1. Radiation Emitted from the Sun and the Earth
The earth and the sun radiate as black bodies, that is, as a function of their temperature. If the earth did not have an atmosphere, the earth would be -1 F. The atmosphere serves as a blanket for the earth, allowing the earth’s surface to be an average temperature of 58 F. How does the atmosphere do this?

3. Resonance Frequency
For a spring and weight, there is one frequency of vibration which will create a sustainable oscillation.
For molecules, depending on their structure, there are one or more sustainable vibrations, or resonance frequencies.
A vibrating molecule has more energy. This is perceived as an increase in temperature.
The molecules in the atmosphere are effective absorbers of infrared (longwave) radiation because the resonance frequencies of many molecules in the earth’s atmosphere are in the infrared spectrum.

4. Properties of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
Units
Global Warming Potential
Atmospheric Lifetime
(yr)
CO2
ppm 1
120
CH4
ppb 23 12
N2O
296
114
CFCs
ppt
4,600 to 10,600
45-100
Water Vapor (H2O)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Methane (CH4)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Let’s look at three factors which contribute to the effectiveness of particular greenhouse gases Relative abundance; 2. Absorptive properties relative to CO2; 3. Atmospheric lifetime. A note about CFCs: here is an example of human progress leading to a potential global catastrophe AND an effective global response which averted catastrophe.
Climate Change 2001: The Scientific Basis . J.T. Houghton, Y. Ding, D. J. Griggs, M. Noguer, P. J. van der Linden, X. Da, K. Maskell,
and C. A. Johnson for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

5. Absorption Spectra of GHGs Water Vapor

6. Absorption Spectra of CO2
A note about CO2 absorption relative to water vapor’s absorption. Water vapor absorbs very effectively near the earth’s surface. As you go up in altitude, though, the concentration of water vapor falls off, whereas the concentration of CO2 is well-mixed high into the stratosphere. Thus, the CO2 can continue to absorb infrared radiation as the radiation is transmitted upward.

7. Absorption Spectra of CH4

8. Absorption Spectra of Major GHGs H2O, CO2, NO2, CH4

9. CO2 Concentrations Have Been Increasing Worldwide
Two facts to consider when writing your position papers CO2 concentrations have been increasing worldwide over the last 45 years; 2. The level of rise is in step with world carbon emissions.
Climate Change 2001: The Scientific Basis . J.T. Houghton, Y. Ding, D. J. Griggs, M. Noguer, P. J. van der Linden, X. Da, K. Maskell,
and C. A. Johnson for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

10. CO2 Concentrations Have Been Increasing Proportionally to Burning of Fossil Fuels

11. CO2 Variability Over the Last 400,000 Years

12. Greenhouse gases have increased in the atmosphere in the last 250 years
Carbon dioxide
Methane
Nitrous oxide
Chlorofluorocarbon-11
260
280
300
320
340
360
290
310
600
1000
1400
1800
1750
1850
1900
1950
2000
Year
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
CO concentration
CH concentration
CFC concentration
N O concentration 2 4
Overall human activity accounts for 75% of the increase in greenhouse gases

13. Mean global surface temperature has increased over the last 150 years
1870
1890
1910
1930
1950
1970
1990
Year
Change from 1940 temperature (°C)
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0.0
0.2
0.4

14. Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is an agreement made under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Countries that ratify this protocol commit to reduce their emissions of carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases, or engage in emissions trading if they maintain or increase emissions of these gases.
Adopted in 1997
Ratified by 165 countries globally
Reduce collective emissions of GHGs by at least 5% from 1990 levels in the time period.
The Kyoto Protocol entered into force on 16 February 2005.
A note about the current federal approach to greenhouse gas emissions:
Greenhouse Gas Intensity = (GHG emissions (carbon equivalent))/real GDP
So, if you reduce GGI by 18% (which I believe Bush has pledged), you don’t actually have to reduce GHG emissions at all – just find a way to increase GDP. That is, as long as you are increasing your productivity, you don’t have to decrease your GHG emissions.

15. Bali Meeting Dec. 2007 Kyoto expires in 2012 What next?
Proposed cuts 25-40% below 1990 levels for industrial nations. U.S. refuses cooperation
Provisions for developing countries vs. industrial countries
Debate over technology development & transfer
Deforestation/reforestation