1. What is Global Warming? How does it work? What can we do?

2. The Greenhouse Effect
Global warming is a term used to describe the increase in the average temperature of the earth’s surface and oceans
Greenhouse gases are naturally released into the atmosphere allowing heat to be trapped in, which warms our planet
However, man can also contribute to global warming
When too much of these GHGs are released, more heat is trapped
GHGs, like CO2 are released into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, oil, natural gas, and coal

3. How Global Warming Works
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)

4. Example of the Greenhouse Effect
Don’t need to copy:
Example of the Greenhouse Effect
The Sun’s energy passes through the car’s windshield.
This energy (heat) is trapped inside the car and cannot pass back through the windshield, causing the inside of the car to warm up.

5. The Science of Global Warming
The average temperature of the earth has risen about .06 degrees in the past 50 years
During that same time period there has been more deforestation & the use of more fossil fuels
Science clearly shows that gases such as CO2 have also increased in our atmosphere.

6. The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is found by studying ice cores
Ice cores are a frozen record of what was in the air in the past
Using this info helps determine past temperatures
Temperature
CO2 Concentrations
Degree Celsius Increase
Parts Per Million
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
Year
Year

7. How does Global Warming Effect Us?
Glaciers and permanent ice in the Arctic & Antarctic regions are melting, the melted water will go into our oceans
Dec. 2004
Dec. 1914
Sea Levels could rise 1-3 meters (3 to 9 feet), which could affect 200 million people
Scientists estimate global temperature could rise 2-8 degrees by 2100

8. Effects of Global Warming
1) More powerful storms
2) Increased Temperature
3) Habitat Damage and
Species Affected
4) Changes in Water Supply

9. Can Global Warming Be Stopped?
Most scientists agree that manmade activity is behind global warming
Some say this is just a natural occurrence that has happened before
150 Countries have ratified the Kyoto Protocol, which requires nations to cut their greenhouse gases
So far the US has refused to ratify Kyoto, stating more studies need to be done!
What are the other alternatives to fossil fuels?
Fuel efficient or alternative cars
Solar Power
Wind Power

10. Simple Things To Do (don’t’ need to copy)
Turn off your computer or the TV
when you’re not using it.
Take shorter showers. Heating water uses energy.
Keep rooms cool by closing the blinds, shades, or
curtains.
Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Use compact fluorescent bulbs.

11. Simple Things To Do Dress lightly when it’s hot instead of turning up
the air conditioning. Or use a fan.
Dress warmly when it’s cold instead of turning
up the heat.
Offer to help your parents keep the air filters on
your AC and furnace clean.
Walk short distances instead of asking for a
ride in the car.
Plant a tree.
Recycle.