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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.

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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.

In more detail………

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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. �

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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?

Burning of fossil fuels and other human activities are the primary reason for the increased concentration of carbon dioxide.

CFC’s from aerosols, air conditioners, foam packaging and refrigerators most damaging (approx 6%).

Methane is released from decaying organic matter, waste dumps, animal dung, swamps and peat bogs (approx 19%).

Nitrous Oxide is emitted from car exhausts, power stations and agricultural fertiliser (approx 6%).

The major contributor is Carbon Dioxide (approx 64%).

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Task 1:The �Greenhouse Effect

Complete your worksheet by cutting and labeling the diagram and answering the questions

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Task 2 : Effects of global warming

You are about to see a series of pictures which show some of the effects of global warming.

Draw a rough sketch then write down the effects or titles for the pictures you've drawn

I’m thinking !

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What are the consequences of Global Warming?

What are the pictures showing, what are the effects of global warming?

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What are the consequences of Global Warming?

What are the pictures showing, what are the effects of global warming?

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What are the consequences of Global Warming?

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How did�you do?

Hurricanes –extreme weather

Flooding of coastal areas

Desertification

Ice caps melt

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How did�you do?

Rise in temperatures

Loss of wildlife habitats and species

Sea level rise

Extreme storms

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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
Heavier rainfall in certain locations will give higher agricultural production (Rice in India, Wheat in Africa).

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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.

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Summary

Global Warming is the increase in global temperatures due to the increased rate of the Greenhouse Effect.
Greenhouse gases trap the incoming solar radiation, these gases include Carbon Dioxide, CFCs, Methane, Nitrous Oxides and other Halocarbons. These are released by human activity.
We need the Greenhouse effect to maintain life on earth as we know it…however if we keep adding to the Greenhouse gases there will be many changes.
Consequences can be negative ( ice caps melt, sea level rise, extreme weather conditions) or positive (more rain in drought areas, longer growing season).