agriculture
Rising sea levels will flood deltas
Pests will become more prevalent
No irrigation water
Productivity may increase in some areas

16. Effects of Climate Change:
Global Climate Change
Effects of Climate Change:
Impacts on human health
Heat-related illnesses
Disease-carrying mosquitoes will expand their range and transmit more malaria, Dengue fever, yellow fever

17. Effects of Climate Change:
Global Climate Change
Effects of Climate Change:
Impact on biodiversity and ecosystems
Warmer oceans lead to decline in populations of krillsilverfishAdelie penguins
Warmer temperatures makes frogs more susceptible to fungal diseases
Polar seas, coral reefs, coastal wetlands, tundra
Ocean acidification
Coral bleaching

18. Mitigation Global Climate Change Develop alternatives to fossil fuels
Reduce energy use
Increase energy efficiency
Plant and maintain forests
Carbon Management
Trap CO2 from smokestacks
Sequester CO2 into geological formations or depleted oil/gas wells

19. Adaptation Global Climate Change Move coastal settlements inland
Construct sea walls on coastal areas
Prevent saltwater intrusion
Find substitute crops to grow on warming land
Develop heat and drought resistant crops/trees
City planning
Sewer systems
Storm runoff

20. Summary
Global Climate Change
Global Warming
Human Contribution