Climate ChangeClimate ChangeMarge:Marge: We wouldn’t be in this We wouldn’t be in this predicament if you’d have paid the heat predicament if you’d have paid the heat bill.bill.

Homer:Homer: Well, I thought Global Warming Well, I thought Global Warming would go faster. That Al Gore is never would go faster. That Al Gore is never right about anything!right about anything!

Climate ChangeClimate Change Any significant change Any significant change

in climate measures in climate measures lasting for an lasting for an extended period. extended period.

Scientists do not Scientists do not agree on the cause of agree on the cause of the warming trend. the warming trend.

As changes become As changes become greater, they will likely greater, they will likely present challenges to present challenges to our society.our society.

Global WarmingGlobal Warming Earth’s average Earth’s average

surface temperature surface temperature has increased 1.4°F in has increased 1.4°F in the last century.the last century.

Caused by an increase Caused by an increase in greenhouse gases in greenhouse gases (CO(CO22, Methane, etc)., Methane, etc).

Contributes to changes Contributes to changes in global climate in global climate patterns.patterns.

Human Caused Human Caused ArguementArguement

Human factors in the Human factors in the debate include:debate include: DeforestationDeforestation Use of fossil fuelsUse of fossil fuels Increases in livestockIncreases in livestock Depletion of the ozoneDepletion of the ozone

Possible consequences Possible consequences involve:involve: Ice caps partially Ice caps partially

melting leading to melting leading to coastal floodingcoastal flooding

More extreme weather More extreme weather patterns like more patterns like more frequent & stronger frequent & stronger hurricanes. hurricanes.

Natural Variations Natural Variations ArgumentArgument

Climate change is a natural phenomenon & man's effect on Climate change is a natural phenomenon & man's effect on nature is largely overrated. nature is largely overrated.

Changes in climate can occur through gradual changes in Changes in climate can occur through gradual changes in Earth’s orbit around the Sun; possible cause of past ice ages. Earth’s orbit around the Sun; possible cause of past ice ages.

The Sun’s energy output can vary over time. The Sun’s energy output can vary over time.

Volcanic eruptions & large meteorites can cool the planet by Volcanic eruptions & large meteorites can cool the planet by spewing out particles that reflect sunlight. spewing out particles that reflect sunlight.

El NiñoEl Niño Warming of the eastern Pacific Warming of the eastern Pacific

Ocean occurring every 2-7 Ocean occurring every 2-7 years. years.

Changes the normal pattern of Changes the normal pattern of ocean & wind currents. ocean & wind currents.

Some areas experience Some areas experience warmer winters & drier warmer winters & drier weather resulting in droughts weather resulting in droughts and wildfires.and wildfires.

In other areas, increased In other areas, increased rainfall causes destructive rainfall causes destructive flooding.flooding.

Recent El Niño events have Recent El Niño events have been very strong & have been very strong & have contributed to record-setting contributed to record-setting temperatures.temperatures.