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Presented by:
Surendra Bam
Outline
Introduction to climate change What changes climate? How do we know? Why should we care? What nextwhat can we do?
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Climate Change-Definition
Any change in climate over time, whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity (IPCC) Change of climate that is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and that is in addition to natural variability observed over comparable time periods (UNFCCC)
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Drifting continents In the distant past, drifting continents make a big difference in climate over millions of years by changing ice caps at the poles and by altering oceans currents, which transport heat and cold throughout the ocean depths.
Volcanic eruptions Huge volcanic eruptions can cool earth by injecting ash and tiny particles into the stratosphere. Greenhouse gases Changes in the concentration of greenhouse gases, which occur both naturally and as a result of human activities.
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Greenhouse gases
Nitrous oxide
Carbon dioxide
Methane
Water
Sulfur hexafluoride
How do we know?
Scientists learn about the past climate from such things as tree ring analysis, fossil evidence and analysis of patterns and chemical composition in coral skeletons and ice cores. 9
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Computer models
Computer model used to forecast weather, climate models simulate the climate system with 3-dimensional gird. It performs trillions of calculations that describe changes in 11 many climate factors in the grid.
Model correctly identify that the warming is due to mans activities, and that projections of future warming are realistic. 12
In Glacier National Park, there were 150 glaciers in 1850. Today, there are 26. 13
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Effects on precipitation
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Effects on precipitation
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Germany: Lowest river levels this century France: >14,000 deaths Switzerland: Melting glaciers, avalanches
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Impacts
AGRICULTURE Shift in food growing areas Changes in crop yields High irrigation demand Increased pest, crop diseases & weeds in warm areas BIODIVERSITY Extinction of some plant and animal species Loss of habitat Disruption of aquatic life WATER RESOURCES Change in water supply Decreases water quality Increased drought Increased flooding FORESTS Changes in forest composition and locations Disappearance of some forests Increased fires from drying Loss of wildlife habitat and species
SEA LEVEL Rising sea levels Flooding of low lying islands and coastal cities
WEATHER EXTREMES Prolonged heat waves and drought Increased flooding More intense hurricanes, typhoons, tornadoes & violent storms
vHUMAN HEALTH
Increased death from heat and diseases Disruption of food & water supplies Spread of tropical disease to temperate areas Increased respiratory diseases Increased water pollution from coastal flooding
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Future Scenario
More CO means a warmer atmosphere. Global mean some regions 11C warmer (top), and 13C if (bottom). temperatures in would be 8C to if CO doubled
CO quadrupled
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Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and our use of fuels will not be easy, but it double. 26
Contd.
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Individual actions
Plant trees Use mass transit, bicycle, walk, roller skate Buy water-saving appliances and toilets; installing low-flow shower heads. Awareness programs
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Bibliography
NASA Earth observatory, 2011 climate system. IPCC Fourth Assessment Report UNFCCC Report Santra, S.C.2005, Environmental Science, New central book agency, pg. 301-315 www. Google.com
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