GLOBAL WARMING CLIMATE CHANGE BY REMINDER MKANSI 2016

GLOBAL WARMING & CLIMATE CHANGE BY REMINDER MKANSI 2016

WHAT IS GLOBAL WARMING? It is referred to the warming of the earth’s lower atmosphere which is known as troposphere caused by high concentration of one or more greenhouse gases thus resulting in climate change that may last for decades.

Layers of the atmosphere Ozone layer

What is climate & climate change Climate may be defined as a long term weather of an area / the usual weather of an area / an average weather patterns recorded for at least 30 years. Climate change refers to the changes that occur within our usual weather patterns.

What are greenhouse gases? They are gases within the earth’s troposphere that trap the outgoing long wave radiation (heat) thus resulting in a greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse effect

Greenhouse effect

Examples of greenhouse gases? Carbon dioxide (CO 2) Causes q Deforestation q Burning q Cars fossil fuels (coal), wood, papers etc.

Examples of greenhouse gases. . Methane (CH 4) Causes q Coal mining q Landfills q Manure / Decomposing materials management

Examples of greenhouse gases. . Nitrous oxide (N 2 O) causes q Use of nitrogen fertilizers q High temperature of fossil fuels combustion q Livestock manure q Human sewage

Examples of greenhouse gases. . Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS) Causes q Refrigerators q Aerosols/Sprays v Results in Ozone depletion (ozone layer within the stratosphere helps prevent UV radiation from penetrating towards the earth. )

Effects of ozone depletion q Skin cancer q Eye cataracts q Worse sun burns q Suppress immune system q Low food production (damaged leaves cant photosynthesize)

Water vapour (H 2 O) causes Evaporation v Too much water vapour may result in more cloud cover thus reducing food production.

Effects of climate change

Solutions on reducing climate change effects Plant more trees. Recycle waste materials. Use hot plates instead of firewood. Use public transport more often / fuel efficient cars. Switch off appliances when not in use. slow population growth. Promote more environmental awareness campaigns

Solutions to save water Avoid washing vegetables or fruits under running water, use a bowl and also use such water at your garden. Wash your car with at least two buckets of water instead of using a hosepipe. Report leaking pipes. Avoid irrigating during the day, do it in the morning or evening. make use of grey water to irrigate your garden.