Geography EOY Project
- 2. global warming – An overview
- 5. What causes global warming?Co2emmisionsPrimary Cause: Carbon Dioxide emissionsCO2 is being pumped into our atmosphere at an insane pace; 8 billion tons of CO2 entered the air last year. The beginning of global warming was caused by fossil fuels being burned and emitting plenty of CO2.Currently in the world 40% of all CO2 emissions are caused by power plants. These are burning coal, natural gas and diesel fuel. 33% of all the CO2 sent forth is the product of cars and trucks. Internal combustion engines burning fossil fuels. Gasoline and diesel spew forth a retching amount of CO2.3.5% of all CO2 emissions are released from aircraft. Unfortunately, jets and other aircraft deliver their payload of pollutants directly into the troposphere.Other causes include: Emission of Methane, Nitrogen oxides, Fluorinated gases
- 7. What causes global warming?The greenhouse effect
- 8. EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
- 9. Effects of global warming?Rising Sea Levels
- 11. Beach Erosion
- 12. Extreme Weather
- 14. Destabilization of local climates
- 15. Acidic Oceans
- 16. Drought Effects of global warming?Rising Sea LevelsAs Polar ice melts down the water created joins inland fresh water reservoirs and the vast majority of melted ice joins the pool of the oceans. The rise in sea levels due to global warming is primarily caused by thermal expansion. (When you heat a liquid it expands) Sea levels are currently on a pace to rise at a rate of approximately 1 inch every ten years. People living in low laying areas such will most directly be affected. A one hundred year model that allows for the current progression of global warming factors would result in millions of acres of land mass lost in these areas.
- 17. What causes global warming?Salt water intrusionSalt-water intrusion as a result of rising sea levels could easily destroy a huge percentage of the potable water available in this and other coastal states. Agricultural products of low-lying areas around the world will face shortfalls. Production of fruits and vegetables is dependent on a stable set of environmental conditions. Most of America’s grapefruit is grown there along the Florida coast and should we follow the expected loss of coastline for all of the Southern US which is projected at a possible 2 mile inward loss of coastline over the next 75 years. Both the Indian River and Indian River Grapefruit will no longer exist. 50% of American produce is grown in our low laying areas. A major effect of global warming is that agricultural production will be decreased. Our planet will be unable to grow as much food.
- 18. Effects of global warming?Beach erosionA major secondary effect of rising sea levels is massive beach erosion. The endless stretches of sandy beaches will wither away to a few hundred yards here and there. Tourism pumps over 50 Billion dollars a year into Florida’s economy. North Carolina and Louisiana earn 15 billion dollars each through tourism. In fact every US state and every nation on Earth with mild climate and a sandy shore depends upon financial gain from tourism to sustain its economy. Beach erosion has a financial impact on countries and loss of coastal acreage will displace thousands of species of animal and plant life.
- 19. Effects of global warming?Extreme weatherPerhaps the most commonly conceived notion as to the effects of global warming is that of cataclysmic weather. In fervour to promote the cause, too often we see graphic depictions of raging floods, category 12 hurricanes and dozens of tornadoes sweeping the landscape. Since the dawn of the industrial revolution, frequency of hurricanes overall has risen by almost 40% and the those hurricanes now making landfall deposit almost 10% more rainfall than their pre 1970 counterparts. As an effect of global warming hurricanes are stronger, wetter and more numerous. Hurricane Fay from 2007 created massive flooding over a dozen states. This increase in storm activity is directly related to a wider variance between warm and cold ocean waters. Global warming produces as by-products, variance in the jet stream, wind shear, greater quantity of cyclones, and drought.
- 20. Effects of global warming?Increased rainfallIf we increase the temperature of the air it is able to absorb more moisture in the form of water vapour. The greater the amounts of water vapour the atmosphere absorbs the greater the amount of rainfall we will receive during the normal process of reaching a dew point or other yard stick of precipitation. This increased rainfall results in drastically increased erosion.
- 21. Effects of global warming?Destabilization of local climatesThe overall destabilization of local climates is a major effect of global warming. The Arctic is home to over 4 million people. Canada, Russia, and Alaska are dealing with a tremendous rise in bacterial growth as permafrost regions warm.Glaciers in the northern hemisphere have decreased in size by 50% over the last 100 years. This particular meltdown has resulted in landslides; flash floods and Lake Overflow throughout the Andes, Alps, Pyrenees, Himalayas, and Rocky Mountains. These seasonal meltdowns are followed by seasonal droughts. Global warming creates climate extremes.
- 22. Effects of global warming?Acidic oceansOur Oceans are the Earth’s largest sink for the absorption of CO2 from our atmosphere. As excess CO2 is dealt with, the oceans in an effort to balance the ecosystem have become saturated with CO2. This has resulted in production of mild carbonic acid and is known as ocean acidification. While this is an extremely slight change in the ph (acid to base) balance of the seas it does result in damage to corals. Coral reefs are home to the vast majority of undersea life. Ocean acidification coincides with Oxygen depletion in our oceans. Heavier CO2 molecules are supplanting oxygen. Therefore there will be less oxygen, endangering the survival of many sea creatures.
- 23. Effects of global warming?droughtsAs temperature swings increase we are left with flooding in some areas and drought in others the drought creates correct conditions for forest fires. These fires, like our hurricanes, are suddenly emerging on a much grander scale. The 2009 fires raging through Australia and the 2002 fires in Florida serve as excellent examples. Massive fires release much more carbon as both particle and molecule than can readily be absorbed.
- 25. Help stop global warming
- 26. Possible solutions for global warming?Large scale solutionsThe biggest impact on climate change will come from large-scale changes such as well-reasoned international policies; thoughtful, systematic efforts to reduce polluting fossil fuel energy sources and unsound land use practices; and steady progress toward a green, sustainable future.By enlisting the support of policy makers and calling on industry to reduce pollution, we can have a measurable impact now and a profound impact in the long run.
- 27. Possible solutions for global warming?Energy solutionsElectricity generated by coal burning power plants is a major source of global warming pollution in the United States.But by reducing how much energy we use through energy-efficient technologies and by displacing dirty fossil fuels with clean electricity sources, we can build a cost-effective and sustainable energy future.
- 28. Possible solutions for global warming?Vehicle solutionsU.S. passenger vehicles are one of the largest contributors to global warming pollution, responsible for roughly a quarter of annual U.S. energy-related emissions of CO2.Better transportation choices can have an enormous impact on climate change.Better methods of transport include riding a bicycle, taking public transport and walking.
- 29. Possible solutions for global warming?Forest SolutionsTropical deforestation produces more global warming pollution than every car, truck, plane, ship, and train on earth. It’s the largest source of heat-trapping emissions in some developing countries, and it accounts for about 15 per cent of the world’s heat-trapping emissions.Reducing deforestation is a practical, cost-effective way to help avert global warming and it also makes important contributions to saving biodiversity and supporting sustainable development.