Homework from last class:• Complete Check Your Understanding questions on p. 481 #s 1-8, 10, 12-15

• Bring May 12th Playland field trip forms and money ASAP!

• Due date to bring in forms and money is Monday, May 9th

• Read over class notes and check out the class blog: http://msoonscience.blogspot.com/

Human Activity and Climate Change

Chapter 11.2 pp. 482-496

What is climate change?Climate change: changes in long-term weather patterns in certain

regions.• These changes affect the redistribution of thermal energy

around Earth.

Global warming: an increase in Earth’s average global temperature

• Both the causes and effects of global warming are unknown and controversial.

pp. 482 - 483

The Enhanced Greenhouse Effectenhanced greenhouse effect: the increased capacity of the

atmosphere to trap thermal energy due to an increase in greenhouse gases

• Greenhouse gases include water vapour, CO2, methane, nitrous oxide, and CFCs.CFCs = chlorofluorocarbons (ex: liquid coolants, air conditioning)

Global warming potential (GWP): the ability to trap thermal energy

CO2 is given a GWP of 1; CFCs are 4750-5310.

p. 484

Main cause of ozone depletion.

• Ozone is an important UV radiation blocker in the stratosphere.

• At lower altitudes, however, it is a very powerful greenhouse gas.• Results from solar radiation reacting with pollution from the burning of

fossil fuels• Released from photocopiers and certain air conditioners

Albedo and Climate,Making Predictions About Climate Change• The albedo at Earth’s surface affects the amount of solar radiation

that region receives.

p. 487

• Forests have a low albedo. Deforestation increases albedo.

• Forests also emit large amounts of water vapour, which reflects solar radiation back into space.

• Deforestation’s effects on climate change are unknown.

• Changes in a region’s albedo (ex: snow cover melting earlier in the season than it did previously) could result in climate change.

The Role of Science in Understanding Climate ChangeScientists use computers to model what Earth’s climate might be like.

• Although models differ, most indicate that a decrease in the production of greenhouse gases is necessary to stop the apparent global warming trend.

General circulation models (GCMs): computer models used to study climate

Take into account changes in greenhouse gases, albedo, ocean currents, winds and surface temperatures.

Used for weather forecasting, climate analysis, and climate change predictions.

p. 488

Projected global temperatures.

The Role of International Cooperation in Climate Change• Human-induced climate change is a recent

occurrence.

• The United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization created the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to address global concerns about climate change and global warming.

• The IPCC, formed in 1988, has members from 130 countries.

• The IPCC examines possible climate change, highlights the causes, and suggests solutions.

• The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change created a voluntary treaty to encourage governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

p. 489

Global Impacts of Climate Change

p. 489 - 490

Impacts of Climate Change on Canada

• Canada could be strongly affected by global warming.• Areas of Canada - average temperature increases of 0.5ºC to 1.5ºC.

• The Arctic regions are losing permafrost (ground that remains frozen year-round) and Arctic Ocean ice cover.

• Longer growing seasons and more precipitation is falling.• Could be heavier spring rains and severe droughts in the future.• Fisheries could be very negatively affected.• Pollution could lead to health issues.

• Most regions of British Columbia will probably be warmer, sea levels will rise, and fresh drinking water may be harder to find as glaciers disappear.

p. 490 - 492

Action Plan Addressing Climate Change

p. 493 - 496

• Although climate change is a controversial issue, our actions now are important.

• Relatively small changes could have large positive impact on the climate in Canada.• Reduce vehicle greenhouse gas emissions.• Reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions.• Increase use of energy-efficient products.• Improve indoor air quality.

Homework for next class:• Complete Reading Check questions on p. 501 #s 1-10

• Study Chapter 10 and 11 Review sheet - review next class

• Chapter 10 and 11 test – Monday, May 16th

• Bring May 12th Playland field trip forms and money ASAP!

• Due date to bring in forms and money is Monday, May 9th

• Read over class notes and check out the class blog: http://msoonscience.blogspot.com/

Have a great weekend!

Works CitedImages taken from the following sources:http://socialism4students.com/international-news/97-of-scientists-say-man-made-climate-change-is-real/http://agriculture.sc.gov/content.aspx?contentID=567http://agriculture.sc.gov/content.aspx?contentID=567http://year4.chorltonparkblogs.net/2010/12/04/deforestation-2/http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/documentaries/features/photogallery/europe_photogallery1.shtmlhttp://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/2007/http://thisismycounty.com/2010/12/01/going-green-tip-16/

Power Point Credit:McGraw Hill Ryerson, 2007.