What do GreenhouseGases Do?
Go to this link:
Effect of Earth’s Albedo (Reflectivity)on Its Temperature
Without an atmosphere, theEarth’s equilibrium temperatureis: -18° C (25° F)
Why isn’t the Earth frozen?
Answer: The Greenhouse Effect
Greenhouse Gases Absorb andEmit Infrared Radiation (Light)
What are the Greenhouse Gases?
•CO2 – Carbon Dioxide
•CH4 – Methane H20 – Water Vapor
•N2O – Nitrous Oxide O3 – Ozone
•CFC – Chloroflourocarbons
Let’s explore NASA’sClimate Change Website
Go to this link
Questions to Explore
•What is the current level of CO2 in theatmosphere?
•What was the preindustrial revolution level ofCO2?
•How has global temperatures changed overthe last 100+ years?
•What is some other evidence of climatechange?
10
Plastic Wrap
Plexiglas
Greenhouse Gases Act LikePlexiglas
14
15
What Other Human Activities Affectthe Climate?
•Land use change (urban sprawl)
•Condensation Trails (Contrails)
•Dust pollution
16
What Natural Variations Affect theClimate?
•Soil Moisture changes (Drought) – months toyears
•Volcanic Eruptions – several years
•Ocean Currents – decades to millennium
•Solar Changes – decades to millennium
•Orbital Changes – 10s of thousands of years
Source: http://www.c2es.org/facts-figures/us-emissions/gas
19
http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=10691
21
Kyoto Protocol (1997)
•Reduction of emission of GreenhouseGases by 5.2% below 1990 levels by 2012
•Focus on Developing Countries
(China and India exempt)
•Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
•Protection and Enhancement of “sinks”
•Emissions Trading