Sci 207 - Global Warming

Global Warming

Tasha Sanders

SCI 207

Kelli Roberts

October 26, 2011

Global Warming

Introduction:

I. Global Warming is defined as the human-caused emissions of green-house gases that in turn increase the global mean surface temperature.

A. These gases consist largely of water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.

1. Carbon Dioxide is the lead gas that increases the global temperature.

B. The global mean surface temperature is currently up 0.74oF in 2007 making the annual average a whopping 57.94oF.

1. Another global climatic observed on the same study showed a record low Artic-sea ice extent.

Body:

I. The Main factors that cause Global Warming:

A. the burning of coal and petroleum products.

1. The combination of power plants, cars, airplanes, and buildings accounts for about 75 to 80% of the carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere

2. These products used include fossil fuels, crude oil, and gas.

B. The process of Deforestation.

1. Accounts for 20-25% of the carbon dioxide emissions.

C. The softening of Permafrost land.

1. Frozen soil that is located deep beneath the artic and sub-arctic land...this area holds 14% of the world's carbon.

2. If starts to soften or "melt" can cause severe increase of green house affect.

D. Melting of the Arctic Tundra.

1. Holds about 50 billion tons of carbon.

2. Was called a proverbial "carbon sink"...but was later discovered it was doing the opposite. It was now a net emitter of carbon dioxide.

II. The ways to reduce and/or prevent Global Warming.

A. Using less air-conditioning and/or heat.

1. Turn off and/or down on AC and/or heater when you are not home, and/or sleeping.

a. Cleaning the filter on your AC reduces the energy use.

2. Buy and use an electric heater.

3. Insulated your home (windows, doors, bathrooms, and garages)