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Without these naturally occurring greenhouse gases, the average temperature of the Earth would be approximately -15oC
This data is taken from measurements of the concentration of the oxygen isotope 18O in air bubbles trapped in rock and ice. This concentration is temperature dependent but can only be used to give an indication of temperature change rather than a measurement of temperature itself
Non-anthropogenic factors
Do you think there is a correlation between the increasing output of carbon dioxide due to anthropogenic activity and increasing global temperatures? Can we be certain that the first is responsible for the second?
Anthropogenic Factors
Burning of fossil fuels
Coal, oil and natural gas
Deforestation
Breakdown of organic matter in biomass and soil Burning of biomass Reduction in photosynthesis
CO2
Cattle ranching
Cow farts
CH4
Use of fertilisers
Breakdown of nitrogen-rich compounds
N2O
Anthropogenic Factors
Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions in 2000
1%
9% 16%
Anthropogenic Factors
Sources of Carbon Dioxide Emissions
3% 15% 31%
25% 26%
The proportions vary from country to country depending on its economy and energy demands
Societal Effects
Water resources
Agriculture Coastal settlements Human health The Effects of Global Warming
Species changes
Climate change in the past has been slow and allowed animals and plants to adapt There may be migrations, but many obstacles (some anthropogenic) and lack of suitable habitats may lead to mass extinctions Increased temperature may lead to spread of pests and tropical disease vectors
Agriculture
Increasing drought events would reduce crop yield and affect farmers ability to irrigate (especially in LEDCs) Suitable areas for crop growth would be expected to move north/south from the equator Farmers may be forced to change the crops they cultivate
Social Issues
Conflicts over resources (especially water) may be expected to increase Economic changes may occur LEDCs will be less able to cope than MEDCs Low lying areas (especially in LEDCs with poor infrastructure) will be prone to coastal flooding
4. Deforestation may lead to warming and drying of the climate, leading to further loss of rainforest
5. Increased forestation in higher latitudes may further decrease albedo
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Questions
1. What are the main greenhouse gases? 2. What role do they play in maintaining global temperature? 3. Describe 4 different ways in which human activities affect the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere 4. Describe and evaluate strategies to reduce global warming 5. Evaluate 4 different perceptions of the issue of global warming