Climate change is reshaping our world. trap heat in Earth's atmosphere, causing . This topic explores the science behind climate change, its impacts, and strategies to address it.
From rising sea levels to extreme weather, climate change affects us all. We'll examine key greenhouse gases, their sources, and how they contribute to global warming. We'll also look at ways to mitigate and adapt to these changes.
Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming
The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
Top images from around the web for The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
The Greenhouse Effect | Introduction to Chemistry View original
Is this image relevant?
10.4 Climate Change | Environmental Biology View original
Is this image relevant?
Stoichiometry of Gases | CHEM 1305 Introductory Chemistry View original
Is this image relevant?
The Greenhouse Effect | Introduction to Chemistry View original
Is this image relevant?
10.4 Climate Change | Environmental Biology View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
The Greenhouse Effect | Introduction to Chemistry View original
Is this image relevant?
10.4 Climate Change | Environmental Biology View original
Is this image relevant?
Stoichiometry of Gases | CHEM 1305 Introductory Chemistry View original
Is this image relevant?
The Greenhouse Effect | Introduction to Chemistry View original
Is this image relevant?
10.4 Climate Change | Environmental Biology View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
traps heat in Earth's atmosphere by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation
Greenhouse gases (CO2, , ) allow sunlight to pass through but absorb heat radiating from Earth's surface
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to enhanced greenhouse effect
Atmospheric composition changes contribute to global warming
Pre-industrial CO2 levels: ~280 ppm
Current CO2 levels: >410 ppm
Natural greenhouse effect maintains Earth's habitable temperature (~15°C average)
Enhanced greenhouse effect from human activities leads to additional warming
Key Greenhouse Gases and Their Sources
(CO2) primary contributor to global warming
Sources include fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and cement production
Atmospheric lifetime: 300-1000 years
Methane (CH4) more potent greenhouse gas than CO2
Sources include livestock, rice paddies, landfills, and natural gas leaks
Atmospheric lifetime: ~12 years
Global warming potential 28-36 times that of CO2 over 100 years
Water vapor acts as a feedback mechanism
Warmer atmosphere holds more water vapor, amplifying warming effect
Other greenhouse gases include and (CFCs, HFCs)
Impacts of Climate Change
Sea Level Rise and Ocean Acidification
caused by thermal expansion of oceans and melting of land-based ice
Current rate: ~3.3 mm/year
Projected rise by 2100: 0.3-2.5 meters depending on emissions scenarios
Low-lying coastal areas and small island nations at risk of inundation
results from increased CO2 absorption by seawater
pH of surface ocean waters decreased by 0.1 units since pre-industrial times
Threatens marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs and shellfish
Impacts on marine food webs and fisheries
Extreme Weather Events and Atmospheric Changes
Increased frequency and intensity of
Heat waves (2003 European heat wave)
Droughts (California drought 2011-2017)
Hurricanes (Hurricane Harvey 2017)
Floods (Thailand floods 2011)
Changes in precipitation patterns affect water availability and agriculture
in stratosphere
Caused by (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances
successfully phased out CFCs
Ozone hole over Antarctica showing signs of recovery
increase
Forms from reactions between pollutants and sunlight
Contributes to urban smog and respiratory problems
Addressing Climate Change
Climate Models and Projections
simulate Earth's climate system using mathematical equations
(GCMs) incorporate atmosphere, oceans, land surface, and ice
uses multiple models to improve accuracy and assess uncertainty
(IPCC) scenarios
(RCPs) project future greenhouse gas concentrations
(SSPs) consider different socioeconomic development trajectories
Model projections inform policy decisions and adaptation planning
Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies
aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
adoption (solar, wind, hydroelectric)
improvements in buildings and transportation
mechanisms (carbon tax, cap-and-trade systems)
and to increase carbon sinks
help communities cope with climate change impacts
(sea walls, mangrove restoration)
Drought-resistant crop varieties and improved irrigation techniques
(green roofs, reflective surfaces)
for extreme weather events
International cooperation and agreements
aims to limit global temperature increase to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels