If the Earth had no greenhouse effect the average surface temperature would be -18
degrees Celsius instead of +15 degrees Celsius and it would be too cold to support life.
Industrial Revolution- new technologies came out that made work easier. The problem
was that people had no idea that the by products of these machines were going to impact
the Earth.
Fossil Fuels- fuel made up decomposed remnant of plants and animals (coal, oil, natural
gas)
Remove CO2 Contribute CO2
4 Major Greenhouse Gases:
1) Carbon Dioxide (CO2)- makes up 55% if the greenhouse effect, comes mainly from
fossil fuel burning.
2) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)- makes up 24% of the greenhouse effect and comes from
leaking freon gas (refrigerators and air conditioners), plastic foam production, and aerosol
propellants.
3) Methane (CH4)- makes up about 15% of greenhouse effect and comes from bacteria
breaking down organic matter, cow flatulence, and swamps.
4) Nitrous Oxide (N2O)- makes up 6% of greenhouse effect and comes from nylon
production and livestock waste.
Heat trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere keep the planet warm enough for life
to exist, but human activities are increasing the effect to where it is harmful.
Human Impact on Levels of Atmosphere Carbon dioxide:
1) Burning fossil fuels
2) Use of CFCs
3) Agriculture
4) Deforestation
Possible Effects of Global Warming:
1) changes in food production- some crops would be damaged by heat while some crops
would be able to grow in different places.
2) reduction is water supplies- higher temperatures will increase evaporation of water.
3) changes in forests- increasing forest dieback due to higher temperatures.
4) reductions in biodiversity - extinction of species and migration of others.
5) rising sea levels- melting of ice caps will increase heights of oceans. Also expansion of
water due to increased temperatures.
6) Weather extremes- longer heat waves and stronger hurricanes.
7) Threats to human health- disruption of food and fresh water and more heat related
deaths.