Anthropogenic Changes

14.2 Human Activities and Climate Change

Essential question: How are human activities affecting Earth's climate?

How are human activities affecting Earth's climate?

• Humans change the land, air, and water of Earth's surface faster than most geological processes

• The atmosphere controls our climate and weather

​Earth's atmosphere insulates us from the cold of space. When the sun warms Earth's surface, this heat is radiated back as infrared waves.

Greenhouse Effect

Greenhouse Effect

The infrared waves pass through the nitrogen and oxygen, but are trapped by water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide. These gases are called greenhouse gases.

It only takes a small amount of greenhouse gases to heat up the Earth's surface

Multiple Choice

What are the three greenhouse gases?

• Oxygen, Nitrogen, Argon

• Water Vapor, Carbon Dioxide, and Methane

• Radon, Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide

• Helium, Methane, Hydrogen

Levels of Greenhouse Gases

Key concept answer: Human activities are increasing the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and producing changes in climate worldwide. This increase is causing global temperatures to rise.

Multiple Choice

What is the main cause of global temperatures rising?

• Excess greenhouse gases

• Cow farts

• Hurricanes

• Rainstorms

Melting glaciers, rising sea levels, drought, desertification, changes to the biosphere, and regional changes in temperature

Effects of Global Warming

As global temps rise, water shortages and droughts can become common. Some land can become a desert which can lead to food shortages.

Droughts and Desertification

Organisms in a biosphere may not adapt to warmer temperatures and look for other places to live. This can cause disruptions to ecosystems.

Changes to Biosphere

Various regions around the world have changed temperatures slowly over the past 50 years. This can lead to longer growing seasons

Regional Changes

Draw

Draw what you think the east coast of the United States would look like if sea levels rose too much?

Open Ended

What clean, renewable sources of energy can we use to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions?