Presented by sudhanshu tiwari
Global Warming
Aims and objectives
• To be able to define and understand the process of Global Warming.
• Be able to describe the effects of Global Warming on a global and
local scale.
• Be able to recognise how the effects of Global Warming can be
reduced.
What is Global Warming ?
• Global warming is the increase in the world’s average temperature,
believed to be the result from the release of carbon dioxide and other
gases into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels.
• This increase in greenhouse gases is causing an increase in the rate of
the greenhouse effect.
The Greenhouse Effect
The earth is warming rather like the inside of a greenhouse.
On a basic level the sun’s rays enter the earths atmosphere
and are prevented from escaping by the greenhouse gases.
This results in higher world temperatures.
The Greenhouse Effect
• 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.
• Without this natural "greenhouse effect," temperatures would be
much lower than they are now, and life as known today would not be
possible. Instead, thanks to greenhouse gases, the earth's average
temperature is a more hospitable 60°F. However, problems may arise
when the atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases increases.
What are the greenhouse
gases?
• Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, atmospheric concentrations of
carbon dioxide have increased nearly 30%, methane concentrations have more than
doubled, and nitrous oxide concentrations have risen by about 15%. Why are
greenhouse gas concentrations increasing?
• The major contributor is Carbon Dioxide (approx 64%).
• Methane is released from decaying organic matter, waste dumps, animal dung,
swamps and peat bogs (approx 19%).
There are also some positive effects of
global warming
• Decrease in death and disease
• Healthier, faster growing forests due to excess CO2
• Longer growing seasons
• Warmer temperatures (UK Mediterranean climate!!)
• Plants and shrubs will be able to grow further north and in present
desert conditions
How can Global Warming be reduced?
• Reduce the use of fossil fuels. A major impact would be to find
alternatives to coal, oil and gas power stations.
• Afforest areas, trees use up the CO2, reduce deforestation.
• Reduce the reliance on the car (promote shared public transport).
• Try to use energy efficiently (turn off lights and not use as much!).
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
• Careful long term planning to reduce the impact of global warming.
