Global Warming Outline

(To be updated in December)

I.

Introduction Climate change vs. Global Warming (GW) Background Global Warming Controversy (Myth or Reality?)

II. III. IV. V. VI.

Observed Effects of Global Warming Causes of Global Warming Projected Climate Change Consequences of Global Warming in the Future Public Policy to mitigate Global Warming Mitigation strategies

VII.

Conclusion/Inference

I.

Introduction

Background

An interglacial period began about 10,000 years ago, when the last ice age came to an end. During interglacial periods, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane naturally Prior to that ice age, an interglacial period occurred about 125,000 years ago. increase in the atmosphere from increased plant and animal life.

But since 1750 greenhouse gases have increased dramatically to levels not seen in hundreds of thousands of years, due to the rapid growth of the human population combined factor influencing Earths dynamic climate. with developments in technology and agriculture. Human activities now are a powerful The ice of the Polar Regions furnishes clues to the makeup of Earths ancient atmosphere. Ice cores that scientists have bored from the ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica provide

natural records of both temperature and atmospheric greenhouse gases going back

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Global Warming Outline hundreds of thousands of years. Layers in these ice cores created by seasonal snowfall bubbles trapped in the ice and properties of the ice itself, scientists can estimate the temperature and amount of greenhouse gases in Earths past atmosphere at the time each levels higher than at any time in the last 650,000 years.

patterns allow scientists to determine the age of the ice in each core. By measuring tiny air layer formed. Based on this data, scientists know that greenhouse gases have now risen to Greenhouse gases are rising, and temperatures are following. Before the late 1800s, the average surface temperature has risen by about 0.7 Celsius degrees (1.3 Fahrenheit the average surface temperature of Earth was almost 15C (59F). Over the past 100 years, degrees), with most of the increase occurring since the 1970s. Scientists have linked even melting mountain glaciers and polar ice, rising sea level, more intense and longer droughts, more intense storms, more frequent heat waves, and changes in the life cycles of many have risen almost twice as much as the global average. plants and animals. Warming has been most dramatic in the Arctic, where temperatures

this amount of warming to numerous changes taking place around the world, including

Global Warming Controversy (Myth or Reality?)

of scientists: o o o

The Heidelberg Appeal, authored by Michel Salomon and signed by a large number "an irrational ideology which is opposed to scientific and industrial progress, and impedes economic and social development." Science, Technology and Industry." pseudo-scientific arguments or false and non-relevant data.

The greatest evils which stalk our Earth are ignorance and oppression, and not

The Heidelberg Appeal has been enthusiastically embraced by critics of the environmental Opponents stress the role of natural factors (natural decomposition of organic materials, the scientific uncertainties associated with data on global warming and climate change. movement such as S. Fred Singer of the Science and Environmental Policy Project. wildfires, deforestation, and land-clearing activities) in past climatic variation and stress on

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Global Warming Outline An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It. Al Gores movie and book played an important role in increasing public awareness There is more consensus in scientific community than the political community. A 2009 poll because of human activity such as burning fossil fuels, just 49% of the public agrees." on a global scale, and reenergizing the environmental movement. by Pew Research Centerfound that "84% of scientists say the earth is getting warmer

In late 1992, the late Henry W. Kendall, a former chair of the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) board of directors, wrote "World Scientists' Warning to Humanity", which begins: "Human beings and the natural world are on a collision course." A majority of A near consensus on reducing emissions of greenhouse gases is almost achieved. leading scientists appended their signature. the Nobel Prize laureates in the sciences signed the document; about 1,500 of the world's

II.

Observed Effects of Global Warming

Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising global average sea level. Temperature increase: Eleven of the last twelve years (1995-2006) rank among the twelve warmest years in the (1906-2005) of 0.74 C is larger than the corresponding trend of 0.6 C (1901-2000) given in the Third Assessment Report (TAR). latitudes. Land regions have warmed faster than the oceans. the highest in at least the past 1300 years.

instrumental record of global surface temperature (since 1850). The 100-year linear trend The temperature increase is widespread over the globe and is greater at higher northern Average Northern Hemisphere temperatures during the second half of the 20th century were very likely higher than during any other 50-year period in the last 500 years and likely

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glaciers)

Rising sea level, decrease in snow and ice content (Declining of snow cover and Mountain

Global Warming Outline Rising sea level is consistent with warming. Global average sea level has risen since 1961 at an average rate of 1.8 mm/yr and since 1993 at 3.1 mm/yr, with contributions from thermal expansion, melting glaciers and ice caps, and the polar ice sheets. Observed decreases in snow and ice extent are also consistent with warming. Satellite data since 1978 show that annual average Arctic sea ice extent has shrunk by 2.7 % per decade, average have declined in both hemispheres. with larger decreases in summer of 7.4 % per decade. Mountain glaciers and snow cover on Changes in snow, ice and frozen ground have with high confidence increased the number and size of glacial lakes, increased ground instability in mountain and other permafrost regions and led to changes in some Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems.

Increase in precipitation in northern regions and decrease in Southern regions:

From 1900 to 2005, precipitation increased significantly in eastern parts of North and South Mediterranean, southern Africa and parts of southern Asia. Globally, the area affected by drought has likely increased since the 1970s.

America, northern Europe and northern and central Asia but declined in the Sahel, the

Increase in intense tropical cyclone activity in the North Atlantic since about 1970 There is observational evidence of an increase in intense tropical cyclone activity in the North Atlantic since about 1970, with limited evidence of increases elsewhere. There is no clear trend in the annual numbers of tropical cyclones. It is difficult to ascertain longer-term trends in cyclone activity, particularly prior to 1970.

Earlier timing of spring events, pole ward and upward shifts in plant and animal ranges linked to recent warming, fish abundance in fresh water systems associated to rising water temperatures. In terrestrial ecosystems, earlier timing of spring events and poleward and upward shifts in marine and freshwater systems, shifts in ranges and changes in algal, plankton and fish related changes in ice cover, salinity, oxygen levels and circulation. abundance are with high confidence associated with rising water temperatures, as well as

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plant and animal ranges are with very high confidence linked to recent warming. In some

Global Warming Outline

III.

Causes of Global Warming

Understanding the Green House Effect: Short-wave radiation from the Sun, including visible light, penetrates the atmosphere and is

absorbed by the surface, warming Earth. Earths surface, in turn, releases some of this heat as long-wave infrared radiation. Much of this long-wave infrared radiation makes it back out to space, but a portion remains trapped in Earths atmosphere, held in by certain atmospheric gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane. Absorbing and reflecting heat radiated by Earth, these gases act somewhat like the glass in a greenhouse, and is thus known as greenhouse gases.

Only greenhouse gases, which make up less than 1 percent of the atmosphere, offer the Earth from pole to pole.

average surface temperature of the planet would be about -18C (0F) and ice would cover

Earth any insulation. All life on Earth relies on the greenhouse effectwithout it, the

Changes in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols, land cover and solar radiation alter the energy balance of the climate system. an increase of 70% between 1970 and 2004. unit of energy supplied reversed after 2000. Global GHG emissions due to human activities have grown since pre-industrial times, with Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important anthropogenic GHG. Its annual emissions grew by about 80% between 1970 and 2004. The long-term trend of declining CO2 emissions per Global atmospheric concentrations of CO2, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) have industrial values determined from ice cores spanning many thousands of years.

increased markedly as a result of human activities since 1750 and now far exceed pre-

Greenhouse Gases: Water Vapour

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Global Warming Outline

Water vapour is the most potent of the greenhouse gases in Earth's atmosphere.

Its behaviour is fundamentally different from that of the other greenhouse gases. The primary role is, as a response within the climate system that influences the system's continued activity.

of water vapour is not as a direct agent of radiative forcing but rather as a climate feedbackthat general, be directly modified by human behaviour but is instead set by air temperatures. The capable of absorbing longwave radiation and emitting it downward.

This distinction arises from the fact that the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere cannot, in warmer the surface, the greater the evaporation rate of water from the surface. As a result, increased evaporation leads to a greater concentration of water vapour in the lower atmosphere

CO2

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most anthropogenic 2004. CO2 annual emissions grew by GHG. important Its

2nd most abundant GHG Natural Processes: through a variety of natural processes known as the carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide constantly circulates in the environment

about 80% between 1970 and Atmospheric concentration of exceed by far the natural years. Global with increases land-use in (379ppm) in 2005 range over the last 650,000 concentrations are CO2 due

It is released into the atmosphere from natural processes the burning or decay of plants and other organic matter. Humans:

such as eruptions of volcanoes; the respiration of animals, which breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide; and

primarily to fossil fuel use, providing another significant but smaller contribution change

Humans are significantly increasing the amount of carbon wastes, and wood and wood products to heat buildings,

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dioxide released to the atmosphere through the burning

of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas), solid

Global Warming Outline drive vehicles, and generate electricity. At the same time, the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis has been greatly reduced by deforestation.

Methane Natural Process: Methane also comes from rotting organic matter in landfills, rice paddies, and wetlands, as well as from digestion. Live plants also emit small amounts of methane. certain animals, especially cows, as a byproduct of

Atmospheric

of CH4 (1774ppb) in 2005 years.

concentrations

exceed by far the natural

range over the last 650,000

Methane released from these areas as they melt would what scientists call a feedback process Humans: Methane is emitted into the natural gas and oil.

contribute to further warming and further melting, in atmosphere during the

mining of coal and the production and transport of Methane traps nearly 30 times more heat than the same amount of carbon dioxide. Compared to carbon dioxide, methane appears in lower atmosphere for a shorter time.

concentrations in the atmosphere and remains in the In total, methane contributes about a third as much as carbon dioxide to global warming.

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Global Warming Outline

NITROUS OXIDE Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas that is released the same amount of carbon dioxide. Nitrous oxide traps about 300 times more heat than does

The

concentration

increase

due to agriculture.

is

in

primarily

N2O

primarily by plowing farm soils and burning fossil fuels.

The concentration of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere has increased 18 percent over preindustrial levels.

Nitrous oxide contributes about a tenth as much as carbon dioxide to global warming.

OZONE Natural Process: (cooling) Ozone in the upper atmosphere is known as the ozone layer and

shields life on Earth from the Suns harmful ultraviolet radiation. This ozone is formed by the

action of ultraviolet light from the Sun on molecules of ordinary oxygen. Some chemical compounds are known to destroy ozone molecules in the upper atmosphere. This can break down, a small part of the warming from greenhouse gases. Humans (Warming): or deplete, the ozone layer. Depletion of the ozone layer actually causes a slight cooling, offsetting

However, ozone in the lower atmosphere is a component of smog, a severe type of air pollution. lung tissues, and attacks rubber. It is also a greenhouse gas that contributes about a fourth as industrialized regions

Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic gases emitted by automobiles and industrial sources combine much as carbon dioxide to global warming. Unlike the greenhouse gases discussed above, which

to form the ozone in smog. This ozone is a poison that damages vegetation, kills trees, irritates are well-mixed throughout the atmosphere, ozone in the lower atmosphere tends to be limited to Page

Global Warming Outline Manufacturing Processes Manufacturing processes use or generate many synthetic chemicals that are powerful greenhouse gases.

containing gases that were widely used in the 20th century as refrigerants, aerosol spray the upper atmosphere destroys the ozone layer.

Human-made greenhouse gases include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a family of chlorine-

propellants, and cleaning agents. Scientific studies showed that the chlorine released by CFCs into CFCs were mostly banned in industrialized nations beginning in 1996 and will be phased out in developing countries after 2010. New chemicals have been developed to replace CFCs, but they are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). also potent greenhouse gases. The substitutes include hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), scheduled to be completely phased out by 2030 under amendments made in 2007 to the Montral addition, they last longer in the atmosphere than CFCs, which have an average lifespan of 120 2,600 and 50,000 years, depending on the specific compound. Their accumulation in the the manufacture of semiconductors, and as refrigerants. Although HFCs and PFCs do not destroy the ozone layer, they are powerful greenhouse gases. In Protocol. Developed countries must end their use of HCFCs by 2020 under the amended protocol. Although HCFCs are less damaging to the ozone layer than CFCs, they also contain chlorine and are

years. PFCs are exceptionally long-lived chemicalsthey can persist in the atmosphere between atmosphere is therefore essentially irreversible. PFCs are used in the production of aluminum, in greenhouse gases ever produced. This synthetic gas compound has nearly 24,000 times the warming effect of an equal amount of carbon dioxide over a period of 100 years.. Sulfur casting of magnesium. AEROSOLS Fuel combustion, and to a lesser extent agricultural and industrial processes, produce not only hexafluoride is used as insulation for high-voltage electrical equipment and in the production and Another human-made chemical, sulfur hexafluoride, is one of the most potentially destructive

warming in several ways.

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gases but also tiny solid and liquid particles called aerosols that remain suspended in the atmosphere. Although aerosols are not considered greenhouse gases, they do affect global

Global Warming Outline Diesel engines and some types of biomass burning produce black aerosols such as soot, which absorb the Suns energy and therefore contribute to warming. effect. colored aerosols that reflect incoming solar energy back to space. In this way, they have a cooling evaporation of seawater. Aerosol particles also have an indirect cooling influence by acting as energy reflected back to space is greater on cloudy days. Natural aerosols that also have a cooling effect are produced during volcanic eruptions and the Conversely, coal-fired power plants burning high-sulfur coal emit sulfate aerosols, which are light-

seeds for the condensation of water vapor into cloud masses. In general, the amount of solar Aerosols are one of the least-understood factors in climate change and their effects are still being debated. which is estimated to be roughly equal to the warming influence of carbon dioxide alone. Two important socio-economic causes Population Explosion

Scientists are more certain, however, about the net effect of all greenhouse gas and aerosol emissions,

Profligate Consumerism, large footprints in developed countries, culture of greed...

IV.

Projected Climate Change

The IPCC Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES, 2000) projects an increase of global GHG emissions by 25 to 90% (CO2-eq) between 2000 and 2030. For the next two decades a warming of about 0.2C per decade is projected for a range of constant at year 2000 levels, a further warming of about 0.1C per decade would be scenarios

SRES emissions scenarios. Even if the concentrations of all GHGs and aerosols had been kept expected. Afterwards, temperature projections increasingly depend on specific emissions

sea ice disappears almost entirely by the latter part of the 21st century.

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decrease in sea ice extent; in some projections using SRES scenarios, Arctic late-summer

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Contraction of snow cover area, increases in thaw depth over most permafrost regions and

Global Warming Outline

Contraction of the Greenland ice sheet is projected to continue to contribute to sea level rise were sustained for millennia in excess of 1.9 to 4.6C relative to pre-industrial values.

after 2100. Current models suggest virtually complete elimination of the Greenland ice sheet and a resulting contribution to sea level rise of about 7m if global average warming

Climate change is likely to lead to some irreversible impacts. There is medium confidence extinction if increases in global average warming exceed 1.5 to 2.5C (relative to 19801999).

that approximately 20 to 30% of species assessed so far are likely to be at increased risk of

V.

Consequences of Global Warming in the Future

a. Socio-political consequences Regional Conflicts in Africa Climate has been a major driver of armed conflict in Africa, One is the fighting in Darfur in Sudan that according to UN figures has killed 200,000 people b. Agriculture continent, conflict was about 50% more likely in unusually warm years. production in some parts of the world. research shows - and future warming is likely to increase the number of deaths from war. and forced two million more from their homes. US researchers found that across the

Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns may damage food crops, disrupting food c. Flooding Melting polar ice and glaciers, as well as warming of the oceans, expands ocean volume and d. Volatility raises sea level, which will eventually flood some coastal regions and even entire islands. Patterns of rainfall are expected to change, with higher latitudes (closer to the poles) southern Africa) projected to receive considerably less.

projected to receive more rainfall, and subtropical areas (such as the Mediterranean and e. Plant and animal species will shift their ranges toward the poles or to higher elevations seeking cooler temperatures , and species that cannot do so may become extinct.

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Global Warming Outline f. Increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also leads to increased ocean acidity, damaging ocean ecosystems.

Asia: South Asia including HKH (Hindu-Kush Himalayas) region is a climate change hotspot, Rivers coming out of these glaciers (Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra etc) are feeding the whole g. By the 2050s, freshwater availability in Central, South, East and South-East Asia, India due to shrinkage of rivers, intensity in water conflicts is inevitable) South Asia.

influences half the world. Largest glaciers outside the Polar Regions are in this region.

particularly in large river basins, is projected to decrease. (threat of drought in Pakistan, Asia, will be at greatest risk due to increased flooding from the sea and, in some mega deltas, flooding from the rivers. (Half of Maldives is expected to sink)

h. Coastal areas, especially heavily populated mega delta regions in South, East and South-East i. j. Climate change is projected to compound the pressures on natural resources and the development.

environment associated with rapid urbanization, industrialization and economic Endemic morbidity and mortality due to diarrheal disease primarily associated with floods changes in the hydrological cycle. and droughts are expected to rise in East, South and South-East Asia due to projected

VI.

Public Policy to mitigate Global Warming

Concern among prominent climate scientists arose in the mid-20th century. Debate started in 1980s. Stockholm Conference 1972 (United Nations Conference on the Human Environment ). Very vague identification. A point has been reached in history when we must shape our actions throughout the world with a more prudent care for their environmental consequences, environment must be halted. discharge of toxic substances and the release of heat that exceed the capacity of

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Global Warming Outline Countries in North America and Europe that were the first to undergo the process of cumulative terms since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the mid-18th century.

industrialization have been responsible for releasing most greenhouse gases in absolute

The United States, possessing approximately 5 percent of the global population, emitted almost 21 percent of global greenhouse gases in 2000. In 2000 the average American emitted 24.5 tons of greenhouse gases, the average person

living in the EU released 10.5 tons, and the average person living in China discharged only 3.9 tons. Although China's per capita greenhouse gas emissions remained significantly in 2006 in absolute terms. lower than those of the EU and the United States, it was the largest greenhouse gas emitter

The IPCC and the scientific consensus In 1998 the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment technical, and socioeconomic data on climate change and to publish its findings in reports. 2007. (scientifically, very important and useful reports) on the causes and effects of global warming. Programme (UNEP). The IPCC is mandated to assess and summarize the latest scientific, Thousands of scientists contributed in producing assessments in 1990, 1995, 2001, and First assessment report 1990 => Identification of anthropogenic effect, but no consensus Second assessment report 1995 => evidence suggests a discernible human influence on the climate. Third assessment report 2001 => Strong evidence that most of the warming over the socioeconomic and ecological systems. previous 50 years was attributable to human activities. The report identified threats to

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Global Warming Outline Fourth assessment report 2007 => Scientists are at least 90 percent certain that most of the warming observed over the previous half century had been caused by the release of greenhouse gases through a multitude of human activities. Forecast: increase of 1.84.0 C (3.27.2 F) by the end of the 21st century. The UN Framework Convention and the Kyoto Protocol On a global scale, climate-change policy is guided by two major treaties: the United Nations Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC (named after the city in Japan where it was concluded).

Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) of 1992 and the associated 1997

The UNFCCC was adopted at the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1992: Article 2 => stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a safe level Article 3 => All countries share the obligation to actthough industrialized countries have a particular responsibility to take the lead in reducing emissions because of their relative contribution to the problem in the past.

Article 4 => [UNFCCC Annex I lists 40 specific industrialized countries] which should work target; moreover, the UNFCCC does not assign any no specific reduction commitments to non-Annex I countries (developing countries). Kyoto Protocol: o o o Its a follow-up agreement to the UNFCCC. Adopted in December 1997. ii. i. methane (CH4), Regulates 6 greenhouse gases released through human activities: carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), iii. iv. to reduce their anthropogenic emissions to 1990 levels. However, no deadline is set for this

perfluorocarbons (PFCs),

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Global Warming Outline v. hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).

vi. o

gases to 5.2 percent below their 1990 levels by no later than 2012. countries. It became legally binding in February 2005, when Russia ratified.

Annex I countries are required to reduce their aggregate emissions of greenhouse In order to go into effect, the Kyoto Protocol had to be ratified by at least 55

Remarkable achievement of EU The most-developed regional climate-change policy to date has been formulated by the EU have a collective commitment under the protocol reduced their greenhouse gas emissions to 2 percent below their 1990 levels. in part to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. By 2005 the 15 EU countries that

In 2007 the EU set a collective goal for all 27 member states to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2020. European Climate Change Programme (ECCP), launched in 2000 by EUs EC. The goal of the ECCP is to identify, develop and implement all the necessary elements of an EU strategy to deposited simultaneously on 31 May 2002. The European Union Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is perhaps the most significant contribution of the ECCP, and the EU ETS is the largest greenhouse gas emissions trading scheme in the world. United States Pres. George W. Bush and a majority of senators rejected the Kyoto Protocol, citing the lack of compulsory emission reductions for developing countries as a particular grievance. U.S. U.S. emissions increased over 16 percent between 1990 and 2005. federal policy does not set any mandatory restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions, and implement the Kyoto Protocol. All EU countries' ratifications of the Kyoto Protocol were

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Global Warming Outline Other notable Summits: Millennium Summit 2000: UN Millennium Declaration, MDGs: Goal 7: Ensure environmental Second Earth Summit, Rio +10, 2002, South Africa sustainability Copenhagen Summit, Dec 2009 (To be updated in December)

Future climate-change policy Countries have begun negotiations on a new treaty, based on an agreement (Bali Action Plan) made at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dec 2007 in Bali, Indonesia, that will replace the Kyoto Protocol after it expires in 2012.

Public policy falls into two levels Mitigation policy (switching to less carbon-intensive energy sources (such as wind, solar, and hydropower), improving energy efficiency for vehicles, and supporting the development of new technology

Adaptation policy, seeks to improve the ability of various societies to face the challenges of a changing climate. For example, some adaptation policies are devised to encourage groups to designed to prepare cities located in coastal areas for elevated sea levels. change agricultural practices in response to seasonal changes, whereas other policies are

Mitigation strategies
Renewable energy sources: solar, wind, hydro, biofuel, nuclear, tidal, etc

Significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions can only be achieved by switching away from fossil-fuel energy sources. Nuclear power plants release no carbon dioxide at all, but nuclear energy is controversial for reasons of safety, security, and the high costs of nuclear waste disposal. Solar power, wind power, and hydrogen fuel cells also emit no greenhouse gases. These energy sources can be practical, low-pollution alternatives to fossil fuels. Other reduce total carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles. The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), vegetable oil) and ethanol (a plant-based gasoline additive). Use of these fuels can help

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alternatives include fuels made from plants, such as biodiesel (made from used and new

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Global Warming Outline which uses both an electric motor and a gasoline or diesel engine, emits less carbon dioxide More Forestation: One way to keep carbon dioxide emissions from reaching the atmosphere is to preserve and plant more trees. Slowing the rate of deforestation and planting new trees can help counteract the buildup of greenhouse gases. Carbon Capture OR carbon sequestration Conservation than conventional automobiles

injected into depleted oil wells to force more oil out of the ground or seafloor. The same process can be used to store carbon dioxide released by a power plant, factory, or any large stationary source. For example, since 1996 this process has been used at a natural gas drilling platform off the coast of Norway. Carbon dioxide brought to the surface with the natural gas is captured, compressed, and then injected into an aquifer deep below the seabed from which it cannot escape. In most cases, the process of carbon capture would also storage. Deep ocean waters could also absorb a great deal of carbon dioxide, although the Population control effects of these options are under study by international teams. environmental effects may be harmful to ocean life. The feasibility and environmental Restricting consumerism, austere lifestyle, need to change ethical values involve transporting the gas in compressed form to suitable locations for underground

Carbon dioxide gas can also be captured directly. Carbon dioxide has traditionally been

more political will, more funding for R&D in cleaner technologies

VII.

Conclusion/Inference

Long-term reductions in greenhouse gas discharges will require the participation of both industrial countries and major developing countries. In particular, the release of world's leading emitter of greenhouse gases in absolute terms (though not in per capita terms), largely because of China's increased use of coal and other fossil fuels. rapid industrialization of those countries. In 2006 China overtook the United States as the greenhouse gases from Chinese and Indian sources is rising quickly in parallel with the

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Global Warming Outline To address global warming and climate change, societies must find ways to fundamentally transportation, and forest and land use management. change their patterns of energy use in favour of less carbon-intensive energy generation,

The tragedy of the commons refers to a dilemma described in an influential article by that

name written by Garrett Hardin and first published in the journal Science in 1968. The resource even when it is clear that it is not in anyone's long term interest for this to happen.

article describes a dilemma in which multiple individuals acting independently and solely and rationally consulting their own self-interest will ultimately destroy a shared limited

Seven generation sustainability, the idea that decisions should be considered for their impact on the seventh generation to come, inspired by the laws of the Iroquois.

Quotes What changed in the United States with Hurricane Katrina was a feeling that we have entered a period of consequences. - Al Gore We are upsetting the atmosphere upon which all life depends. In the late 80s when I began change have accelerated alarmingly. - David Suzuki

to take climate change seriously, we referred to global warming as a "slowmotion catastrophe" one we expected to kick in perhaps generations later. Instead, the signs of

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