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Hard facts on atmospheric CO 2 concentration, and a sure way to stabilise it??? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Global CO 2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels & the manufacture of cement (Unit: 10 9 kg) Source: http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/trends.htm 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Global CO 2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels & the manufacture of cement (Unit: 10 9 kg) Source: http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/trends.htm 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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CO2 concentration in the atmosphere (Unit: ppmv) Source: http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/trends.htm 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini 383.7
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11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/temp/hansen/graphics/gl_land.gif Global temperature (land meteorological stations)
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11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/temp/hansen/graphics/gl_land_ocean.gif Global temperature (land + ocean)
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11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/temp/hansen/graphics/nhsh.gif Global temperature (North and South)
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Global temperature has not varied by more than 1 or 2 o C during the past 10,000 years. Global temperature has risen by more than 0.6 o C during the last 100 years. Global Warming has begun, and so has the Climate Change. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Consequences………… 75% of the ice on Kilimanjaro has been lost since 1912, and all ice could vanish soon. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Consequences………… 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Consequences………… death of coral reefs fewer cubs for p olar bears spread of dengue and other diseases heavy rains & severe draughts fires, floods, storms, & hurricanes changed rainfall patterns warming and aridity loss of biodiversity 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Rate of increase of CO2 concentration (Unit: ppmv/year) Source: http://cdiac.ornl.gov/trends/trends.htm 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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CO2 concentration in the future (ppmv) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini global temperature may be up by 2 o C
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-Accelerated Climate Change -Mass extinctions -Ecosystems breakdowns -Large scale discontinuities At the rate of 1.5 ppmv of CO 2 increase per year, 400 ppmv CO 2 will be reached in 2018, and it is probable that the global temperature would go up by 2 o C (compare it with the 0.01 o C per decade estimate by WWF). 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Some say, forget about the 2 o C. The limit is not 400 ppmv CO 2. It is 550 ppmv CO 2 (which is nearly twice the pre-industrial value), which we may reach not. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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CO2 concentration in the future (ppmv) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini We are lucky. Are we?
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How to stop further global warming, climate change, and the terrible consequences of increased CO 2 concentrations in the atmosphere? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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But, we replace our forests with cities, highways & golf courses. Option 1: Increase the use of carbon sinks (such as forests where 70% of all photosynthesis occurs). Stop destroying forests, and grow more trees. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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The forest cover is already too small to help reducing global warming. How long does it take to grow a tree like this? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Option 2: Change to non-CO2 emitting energy sources 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini What are they? Nuclear Hydro Renewables (Geothermal, Solar, Wave, Tidal, Wind, Biomass and Biogas) Muscle Power
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Energy from sustainably managed renewable sources Ulf Bossel – October 2005 Solar energyPhotovoltaicDC electricity thermalAC electricity, hot water, space heating etc. Wind energyAC electricity HydropowerAC electricity Ocean energywaves, tidesAC electricity GeothermalheatAC electricity, hot water, space heating etc. Biomass & organic waste heat, organic fuels Biomass & organic waste heatAC electricity, hot water, space heating etc. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Global Energy Consumption by Fuel (in 10 15 BTU) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/international/iealf/table18.xls
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Global Energy Consumption by Fuel (in %) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/international/iealf/table18.xls
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Global Energy Consumption by Fuel (in %) 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/international/iealf/table18.xls enlarge
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11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/international/iealf/table18.xls Global Energy Consumption by Fuel (in %)
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There is no immediate financial benefits for a switch to renewable energy in the profit- oriented energy markets. 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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More people More pollution Option 3: Reduce Population 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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If you are in USA, you will be lighting 15 bulbs, each with 100 W power If you are in China, you will be lighting 2 bulbs, each with 100 W power 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini in 2004
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11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini in 2003
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Should not we rethink about economic growth (increasing GDP per capita), at any cost? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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The supreme Greek God Zeus told Prometheus: “You may give men such gifts as are suitable, but you must not give them fire for that belongs to the Immortals.” – Roger Lancelyn Green Tales of the Greek Heroes Puffin Classics 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini
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Option 4 to stabilise atmospheric CO 2 concentration? 11 Jan 2008 R. Shanthini Think about it and come up with ideas. By the way, it would make a very good project for the sustainable development course.
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