Global warming refers to rising surface temperatures of the Earth caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions, while the greenhouse effect is the natural process that keeps the Earth's temperature warm enough to sustain life. Increased human activities like burning fossil fuels have accelerated the greenhouse effect and caused enhanced global warming by emitting more greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The effects of global warming include increased temperatures, rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, habitat destruction, and species extinction. Scientists measure rising greenhouse gases by analyzing air trapped in ice cores. Individual actions like using energy efficient appliances and vehicles can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

1. GLOBAL WARMING AND
THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT
MS. KOPCHICK’S EARTH SCIENCE CLASS

2. What is the difference between
Global Warming and the
Greenhouse Effect?
Global warming refers to a rise in the
temperature of the surface of the
earth
An increase in the concentration of
greenhouse gases leads to an
increase in the magnitude of the
greenhouse effect. (Called enhanced
greenhouse effect)

3. The Greenhouse Effect is a
GOOD THING!
GREENHOUSE GASES REGULATE OUR CLIMATE BY
TRAPPING HEAT AND HOLDING IT IN A KIND OF
WARM-AIR BLANKET THAT SURROUNDS THE
PLANET. WITHOUT IT, OUR AVERAGE
TEMPERATURE WOULD BE COLDER BY 54 DEGREES
FAHRENHEIT
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY TO COLD TO SUSTAIN OUR
CURRENT ECOSYSTEM!

5. The “Enhanced” Greenhouse
Effect
THE PROBLEM WITH THE
GREENHOUSE EFFECT IS WHEN
HUMAN ACTIVITIES DISTORT AND
ACCELERATE THE NATURAL PROCESS
BY CREATING MORE GREENHOUSE
GASES IN THE ATMOSPHERE

7. Greenhouse Gases
• CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2)
– Source: Fossil fuel burning, deforestation
h Anthropogenic increase: 30%
h Average atmospheric residence time: 500
years
h METHANE (CH4)
– Source: Rice cultivation, cattle & sheep
ranching, decay from landfills, mining
h Anthropogenic increase: 145%
h Average atmospheric residence time: 7-10
years

8. Greenhouse Gases
h NITROUS OXIDE (N2O)
– Source: Industry and agriculture (fertilizers)
h Anthropogenic increase: 15%
h Average atmospheric residence time: 140-190 years
WATER VAPOR (H2O)
THE MOST IMPORTANT GREENHOUSE GAS!!
SOURCES: EVAPORATION
ANTHROPOGENIC INCREASE: 35 %

9. More greenhouse gases means
more heat trapped which increases
the Earth’s temperature
BURNING NATURAL GAS, COAL, OIL RAISES THE LEVEL OF CO2 IN
THE ATMOSPHERE
SOME FARMING PRACTICES AND LAND-USE CHANGES INCREASES
THE LEVELS OF METHANE AND NITROUS OXIDE
MANY FACTORIES PRODUCE LONG LASTING INDUSTRIAL GASES
THAT DO NOT OCCUR NATURALLY
AND THOSE GASES ENHANCE THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

10. Even more ways these gases are
added to the atmosphere!
DEFORESTATION: TREES USE CO2 AND GIVE OFF O2 IN
WHICH HELPS TO CREATE THE OPTIMAL BALANCE OF
GASES IN THE ATMOSPHERE. AS MORE FORESTS ARE
LOGGED FOR TIMBER OR CUT DOWN TO MAKE WAY FOR
FARMING, THERE ARE FEWER TREES TO PERFORM THIS
CRITICAL FUNCTION. IN ADDITION WHEN THIS WOOD
IS BURNED IT PRODUCES EVEN MORE CO2 IN THE
ATMOSPHERE.

11. Population Growth
AS MORE PEOPLE USE FOSSIL FUELS FOR HEAT,
TRANSPORTATION AND INDUSTRY, THE LEVEL OF
GREENHOUSE GASES CONTINUE TO INCREASE. AS
MORE FARMING OCCURS TO FEED MILLIONS OF NEW
PEOPLE, MORE GREENHOUSE GASES ENTER THE
ATMOSPHERE

12. How do scientists measure the
increase of greenhouse gases?
ICE

16. Effects of Global Warming due to the
unbalance of greenhouse gases
Increased Temperature Rising Sea Level

17. Effects of Global Warming due to the unbalance
of greenhouse gases
Changes in water supply;
Habitat Damage and contamination of fresh
Species Extinction water

18. Effects of Global Warming due to the unbalance
of greenhouse gases
More severe storms; Droughts, changes in
hurricanes and floods weather patterns

19. Some Proof of Global Warming
Portage Glacier Portage Glacier
Alaska then…. Alaska now….

20. Some Proof of Global Warming
Colorado River, Az Colorado River, Az
June 2002 December 2003

21. What can we do to help reduce
greenhouse gas emissions?

22. Educate and Use!!
Wind Power Solar Power

23. Educate and Use!!
Compact
Fuel Efficient Cars Fluorescent

24. Today you can….
TURN OFF YOUR COMPUTER OR THE TV
WHEN YOU’RE NOT USING IT.
TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS. HEATING WATER USES ENERGY.
KEEP ROOMS COOL BY CLOSING THE BLINDS, SHADES, OR
CURTAINS.
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS WHEN YOU LEAVE A ROOM.
USE COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS