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Analyzing how human activities like deforestation and fossil fuel use influence global weather patterns.
What if you wore a heavy winter parka in the middle of a summer heatwave? That is exactly what is happening to Earth as we add more 'invisible' layers to our atmosphere.
Our planet is wrapped in a layer of gases called the Greenhouse Effect. This is natural and keeps Earth warm enough for life. However, human activities—specifically burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas) and deforestation (cutting down forests)—are adding too much Carbon Dioxide () to the mix. Think of as a brick in a wall; the more bricks we add, the more heat gets trapped inside. Since the Industrial Revolution, levels have risen by nearly . When we cut down trees, we lose our 'carbon sinks'—nature's way of breathing in and cooling the planet.
Before the year 1750, the concentration of in the atmosphere was about parts per million (ppm). Today, it is roughly ppm.
1. Find the difference: ppm. 2. Calculate the percentage increase: .
This shows that human activity has increased the 'thickness' of our heat-trapping blanket by half in just a few centuries.
Quick Check
Why does deforestation contribute to global warming?
Answer
Trees act as carbon sinks that absorb ; when they are removed, that stays in the atmosphere and traps more heat.
As the atmosphere traps more heat, global temperatures rise. This causes two major problems for our oceans. First, Glacial Melting: ice on land (like in Greenland or Antarctica) melts and flows into the sea. Second, Thermal Expansion: as water molecules heat up, they move faster and spread out, taking up more space. Even if no ice melted, the oceans would still rise just because the water is getting warmer! This leads to coastal flooding and the destruction of ecosystems like coral reefs, which 'bleach' and die when the water stays too hot for too long.
The Albedo Effect is how much sunlight a surface reflects.
1. White ice has a high albedo, reflecting about of sunlight back into space. 2. Dark ocean water has a low albedo, absorbing about of sunlight. 3. As ice melts into water, the Earth absorbs more heat: more absorption.
This creates a 'feedback loop' where melting causes even more warming.
Quick Check
What are the two main reasons sea levels rise as the planet warms?
Answer
1. Melting land ice (glaciers) adding water to the ocean. 2. Thermal expansion (warm water taking up more space).
A Carbon Footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by our actions. We can reduce this through Mitigation (reducing the causes) and Adaptation (adjusting to the changes). On an individual level, this means using less energy, recycling, and choosing sustainable transport. On a community level, it means switching to renewable energy like wind or solar power. If we reduce our emissions now, we can slow down the rate of warming and give ecosystems a chance to survive.
Imagine a school replaces old lightbulbs with LED bulbs.
1. Each old bulb uses Watts. Total = Watts. 2. Each LED bulb uses Watts. Total = Watts. 3. Energy saved: Watts.
If kg of is produced for every Watts used, the school prevents kg of from entering the air every hour the lights are on!
Which of these is considered a 'carbon sink'?
If the ocean temperature increases, what happens to the water molecules?
The 'Albedo Effect' means that dark surfaces reflect more sunlight than light surfaces.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain to a friend or family member the difference between 'thermal expansion' and 'glacial melting.'
Practice Activity
Track your energy use for one day. How many devices are plugged in that you aren't using? Unplugging them is a simple way to reduce your carbon footprint!