Project

by Anthony Roberts

Slide 1

global warming

Slide 2

climate

Slide 3

The earth’s climate is predicted to change because human

activities are altering the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the

buildup of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous

oxide.  The heat trapping property of

these gases is undisputed.

Slide 4

The Greenhouse Effect

Solar radiation passes through the clear atmosphere

Most radiation is absorbed by the earth’s surface and warms

it

Some solar radiation is reflected by the earth and the

atmosphere

Infrared radiation is emitted form the earth’s surface.  

Some of the infrared radiation passes through the atmosphere,

and some is absorbed and re-emitted in all directions by greenhouse gas

molecules.  The effect of this is to

warm the earth’s surface and the lower atmosphere.

Slide 5

Energy from the sun drives the earth’s weather and climate,

and heats the earth’s surface; in turn the earth radiates energy back into

space.  Atmospheric greenhouse gases

(water vapor; carbon dioxide, and other gases) trap some of the outgoing

energy, retaining heat somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse.

Slide 6

The earth’s average temperature is a more hospitable 60

degrees F.

Slide 7

Problems may arise when the atmospheric concentration of

greenhouse gases increases.

Slide 8

Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have increased

nearly 30% , methane concentrations have more than doubled, and nitrous oxide

concentrations have risen by about 15%.

Slide 9

Fossils fuels burned to run cars and trucks, heat homes and

businesses, and power factories are responsible for about 98% of U.S. carbon

dioxide emissions, 24% of methane emissions, and 18% of nitrous oxide

emissions.  Increased agriculture,

deforestation, landfills, industrial production, and mining also contribute a

significant share of emissions.  In

1997, the United States emitted about one-fifth of the total greenhouse gases.

Slide 10

Changing Climate

Global mean surface temperatures have increased 0.5 – 1.0

degrees F since the late 19^th century.

Sea levels has risen 4-8 inches over the past century.

Slide 11

Global Temperature Changes (1880-2000)

 Source: U.S. Climate

Data Center, 2001

Slide 12

Scientists expect that the average global surface

temperature could rise 1-4.5 degrees F (0.6-2.5 degrees C) in the next fifty

years, and 2.2-10 degrees F (1.4-5.8 degrees C) in the next century, with

significant regional variation. 

Sea level is likely to rise two feet along most of the U.S.

coast.

Slide 13

emissions

Slide 14

What Age Greenhouse Gases?

Some greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere,

while others result from human activities.

Slide 15

Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide,

methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.

Slide 16

Carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere when solid

waste, fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), and wood and wood products

are burned.

Slide 17

Methane is emitted during the production and transport of

coal, natural gas, and oil.  Methane

emissions also result from the decomposition of organic wastes in municipal

solid waste landfills, and the raising of livestock.

Slide 18

Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial

activities, as well as during combustion of solid waste and fossil fuels.

Slide 19

impacts

Slide 20

Changing regional climate could alter forests, crop yields,

and water supplies.  It could also

threaten human health, and harm birds, fish, and many types of ecosystems.  Deserts may expand into existing rangelands,

and the character of some of our National Parks may be permanently altered.

Slide 21

(drawing)

Climate Change Forcings -> Physical Processes (Biosphere,

Atmosphere, Ice, Oceans) -> Physical Responses -> Biological Processes

->

Impacts

·       

·       

·       

·       

·       

Slide 22

Scientists currently are unable to determine which parts of

the United States will become wetter or drier.

Slide 23

actions

Slide 24

Actions are occurring at every level to reduce, to avoid and

to better understand the risks associated with climate change.

Slide 25

(Map of the east coast of the U.S. with markings for: Good,

Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, and Very Unhealthy.  Map is not reproducible here.)

Slide 26

At a national level, the U.S. Global Change Research Program

(USGRP) coordinates the world’s most extensive research effort on climate

change.

Slide 27

EPA and other federal agencies are actively engaging the

private sector, states, and localities in partnerships based on a win-win

philosophy and aimed at addressing the challenge of global warming while, at

the same time, strengthening the economy.

Slide 28

The U.S. is working to strengthen international action and

broaden participation under the auspices of the Framework Convention on Climate

Change.

Slide 29

Would You Like To Wake Up Looking At This?

Or Would You Like To Inhale This?

Slide 30

(picture of city skyline covered in smog – not reproducible

here)

Slide 31

Then You Better Make A Difference!

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Project

Results

My

project for EPA was a Powerpoint Presentation concerning Global Warming. I

presented it to our Youth Advisory Board for Community Change for Youth Development.

The meeting consisted of 2 adults and approximately 10 youth. I talked about

pollution, green house affect, and how it effects the atmosphere, Thank you

for giving me the chance to build the computer. Anthony Roberts.