Global Warming

Greenhouse Effect
Constant temperature:
incoming solar energy = outgoing solar
energy
Greenhouse gases found in the
troposphere absorb some of the
infrared radiation (heat) radiated by
the earths surface.
Gas molecules vibrate more heat

Greenhouse Gases
TABLE 4a: Anthropogenic (man-made) Contribution to the "Greenhouse
Effect," expressed as % of Total (water vapor INCLUDED)
Based on concentrations (ppb) adjusted for heat retention characteristics% of
Greenhouse Effect% Natural% Man-made

Based on concentrations
(ppb) adjusted for heat
retention characteristics

% of
Greenhouse
Effect

% Natural

% Manmade

Water vapor

95.000%

94.999%

0.001%

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

3.618%

3.502%

0.117%

Methane (CH4)

0.360%

0.294%

0.066%

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

0.950%

0.903%

0.047%

Misc. gases ( CFC's, etc.)

0.072%

0.025%

0.047%

Total

100.00%

99.72

0.28%

Water Vapor

Most abundant natural greenhouse gas (95% of

total).
Contributes to heating of the ocean surface and
the lower atmosphere.
Higher temps = more evaporation = rising of
water vapor = more warming.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Present naturally (0.037% of total).

Slight increase in last few centuries to previous levels: helps growth of plant life and extends
growing season and range for food crops

Deforestation (Fewer forests) =

less absorption of CO2 (plants

cannot live without CO2).

By-product of combustion. Cars and Coal fired power plants are main contributors.

Temperature and Carbon Dioxide

Concentration
.

Methane (CH4)
More effective (30x)
absorber of long wave
radiation than CO2.
Sources

Landfills
Agriculture: intestines of
cattle and sheep
Wetlands, swamps, bogs
Coal mines and natural
gas

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Agriculture Source
Consequence of
anaerobic
dentrification
processes
Fertilizing land

Industrial source:
High temperature combustion of fossil fuels.

CFCs and other

Halocarbons

Concerns:
Live long and contribute to warming
and greenhouse effect
Also deplete ozone
Absorb 10,000 times more radiation
than CO2
Sources:
Foam
Cleaners
Aerosol sprays
Coolants for refrigeration and air
conditioning

Solution: CFCs phased out and

virtually eliminated globally as of
2010. Ozone hole is natural
seasonal cycle and returned to
normal now that CFCs have been
eliminated.

Kyoto Protocol
The kyoto protocol was an international
agreement which committed its Parties by
setting internationally binding emission
reduction targets for 2012.
In December 2012 a ammendment to the
Kyoto Protocol called the Doha ammendment
was put in place. It committed the
participante to reduce Green house gas (GHG)
emissions by at least 18 percent below 1990
levels in the eight-year period from 2013 to
2020.

Ways to Reduce Greenhouse Gas

Emissions

1. Use
renewable
energy
sources:
Wind power
Solar power
Geothermal
energy

2. Replanting
Forests.
3. Recycling and
reuse.

4. transportation

Carpool & HOV

lanes (High
Occupancy
Vehicles)
Use Mass transit
High-mileage
standards

Agriculture

Shifts in foodgrowing areas

Changes in crop
yields
Increased irrigation
demands
Increased pests,
crop diseases, and
weeds in warmer
Biodiversity
areas

Extinction of some
plant and animal
species

Loss of habitats

Disruption of aquatic
life

Water Resources
Changes in water
supply
Decreased water
quality
Increased drought
Increased flooding

Forests

Changes in forest
composition and
locations

Disappearance of some
forests

Increased fires from

drying

Loss of wildlife habitat

species
Seaand
Level
and Coastal Areas

Weather Extremes

Prolonged heat
waves and
droughts
Increased flooding
from more
frequent, intense,
and heavy rainfall
in some areas

Human Population

Increased deaths

More environmental
refugees

Increased migration

Rising sea levels

Flooding of low-lying
islands and coastal cities
Flooding of coastal
estuaries, wetlands, and
coral reefs
Beach erosion
Disruption of coastal
fisheries
Contamination of coastal
aquifers with salt water
Human Health
Increased deaths from
heat and disease
Disruption of food and
water supplies
Spread of tropical
diseases to temperate
areas
Increased respiratory
disease and pollen
allergies
Increased water

Action
Drive fuel-efficient
car, walk, bike,
car pool, and use
mass transit
Use energy-efficient
windows
Use energy-efficient
refrigerator
Insulate walls
and ceilings
Reduce garbage
by recycling
and reuse
Caulk and
weatherstrip
windows and doors
Insulate hot water
heater
Use compact
fluorescent bulbs
Set water heater
at no higher than
(120 F)
Wash laundry in
warm or cold water
Use low-flow
shower head

CO2 Reduction
9 kg (20 lbs)
per gallon of
gasoline saved
Up to 4,500 kg
(10,000 lbs) per year
Up to 1,400 kg
(3,000 lbs) per year
Up to 900 kg
(2,000 lbs) per year
450 kg (1,000 lbs)
for 25% less
garbage per year
Up to 450 kg
(1,000 lbs) per year
Up to 450 kg
(1,000 lbs) per year
230 kg (500 lbs)
per year per bulb
230 kg (500 lbs)
for each 6 C
(10 F) reduction
Up to 230 kg
(500 lbs) per year
for 2 loads a week
Up to 140 kg
(300 lbs) per year

Video review set for global warming

Global Warming part 1 11 min.
Global Warming part 2 13 min.
Global Warming part 3 9 min.