Global Warming Lauren Pollock SCI 210 Dr Sandy

Global Warming Lauren Pollock SCI 210 Dr. Sandy November 18, 2003 "An increasing body of observations gives a collective picture of a warming world and other changes in the climate system. " Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2001

What is global warming? ? Ø An increase in the average temperature of the earth’s surface, especially a sustained increase sufficient to cause climatic change. -American Heritage Dic. of the English Language, 4 th Ed.

Evidence that Global Warming Exists Increase in emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere -cars, power plants, etc. Ø Global average temperatures increasing- 2002 was the second warmest year on record. Ø

Effects on U. S. Climate NRDC. com There are several predicted climate pattern changes -warmer temperatures -drought and wildfire -more intense rainstorms -changing weather patterns Ø Predictions are made based on warning signs today Ø

Global Effects Ø Some of the global effects tend to have a domino effect -for example, rising temperatures causes warming waters, which leads to thinning and melting ice. -The melting of glaciers contributes to another problem, the rise of sea level. NRDC. com Time. com Increased melting season in Antarctica, which affects the Adelie penguins who live there. An ice shelf melting away over several months.

More Global Effects Health -heat waves -increase in spread of disease via mosquitoes Ø Ecosystem -possible extinction of species Ø 279 species of plants and animals are already reacting to global warming, including these Pacific Salmon, who experienced a sharp decline in population in 1997 and 1998. Time. com

Consequences of Global Warming Climatehotmap. org Ø Orange-indicates direct manifestations of a widespread and long-term , trend toward warmer global temperatures such as heat waves, ocean warming, glacier melting, and Arctic and Anarctic warming. Ø Red- indicates foreshadowed likely impacts with continued warming, such as spreading disease, earlier spring arrival, population changes, etc.

What can you do? Ø This is a really cool site about common ways to reduce emissions of CO 2 and other harmful gases! Ø What can you do? ?