Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide trap heat in the atmosphere and are causing global temperatures to rise at the fastest rate in recorded history. The 10 hottest years on record have all occurred since 1990. If emissions are not curbed, average US temperatures could increase by 3 to 9 degrees by 2100. Observable changes include rising sea and air temperatures, melting ice and snow, and rising sea levels. Various ecosystems and species are already being negatively impacted by the climate changes. To mitigate these effects, emissions of greenhouse gases must be reduced and alternative energies developed.

1. by Irina Ionescu
8TH grade, Scoala Gimnaziala Magura

2. What causes Earth’s climate to
change?
Carbon dioxide and other air pollution that is
collecting in the atmosphere like a thickening
blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing the
planet to warm up.

3. What are
greenhouse gases?
Any gases that cause the “greenhouse
effect!”

6. Is the earth really getting hotter?
Yes. Although local temperatures fluctuate naturally, over the
past 50 years the average global temperature has increased at
the fastest rate in recorded history. And experts think the trend
is accelerating: the 10 hottest years on record have all occurred
since 1990. Scientists say that unless we curb global warming
emissions, average U.S. temperatures could be 3 to 9 degrees
higher by the end of the century.

7. How can we cut car pollution?
Cost-effective technologies to reduce global
warming pollution from cars and light trucks of all
sizes are available now. There is no reason to wait
and hope that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will solve
the problem in the future. Hybrid gas-electric
engines can cut global warming pollution by onethird or more today; hybrid sedans, SUVs and
trucks from several automakers are already on the
market.

8. Observed
Changes
and Effects

9. Warming of Climate

Warming of the climate is definitely
occurring and can be observed by
the:
• Increases in global sea and air
temperatures
• Widespread melting of snow and
ice
• Rising global sea level

10. Temperature Change Data
1880-1884

11. 1936-1940

12. 1986-1990

13. 2003-2007

14. Other Observed Changes and
Effects
 89% of current changes in ecosystems are
consistent with changes expected due to
global climate change
 Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous
oxide levels in atmosphere have increased
greatly due to human activities since 1750
and now far exceed previous levels
 Carbon dioxide has increased by
approximately 80% since 1970

16.  Warming and sea level rise will
continue and will probably occur
more quickly than what we’ve
already seen
 Even if greenhouse gases are
stabilized, this will probably continue
to occur for centuries
 Some effects may be permanent

17. • Effects on Ecosystems
– Coral systems cannot handle higher
temperatures well
– Wildfires will increase
– Up to 30% of species will be at
increased risk for extinction due to
the rapid changes in their ecosystems

19. There are several types of
options…
 Reduce emissions of greenhouse
gases
 Attempt to develop alternatives
energies
 Allow emission to continue, but prepare
for global climate changes
 Allow emissions to continue as normal
and leave preparations up to individual
countries
 Combine any of these ideas