Climate Change Climate Change basically is any change in climate… …But now it is mostly used to refer to the change in climate caused by us, humans. This is the climate change related to global warming.

What is Global Warming?

Atmosphere Water Vapour CARBON DIOXIDE METHANE THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT Light and heat comes from sun in long wavelengths. Some is reflected off atmosphere Some heat is absorbed by the earth, most is radiated back as infra-red rays most of which are then absorbed by the atmosphere, and the heat stays inside the atmosphere. The main gases responsible for this effect are:…

A little global warming IS needed to stop the earth from freezing, but….. … too much global warming can cause huge problems.

Of the three mentioned greenhouse gases, the most important is Carbon Dioxide, as we are constantly spilling gigatons of carbon-dioxide,

Increased levels of CO2 increases global warming Deforestation From other factories Car emissions Coal-powered power plants

In this simplified graph, you can clearly see the correlation of carbon-dioxide and temperature in the last thousands of years.

This was the carbon–dioxide variations until a few hundred years ago. AND NOW ITS LIKE THIS!!!

This graph shows the constant increase in CO2

Carbon Sinks

The main natural sinks are: Absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans 2. Photosynthesis by plants and algae and storage in animals A carbon sink is a natural or manmade reservoir that accumulates and stores some carbon-containing chemical compound for an indefinite period What is a Carbon Sink?

Terrestrial Biosphere Sink Atmospheric CO2 Carbon Stored Carbon Stored Carbon in Soil Carbon in Soil Carbon sink based on land ecosystem Trees take in CO2 and store some of it in their molecules Plants and animals die and rot in the soil Animals eat plants

Ocean Sink Atmospheric CO2 H2O + CO2 + CO32- 2HCO3- Algae and other organisms absorb CO2 In this way, along with other processes, the CO2 goes into the deep layer of the ocean and stays there. Since atmospheric CO2 is always more than the CO2 in the surface layer, CO2 is always absorbed, but slowly.

Carbon in Deep Layer of Ocean ≈ Carbon in atmosphere + biosphere + surface layer So, the sink is very important

But the sinks are not foolproof, and we have to protect them.

Deforestation No more CO2 absorption Burning CO2 released back into atmosphere

Ocean Sink Atmospheric CO2 H2O + CO2 + CO32- 2HCO3- Algae and other organisms absorb CO2 New studies have shown that too much CO2 in the atmosphere can saturate the surface layer, and stop CO2 uptake and in some cases can cause CO2 release back into the atmosphere.

Effects on Ecosystems and Sea level

Atmospheric CO2 ocean Ocean bed CORALS H2CO3 Acidification of Oceans kills corals that support small fish ? ? ? Small fish die, so big fish cant find food, so EVERYONE DIES

Destruction of Species Polar Bears Penguins Plants Loss of ice in the polar caps where they live Heat stress causes death of crops and other plants as weather pattern changes

1914 2004 Greenland Melting Sea Level Rise Melting of Glaciers Effects of Climate Change

Effect on Crops Heat Stress Increased Rainfall and Droughts

Effects on Health

Effects on Global Climate

Water Borne Diseases Crop Production and Malnutrition Malaria and Mosquitoes Cholera Diarrhoea

Solutions to Anthropogenic Climate Change

Solar Energy Wind Energy Geothermal Energy Efficient housing uses less energy

Small deeds add up to a lot! But most importantly – LET OTHER PEOPLE KNOW, and tell them how they can reduce their impact on the environment

But we also need to make the people making the decisions bring down CO2 emissions of individual countries. We need to make the people making the decisions see that we care about our and our planet’s future. Unless we do that, we will be looking at a very bleak future for both the human race and also other species on earth This December, the world leaders are meeting in Copenhagen to discuss this issue… We have to build up enough public opinion to force them to reach a climate deal that will make all countries decrease CO2 emissions Only then can we hope for a GREEN future Made by Sudipta Saha