Climate

Question 1

Global Warming

Answer 1

Caused by increased greenhouse gases:
H2O vapor, CO2, CH4, NOx, CFCs
in the troposphere that increase the natural greenhouse effect
Increased (enhanced) greenhouse effect raises the average global temperature
Increased temperature affects numerous aspects of global climate system

Question 2

The Greenhouse Gases

Answer 2

Water vapour in the atmosphere is stable - the atmosphere is saturated
CO2 levels are currently rising - they have varied in the past
Methane levels are increasing:as more cattle are farmed, as more paddy fields are planted, as permafrost melts
NOx levels increase due to increased circulation of motor vehicles
CFC levels are decreasing

Question 3

1992 Earth Summit – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Answer 3

UN Framework Convention on Climate Change approved by 106 nations, establishing two basic principles:
Scientific uncertainty must not be used to avoid precautionary action.
Industrial nations, the greatest historical contribution to climate change, must take the lead in reducing greenhouse gases and slowing global warming.
Nations committed to reduce CO2 levels to 1990 levels by 2000. But, it did not require them to reach the goal.

Question 4

Kyoto Protocol 1997

Answer 4

161 nations were represented to negotiate a new treaty to slow global warming.
Three agreements:
38 developed countries required to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2012.
Developing countries not bound to requirement of treaty
“Emission Trading” allowed between participating countries.

Question 5

Ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

Answer 5

Reduce use of fossil fuels
increase use of renewable energy sources
hydrogen fuel cells,
tidal,
geothermal,
solar,
wind,
biomass,
hydroelectric,
nuclear
Energy efficiency
use more energy efficient cars, lighting, heating, cooling and other machinery, better building insulation
Increase use of public transportation (trains, buses, etc.)
uses less energy
less pollution
environmental benefits: traffic, noise, road building

Question 6

Impacts of Global Climate Change

Answer 6

Arid deserts in Southwestern U.S. will shrink as precipitation increases
Savanna/shrub/woodland systems will replace grasslands in the Great Plains
Eastern U.S. – forests will expand northerly – weather conditions will become more severe
Southeastern U.S. – increasing droughts will bring more fires – triggering a rapid change from broadleaf forests to Savannas
Increases in evaporation in tropical areas
Results in a change in global rain patterns
Increased precipitation resulting in increased flooding
Decreased precipitation may result in drought, crop failures and famine
Increased melting of land ice raises ocean levels
Increases flooding of coastal areas
Inundates groundwater systems with salt water

Question 7

Solutions to Global Warming

Answer 7

Changes in human consumption of fossil fuels is essential to reducing the carbon dioxide emissions
Integration of alternative forms of energy for electrical power must be done soon:
Wind/Biomass/Geothermal/Solar/Hydro
Mass acceptance and use of alternative energy for transportation
Distribution of alternative energy technology to developing countries so that they can transition their economy without creating additional carbon dioxide problems.
Lifestyle/cultural changes – eating less meat, buying local foods and goods, transportation choices (carpooling), recycling, and conservation (energy and resources)