{ Climate Regions of the World

Climate Change & Clean Up

“Climate change is with us. A decade ago, it was conjecture. Now the future is unfolding before our eyes. Canada's Inuit see it in disappearing Arctic ice and permafrost. The shantytown dwellers of Latin America and Southern Asia see it in lethal storms and floods. Europeans see it in disappearing glaciers, forest fires and fatal heat waves.”

Examples of Climate Change

1. Canada- Arctic Circle is disappearing and permafrost.

2. Latin America, Southern Asia- floods and destructive storms.

3. Europe- disappearance of Glaciers, forest fires, and extreme heat waves.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn9903-instant-expert-climate-change.html#.VEEVIGddWSo

Summary / Paraphrase /Reaction/Description Quote

Climate Change & Clean Up Quote- Climatologists reporting for

the UN Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change (IPCC) say we are

seeing global warming caused by

human activitiesand there

are growing fears of feedbacks that

will accelerate this warming.

Climatologists report that

global warming is caused

by human activity.

According to my dad,

when he was a kid the

winters had lots of

snowfall, no lightning, and

there were rarely any hail

storms.

1997 Kyoto Protocol

Quote-At the Earth Summit in

1992, the world agreed to prevent

"dangerous" climate change. The

first step was the 1997 Kyoto

Protocol, which finally came into

force during 2005. It will bring

modest emission reductions from

industrialised countries. But many

observers say deeper cuts are

needed and developing nations,

which have large and growing

populations, will one day have to

join in.

What- First step taken in order to

prevent climate change.

When- Started to be used in 2005.

Why- To prevent major climate

changes.

How this impacts us- The

protocol brought emission

reductions from bigger industry

countries which helps makes the

air that we breathe cleaner.

What is Climate Change?

Quote- Climate change is one

of the biggest issues facing the

world today. 'Climate change

refers to a change of climate

which is attributed directly or

indirectly to human activity

that alters the composition of

the global atmosphere and

which is in addition to natural

climate variability observed

over comparable time periods.'

- United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate

Change

• Biggest issue the world faces

today.

• Change of climate from human

activity that affects the

atmosphere over a long period

of time.

http://www.cleanup.org.au/au/CleanUpOurClimate/cli

mateissues.html

What causes it? Quote- Global warming is the

increased heat trapped in the

earth's atmosphere resulting from

excess greenhouse gases such as

Carbon Dioxide (CO2). These

naturally occurring gases

including Methane (CH4) &

Nitrous Oxide (N20) form a

layer in the atmosphere

reflecting the sun's rays back

down to the earth. These gases

are exacerbated in the

atmosphere by fossil fuel use for

energy (ie. coal and oil) and the

alteration to our natural

landscape. This has an unnatural

warming effect on our fragile

environment.

Caused by the high amounts of

heat trapped in the atmosphere

which causes greenhouse gases

to form a layer in the

atmosphere that allows the

sun’s rays to reflect down on

Earth.

How do we know it’s happening?

Quote- Global sea level rose about 17 centimeters (6.7 inches) in the last century. The rate in

the last decade, however, is nearly double that of the last century. All three major global

surface temperature reconstructions show that Earth has warmed since 1880.5 Most of this

warming has occurred since the 1970s, with the 20 warmest years having occurred since

1981 and with all 10 of the warmest years occurring in the past 12 years.6Even though the

2000s witnessed a solar output decline resulting in an unusually deep solar minimum in

2007-2009, surface temperatures continue to increase. The oceans have absorbed much of

this increased heat, with the top 700 meters (The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets have

decreased in mass. Data from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment show

Greenland lost 150 to 250 cubic kilometers (36 to 60 cubic miles) of ice per year between

2002 and 2006, while Antarctica lost about 152 cubic kilometers (36 cubic miles) of ice

between 2002 and 2005.about 2,300 feet) of ocean showing warming of 0.302 degrees

Fahrenheit since 1969. Both the extent and thickness of Arctic sea ice has declined rapidly

over the last several decades.

Source- http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/

More Quote

How do we know it’s happening? Quote cont.- Glaciers are retreating almost

everywhere around the world — including in the

Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska and Africa.

The number of record high temperature events in the

United States has been increasing, while the number

of record low temperature events has been

decreasing, since 1950. The U.S. has also witnessed

increasing numbers of intense rainfall events. Since

the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the acidity

of surface ocean waters has increased by about 30

percent. This increase is the result of humans

emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere

and hence more being absorbed into the oceans. The

amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the upper

layer of the oceans is increasing by about 2 billion

tons per year. Satellite observations reveal that the

amount of spring snow cover in the Northern

Hemisphere has decreased over the past five decades

and that the snow is melting earlier.

• Rise of sea level

• Rise of global

temperature

• Warming oceans

• Ice sheets shrinking

• Arctic Sea ice

declining

• Glacial retreat

• Extreme events

• Ocean acidification

• Decreased snow

cover

What are the effects? Quote- Just a few

degrees increase in the

earth's temperature can

cause droughts and

crop failures,

ecosystem imbalances,

as well as melting ice

caps causing sea levels

to rise.

Effects

1. Droughts

2. Crop failures

3. Ecosystem imbalances

4. Melting ice caps (rise

of sea level)

http://www.cleanup.org.au/au/Clea

nUpOurClimate/climateissues.html

What can we expect? Quote- The best estimates by the

CSIRO predict annual warming

over Australia by 2030 (relative

to 1990) to be ~1°C.(Climate

Change in Australia CSIRO

Report)WWF's report

‘Australia's Inconvenient Truth'

suggests just a 1-2°C increase in

temperature will devastate 60-

80% of the Great Barrier Reef

and eliminate 100% of Acacia

species in SW Australia. Further

increases having an effect on

agricultural production,

catchment water flows, habitat

degradation and species loss.

(Australia's Inconvenient Truth

WWF)

There is a prediction of an increase

in temperatures in Australia by 2030.

This increase could ruin 60-80% of

the Great Barrier Reef and 100% of

Acacia species.

World Climate Zones

Quote- Climate is the characteristic

condition of the atmosphere near

the earth's surface at a certain place

on earth. It is the long-term

weather of that area (at least 30

years). This includes the region's

general pattern of weather

conditions, seasons and weather

extremes like hurricanes, droughts,

or rainy periods. Two of the most

important factors determining an

area's climate are air temperature

and precipitation.

Climate- characteristic condition of the

atmosphere near the earth’s surface at a

certain place.

2 Important Factors

1. Air temperature- places

that are closer to the

Equator are going to have

a higher air temperature.

2. Precipitation- amount of

rainfall a climate zone has.

Source-

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/c

limate.htm

Does the climate of a region determine the makeup of an area?

Quote- World biomes

are controlled by

climate. The climate of

a region will determine

what plants will grow

there, and what animals

will inhabit it. All three

components, climate,

plants and animals are

interwoven to create the

fabric of a biome.

Yes, the climate of a region will

determine the plants that grow

there and the animals that live in

the area.

Weather Quote- The weather is

all around us, all the

time. It is an important

part of our lives and

one that we cannot

control. Instead the

weather often controls

how and where we

live, what we do, what

we wear and what we

eat. Weather is the day-

to-day conditions of a

particular place.

Weather- day to day conditions

of a specific location.

http://www.econet.org.uk/weather/whatis.html

Biome Quote- Scientists discuss

some general ecosystem

types. They call them biomes.

A biome is a large area on the

Earth's surface that is defined

by the types of animals and

plants living there. A biome

can be partially defined by

the local climate patterns.

You may also have more than

one type of biome within a

larger climate zone.

Source-

http://www.geography4kids.com/files/land_ecosystem.html

Biome- area on Earth that is

defined by the types of animals

and plants living there.

Wladimir Koppen Quote- The Köppen system recognizes five major climate types

based on the annual and monthly averages of temperature and

precipitation. Each type is designated by a capital letter. A -

Moist Tropical Climates are known for their high temperatures

year round and for their large amount of year round rain.B -

Dry Climates are characterized by little rain and a huge daily

temperature range. Two subgroups, S - semiarid or steppe,

and W - arid or desert, are used with the B climates - In Humid

Middle Latitude Climates land/water differences play a large

part. These climates have warm, dry summers and cool, wet

winters.D - Continental Climates can be found in the interior

regions of large land masses. Total precipitation is not very

high and seasonal temperatures vary widely - Cold Climates

describe this climate type perfectly. These climates are part of

areas where permanent ice and tundra are always present. Only

about four months of the year have above freezing

temperatures.

Source- http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/climate.htm

Wladimir Koppen

Wladimir Koppen cont..

5 major climate types

recognized by Koppen

Humid Middle Latitude

•Land/water differences play a

huge part.

•Warm, dry summers.

•Cool, wet winters.

Continental

•Found in interior regions of large

land masses.

•Not a lot of rainfall.

•Season temperatures vary widely.

Cold

•Permanent ice and tundra.

•4 months have temperatures above

freezing.

Moist Tropical

•Known for their high

temperatures all year long.

•Large amount of rain

yearly.

Dry

•Little rain.

•Daily temperature range.

•Two subgroups- semiarid/steppe and

arid/desert.

Rainforest Location Quote- The tropical rain

forest can be found in three

major geographical areas

around the world. Central

America in the the Amazon

river basin.Africa - Zaire

basin, with a small area in

West Africa; also eastern

Madagascar. Indo-Malaysia -

west coast of India, Assam,

Southeast Asia, New Guinea

and Queensland, Australia.

Rainforest climate is located

in Central America, Africa,

and indo-Malaysia.

Rainforest Plants Quote- The coconut

grows in rainforests

and other tropical of

climates. The

bougainvillea plant

grows in the biome

of the Amazon

rainforest in South

America. The

Bambusa tulda can

be found in the

biome of the

Southeast Asian

rainforest.

Few examples of rainforest

plants are Coconut Trees,

Bougainvillea Plant, and Bengal

Bamboo.

Rainforest Animals Quote- Chimpanzees are

about 3 to 5 feet tall and

weigh from 99 to 176

pounds. The Linn's sloth is

a very gentle animal. The

Toco Toucan is the largest

of the toucans. The Bengal

Tiger is a beautiful animal.

Fifty degrees North to

fifteen degrees South, and

thirty-five degrees to sixty-

five degrees in the Amazon

Rainforest lives a mammal

called the kinkajou.

Examples of rainforest

animals are Chimpanzees,

Linn's Sloth, Toco Toucan,

Bengal Tiger, and Kinkajou.

Rainforest Climate In an average year in a

tropical rain forest, the

climate is very humid

because of all the rainfall,

which amounts to about

250 cm per year. The rain

forest has lots of rain

because it is very hot and

wet. This climate is found

near the equator. That

means that there is more

direct sunlight hitting the

land and sea there than

anywhere else.

Climate of the rainforest is very

humid due to the amount of

rainfall. Since the rainforest is

near the equator , there are more

sunlight rays are hitting the land.

Savanna Location Quote- There are several

different types of savannas

around the world. The savannas

we are most familiar with are the

East African savannas covered

with acacia trees. South America

also has savannas, but there are

very few species that exist only

on this savanna. In Brazil,

Colombia, and Venezuela,

savannas occupy some 2.5

million square kilometers, an

area about one-quarter the size of

Canada. There is also a savanna

in northern Australia.

Savanna climate region is

located in eastern Africa,

Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela,

and northern Australia

Steppe Location

Savanna Plants Quote- Candelabra trees

are found near the

equator and in the East

Indies and Africa. The

Jackalberry tree is

found throughout

Africa, from Senegal

and the Sudan to

Mamibia and the

northern Transvaal. The

whistling thorn is an

acacia tree commonly

seen on the savannas of

equatorial East Africa,

particularly the

Serengeti plain.

Examples of plants of the savanna

include Candelabra Trees, Jackalberry

Trees, and Whistling Thorn.

Savanna Animals

Quote- The Egyptian mongoose

is the largest of all mongooses in

Africa. The koala has rough

paws that act as traction so they

don't slip and fall off the trees

while hurrying away from

predators that lurk beneath the

trees. The African wild dog lives

in grasslands, savannas, and

open woodlands of eastern and

southern Africa. The Nile

Crocodile can grow to be five

meters long. The zebra is the

horse of the savanna.

The animals of the savanna

include the Egyptian Mongoose,

Koala, African wild dog, Nile

Crocodile, and Zebra.

Savanna Climate

Quote- The Savanna biome has

a wet/dry climate. Its Köppen

climate group is Aw.

The Astands for a tropical

climate, and the wfor a dry

season in the winter.In the

savanna climate there is a

distinct dry season, which is in

the winter. Savannas get all their

rain in the summer months.

During the distinct dry season of

a savanna, most of the plants

shrivel up and die. Some rivers

and streams dry up. Most of the

animals migrate to find food.

Savanna climate is a

wet/dry climate. There is a

distinct dry season-winter.

Rain fall is during the

summer months.

Desert Location

Quote- Deserts cover

about one fifth of the

Earth's land surface.

Most Hot and Dry

Deserts are near the

Tropic of Cancer or

the Tropic of

Capricorn. Cold

Deserts are near the

Arctic part of the

world.

Dry deserts are located by the

Tropic of Cancer or Capricorn.

Cold deserts are near the Arctic.

Desert Plants Quote- From a distance the

jumping cholla, or teddy bear

cholla, looks like a fuzzy, soft

plant with many short, fuzzy

branches looking like

teddybear arms, growing from

the top. The Joshua Tree got

its name from the Mormon

pioneers who thought the tree

reminded them of Joshua,

from the old testament of the

Bible, a prophet who was

waving them on to the

Promised Land. The chain

fruit cholla looks as much like

a tree in the desert as a cactus

possibly can.

Examples of desert plants are the

Jumping Cholla, Joshua Tree, and

the Chain Fruit Cholla.

Desert Animals

Quote- The kangaroo rat is a

very cute little critter that kind

of looks like a mini kangaroo,

but is as big as a mouse. The

strangest of lizards is the

Thorny Devil. The Coyote has

a tan coat mixed with hairs of

rusty brown and gray, and the

ends of the hair may be

black. The Desert Tortoises is

a land dwelling turtle

belonging to the Testudinidae

family. For a tiny bird, the

cactus ferruginous pygmy-

owl has a very long name.

Examples of desert animals are

the Kangaroo Rat, Thorny Devil,

Coyote, Desert Tortoise, and

Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl.

Desert Climate Quote- The dry desert is in

Köppen's BWh climate

category. It is a Low

Latitude climate.

The Bstands for Dry

Desert climates. All

months have average

temperatures over 64° F

(18° C). The Wstands for

desert climate. Finally,

the hstands for dry and hot,

with average annual

temperatures over 64° F

(18° C). I guess they're

trying to tell us its hot, hot

out there.

Desert Climate is very hot with

average temperatures over 65°.

Steppe Location

Quote- The Steppe biome is

a dry, cold, grassland that is

found in all of the continents

except Australia and

Antarctica. It is mostly

found in the USA,

Mongolia, Siberia, Tibet and

China. There isn't much

humidity in the air because

Steppe is located away from

the ocean and close to

mountain barriers.

The Steppe biome is usually

found between the desert

and the forest.

Located in all continents

except Australia and

Antarctica. It’s also located

away from the ocean and close

to mountain barriers, between

deserts and forests.

Steppe Plants

Quote- Milkvetch is a

perennial found

throughout northern and

southwestern China and

northern North America.

Rhubarb is a member of

the sorrel family, and

grows in the wild in

western and northwestern

provinces of China. The

tumbleweed stood for

everything a cowboy

was; a little ugly, lanky,

and a foot loose rambler.

Examples of steppe plants

includes Milkvetch, Rhubarb,

and Tumbleweed.

Steppe Animals Quote- The Corsac fox is a

long legged, reddish gray fox

with large ears and a short,

pointy face. The Mongolian

Gerbil is light brown with

black tipped hairs and its

under fur is gray. The Saiga

antelope once roamed from

western Europe, across the

Eurasian continent and into

Alaska. The northern lynx is

basically a very large cat

with a powerful body, short

sturdy legs, and a very short

tail. The saker falcon is a big,

strong bird of prey with large

feet and pointed wings.

Examples of steppe animals

includes of the Corsac Fox,

Mongolian Gerbil, Saiga

Antelope, Northern Lynx, and the

Saker Falcon.

Steppe Climate The mountains block moist air

from oceans or tropical climates

from reaching the steppe. There is

not enough precipitation for trees

to grow except by rivers. Summer

temperatures of the steppe aren't

much different from the dry

savanna. Both are grasslands, and

both can reach temperatures of

104° F, and have heavy

thunderstorms. In the winter,

however, there are no clouds to

keep heat from escaping into the

upper atmosphere. The land gets

colder and colder. Winter

temperatures of -40° F are not

uncommon. There are no trees to

block the wind, so it howls. The

combination of low temperatures

and dry winds make it a very

harsh place to live.

Steppe Climate is a combination of

low temperatures, high winds, and

not enough rainfall.

Chaparral Location Quote- The chaparral

biome is found in a

little bit of most of

the continents - the

west coast of the

United States, the

west coast of South

America, the Cape

Town area of South

Africa, the western

tip of Australia and

the coastal areas of

the Mediterranean.

Located in the west coast of the

United States, west coast of South

America, Cape Town of South

Africa, western tip of Australia,

and coast of the Mediterranean.

Chaparral Plants

Quote- The Fairy

Duster is a low shrub

that usually grows 8

to 48 inches tall. The

Torrey pine is one of

the rarest pine in the

U.S. French broom is

found in the Pacific

Northwest and

Northern Canada on

the American

continent.

Examples of chaparral plants

includes of the Fairy Duster, Torrey

Pine, and the French Broom.

Chaparral Animals Quote- Capra aegagrus, or

Bezoar goats, are found on

Creta, and other Greek islands,

in Turkey, Iran, Turkmenia,

Pakistan. The Jackal is much

like a small wolf. The spotted

skunk is an animal that looks

like a cat, only wider and not as

high above the ground. The

Cactus Wren lives in the arid

and semi-arid deserts of

southwestern United States and

the chaparral of southern

California and northern

Mexico. Although it is called a

rabbit, the black-tailed

jackrabbit is really a hare.

Examples of chaparral animals

includes of the Bezoar Goat,

Jackal, Cactus Wren, Spotted

Skunk, and Jackrabbit.

Chaparral Climate Quote- In the winter the

Chaparral climate, also

known as the Mediterranean

climate, is mild and moist,

but not rainy. During the

summer it is very hot and

dry. The temperature is

usually mild but it can get

very hot or nearly

freezing. This biome only

gets about 10-17 inches of

rain all year, and most of it

comes in the winter. There

are many fires in the

chaparral because of the heat

and dryness.

Chaparral climate is mild and moist,

but not rainy winters. Summers are

very hot and dry. Since most of the

rainfall is from winter there are

many fires from the heat.

Grassland Location Quote- Grassland biomes

can be found in the middle

latitudes, in the interiors of

continents. They can have

either moist continental

climates or dry subtropical

climates. In Argentina,

South America, the

grasslands are known as

pampas. There is a large

area of grassland that

stretch from the Ukraine of

Russia all the way to

Siberia.

Located in middle latitudes

and interior of continents.

Found in the U.S.,

Argentina, and from the

Ukraine to Siberia.

Grassland Plants Quote- Buffalo grass is

a very hardy grass and

grows mostly in the

North American

prairies. Big bluestem

is known as a bunch

grass because it grows

in little hill shapes. The

purple coneflower is a

native plant of North

America and grows on

the plains of

Midwestern United

States.

Examples of grassland plants

includes of Buffalo Grass, Big

Bluestem, and Purple Coneflower.

Grassland Animals Quote- The Bald Eagle is the

national bird of the United

States of America. The

bobcat is a wild cat that

weighs an average of 33

pounds when it is full

grown. The badger is an

animal with a stocky,

powerful build, having four

short, strong legs and large,

sharp claws. The prairie dogs

range from Canada to

northern Mexico. Bumble

bees are always the

traditional bee colors of

black and yellow.

Examples of grassland animals

include the Bald Eagle, Bobcat,

Badger, Prairie Dog, and

Bumblebees.

Grassland Climate

Quote- West of the Mississippi

River the temperature is moist

and humid. Summers are warm

and humid. Winters are cold

but not to the extreme. The

farther west and in the interior

of the country, the temperatures

becomes drier. Moisture from

the Pacific Ocean is blocked by

the mountains. This is where

the short-grass prairies are

found. Summers are hot and

winters very cold. There are no

natural barriers, like trees, so

there is a constant wind.

Grassland climate is moist and

humid. The summers are warm

and winters are cold.

Temperatures can become drier

and there is constant wind.

Deciduous Forest Location

Quote- Deciduous forests can

be found in the eastern half of

North America, and the middle

of Europe. There are many

deciduous forests in Asia.

Some of the major areas that

they are in are southwest

Russia, Japan, and eastern

China. South America has two

big areas of deciduous forests

in southern Chile and Middle

East coast of Paraguay. There

are deciduous forests located in

New Zealand, and southeastern

Australia also.

Located in eastern half of North

America, middle of Europe, Asia

(Russia, Japan, & China), South

America (Chile & Paraguay), New

Zealand, and southeastern Australia.

Deciduous Forest Plants

Quote- The Guelder

Rose prefers to grow at

low altitudes and in

semi-shade in Scotland

and England. The

Tawny Milkcap

Mushroom can be found

in most deciduous

forests. The White Birch

is a small to medium

sized deciduous tree

which grows to 70 or 80

feet in height.

Examples of deciduous forest

plants are the Guelder Rose,

Tawny Milkcap Mushroom, and

the White Birch.

Deciduous Forest Animals

Quote- The duckbill platypus

lives in the deciduous forests

of Australia. The fur of the

white-tailed deer is a grayish

color in the winter then more

red comes out during the

summer. Deep in the woods

of the Northeast Asian

deciduous forest roams the

least weasel. The European

red squirrel lives in the

European Deciduous Forest.

The Eastern chipmunk is a

very cute little animal.

Examples of deciduous forest

animals include the Duckbill

Platypus, White-tailed Deer, Least

Weasel, European Red Squirrel,

and the Eastern Chipmunk.

Deciduous Forest Climate Quote- One thing that is

interesting about this biome and

its climate is that it has four

distinct seasons; spring, summer,

autumn, and winter. Most

deciduous forests have mild

summers averaging about 70 °F.

Summer months usually begin in

early June and end in late August.

Winter months don't begin until

December. Winter temperatures

are fairly cool with an average

temperature of a little below

freezing. Climate is a mix of

temperature and precipitation.

Climate is a mix of

temperature and rainfall

throughout 4 seasons.

Taiga Location

Quote- It stretches

over Eurasia and

North America.

The taiga is

located near the

top of the world,

just below the

tundra biome.

Located over Eurasia and North

America near the top of the world.

Taiga Plants

Quote- The Eastern

Red Cedar is a small

evergreen that

commonly grows to

a height of 10-50

feet. The jack pine

has pinecones that

store and produce its

seeds. Poplar trees

are often planted as

shade trees because

they grow so fast.

Examples of taiga plants are the

Eastern Red Cedar, the Jack Pine,

and the White Poplar Tree.

Taiga Animals Quote- The Grizzly Bear is a

sub-species of the Brown Bear.

River otters inhabit areas that

have thick woods, lakes, swamps,

rocks, and logs near grassy areas,

streams, rivers, ponds, and

mostly fresh water. The

Snowshoe Rabbit can run up to

27 mph and jump 10 feet in one

hop. The Long-Eared Owl is a

medium sized owl which is

approximately 35 centimeters

long (around 13 inches) and

weighs 8-10 ounces. The red fox

usually rests in a burrow during

the day that was recently

abandoned by larger creatures

such as a badger.

Examples of taiga animals include

the Grizzly Bear, River Otter,

Snowshoe Rabbit, Long-eared Owl,

and the Red Fox.

Taiga Climate

Quote- The taiga climate is

for the most part dominated

by cold arctic air.

Exceptionally cold winds

bring bitterly cold air from

the Arctic Circle: the

temperatures fall even more

on clear nights when there

is no cloud cover. Because

of earth's tilt, the taiga is

turned away from the sun in

the winter. Less of the sun's

radiation reaches the

ground to warm it up.

Climate is cold due to the cold arctic

air. Temperatures fall at night due to

having no cloud cover. Since the earth

is tilted, the sun’s rays don’t reach the

ground of this region.

Tundra Location Quote- Located at latitudes 55°

to 70° North, the tundra is a vast

and treeless land which covers

about 20% of the Earth's surface,

circumnavigating the North pole.

It is usually very cold, and the

land is pretty stark. Almost all

tundras are located in the

Northern Hemisphere. Small

tundra-like areas do exist in

Antarctica in the Southern

Hemisphere, but because it is

much colder than the Arctic, the

ground is always covered with

snow and ice. Conditions are not

right for a true tundra to form.

Located in the North Pole but

not the South Pole because the

Arctic is much colder.

Tundra Plants

Quote- Tufted Saxifrage

is a small perennial that

grow in thick mats on the

tundra. Bearberry is a

low growing evergreen.

The Calliergon

giganteum is an aquatic

plant found growing on

the bottom of tundra lake

beds and in and around

bogs and fens.

Examples of tundra plants are the

Tufted Saxifrage, Bearbrry, and

Arctic Moss.

Tundra Animals

Quote- The caribou is actually

a large members of the deer

family. The harlequin duck

gets its name from the

decorated appearance of the

male harlequin, because it

resembles the colorful

costumes worn by

"harlequins", who were people

dressed as clowns. Most of the

sun's rays reach their black

skin, which

absorbs the heat and keeps the

polar bear warm.

Examples of tundra animals

includes the Caribou, Harlequin

Duck, and the Polar Bear.

Tundra Climate Quote- The tundra is a bleak and

treeless place. It is cold through all

months of the year Summer is a brief

period of milder climates when the

sun shines almost 24 hours a day. But

even the sun can't warm the tundra

much. The short summer lasts only 6

to 10 weeks. It never gets any warmer

than 45 or 50° F. The warmer weather

causes a layer of permafrost, ice that

never goes away in the ground, to

melt, creating bogs and shallow lakes

that don't drain. During the long

winter months the sun barely rises and

it is dark for most of the day. Bitter

cold winds scud across the barren

snowscape, exposing high plateaus to

barren ground.

Climate is cold all year long.

Average warm temperatures

are 45°-50°F. Warm weather

causes permafrost to melt.

There are bitter cold winds.

Alpine Location

Quote- Alpine biomes are

found in the mountain regions

all around the world. The

Alpine biome lies just below

the snow line of a mountain.

As you go up a mountain, you

will travel through many

biomes. In the North American

Rocky Mountains you begin in

a desert biome. As you climb

you go through a deciduous

forest biome, grassland biome,

steppe biome, and taiga biome

before you reach the cold

Alpine biome.

Located in mountain regions all

over the world. The biome lies

right below the snow line of a

mountain.

Alpine Plants

Quote- The wild potato

is a relative of the

cultivated potato, and is

found in the alpine

biome of the Andes

Mountains. Moss

Campion is part of the

pinks family. The

bristlecone pine is a

multi-trunked tree,

gnarled and twisted by

the elements.

Examples of alpine plants

includes of the Wild Potato,

Moss Campion, and the

Bristlecone Pine.

Alpine Animals Quotes- Llamas are part of

the camel family.

Mountain Goats have two

beige colored horns that

curl back and reach a

length of about twelve

inches. The snow leopard

is part of the cat family. In

the wild, chinchillas can

be found in the Andes

alpine regions, but

because they are an

endangered species, they

are not easily found.

Examples of alpine animals

includes of Llamas, Mountain

Goats, Snow Leopards, and

Chinchillas.

Alpine Climate The Alpine biome is one of the

coldest biomes in the world. It

is so cold because of its high

altitudes. Summer temperature

range between -12 degrees

Celsius to 10 degrees Celsius.

The average precipitation is 30

cm a year.It is very much like

the Tundra biome. Both the

alpine and the tundra biomes

are cold and dry throughout the

year. The Alpine biome is also

similar to the arctic biome.

Climate is one of the coldest

in the world due to its high

altitudes. Very similar to the

tundra biome since it’s cold

and dry.

Elliott Key, Florida Quote- Warmer oceans

put coastal communities

at risk, increase

infrastructure costs,

endanger polar creatures

and threaten coral reefs

and fisheries. Perhaps

most alarmingly, rising

ocean temperatures

accelerate the overall

warming trend.

Top impact is the ocean

temperature.

•Rising temperatures caused coral

reefs in Florida to die off.

• Other problems include an

increase in infrastructure cost,

polar creatures becoming

endangered and threat to fisheries.

Source-

http://www.climatehotmap.org/glob

al-warming-locations/elliott-key-fl-

usa.html

Other Impacts Quote- Although marine species are

more difficult to see and less well

studied than land and freshwater

species, they are known to be

experiencing some of the same—and

some different—effects from global

warming. The world's oceans are

becoming more acidic, threatening

sea life.

Other impacts include salt water and

ocean chemistry.

•Salt water species are experiencing

the effects of global warming.

Problems of this include forced

migrations, diseases, coral

bleaching, and harm to wetlands.

•With ocean chemistry, the oceans

are becoming more acidic which is

threatening sea life. A problem of

this is the change in the ability of

coral reefs and other shelled

organisms to form skeletons/shells.

Key Facts Quote- Elliott Key in Florida's Biscayne National Park is formed from an ancient coral

reef. Living corals at the heart of the unique marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys are

vulnerable to rising water temperatures, ocean acidification, and other effects of climate

change. Even small increases in water temperature can cause coral bleaching, and if

such stress continues, corals can die. The intensity and frequency of coral bleaching has

increased significantly over the past 30 years, causing death or severe damage to one-

third of the world's corals. If our carbon emissions continue to rise at current rates,

scientists project that waters around the Florida Keys are likely to become too warm and

too acidic to support coral reefs.

• Small increases in temperature can cause coral bleaching, if this continues

then the coral can eventually die.

• Increase intensity and frequency of coral bleaching for the past 30 years.

• 1/3 of world’s coral has been damaged.

• Scientist predict that waters could become too warm/too acidic for coral if

carbon emission rates continue.

Details Quote- The Florida Keys are the exposed

portions of an ancient limestone or an old

coral reef that forms a chain of islands

extending from the tip of the Florida

peninsula to Key West. Corals are marine

animals. Their spectacular coloration comes

from symbiotic algae, which also nourish

them. Coral reefs provide food and habitat for

other species, including a wide range of fish,

and protect coastlines from large waves.

Coral reefs typically live within a specific

range of temperature, light, and concentration

of carbonate in seawater. When increases in

ocean temperature or ultraviolet light stress

the corals, they lose their colorful algae,

leaving only transparent coral tissue covering

their white calcium-carbonate skeletons.

Ocean acidification poses an added danger to

corals and other sea animals that need

calcium carbonate to build shells or skeletons.

•Florida Keys are exposed

portions of limestone or

old coral reef.

•Coral reefs provide food

and habitat for other

species.

•Increase in ocean

temperature stresses the

coral, making it lose its

colorful algae.

What the Future Holds Quote- Unless we make deep and swift

cuts in our heat-trapping emissions,

scientists project that corals risk

ultimately being unable to build shells or

skeletons as the oceans become so sour

that the mineral comprising the reefs

begins to dissolve. If our carbon

emissions—and ocean acidity—continue

to rise at current rates, aragonite in the

southern ocean could start to dissolve by

2060. Marine organisms that build their

shells out of calcite, in contrast, might not

begin dissolving until the end of the

century. Scientists say that the waters

around the Florida Keys are eventually

unlikely to support coral reefs because of

declining levels of carbonate in surface

waters. With snorkeling and scuba diving

at risk, the future of tourism in Biscayne

National Park is uncertain.

Scientists say that coral have a

risk of becoming unable to build

shells/skeletons. The waters

would unlikely be able to

support coral reefs. Snorkeling

and scuba diving would be at

risk which causes the tourism to

be uncertain.

Possible Solution- United States

Solutions to global warming in North America include

reducing coal emissions, increasing the use of energy

efficiency and renewable energy, greening transportation,

and helping developing countries reduce deforestation.

Analysis performed by the Union of Concerned Scientists

has demonstrated that the U.S. can dramatically reduce its

reliance on fossil fuels and nearly phase-out coal by 2030

while saving consumers and businesses money by

investing primarily in energy efficiency and renewable

energy. There are concrete actions that citizens,

businesses and policymakers can take to reduce global

warming emissions. While comprehensive climate and

energy legislation has thus far failed to pass the United

States Congress, there are a series of vital programs and

strategies underway in the United States to reduce global

warming emissions, such as: elevating energy efficiency;

promoting renewable energy;

reducing coal emissions; greening transportation; and

providing assistance to developing countries to reduce

deforestation and switch to clean energy technologies.

Solutions include reducing coal

emissions, use renewable

energy, and greening

transportation. In order to do

this people can take part in

programs and companies can

invest in using more renewable

energy.

San Marcos de Tarrazú, Costa Rica

Quote- Climate-related threats to

global food production include

risks to grain, vegetable, and

fruit crops, livestock, and

fisheries. As with health

risks, nations and individuals

do not bear threats to the

global food supply equally.

Nations that lose arable land and

critical fisheries may not have

the resources or climate to

pursue reasonable-cost options

for maintaining food security.

Some nations are also more

vulnerable to unfavorable

international trade agreements

and regional strife that may

interrupt food distribution

Top impact is food. Climate related threats

to food include risks to grain, vegetable,

fruit crops, livestock, and fisheries.

Problems with this include reduced yields,

increased irrigation, planting/harvesting

changes, decreased arability, and more

pests.

Source- http://www.climatehotmap.org/global-warming-locations/san-marcos-de-tarrazu-costa-rica.html

Other Impacts Quote- Rising air

temperatures bring heat

waves, spread disease, shift

plant and animal habitat and

cause extreme weather

events, from drought to

blizzards. Scientists and

economists are beginning to

grapple with the serious

economic and

environmental consequences

if we fail to reduce global

carbon emissions quickly

and deeply. The most

expensive thing we can do is

nothing.

Other impacts are air temperature and

costs. The rising of air temperature can

cause problems such as heat waves,

spread of diseases, shift in plant/animal

habitat, and extreme weather. When

dealing with environmental problems,

people have to cut on emissions quickly

or deeply, doing nothing is the biggest

cost.

Key Facts Quote- Average temperatures in Costa Rica

warmed by 0.9 to 1.8° F (0.5 to 1.0° C) from

1901 to 2000, and the number of warm days

has risen by about 2.5 percent each decade

since the 1970s.

Rising temperatures have occurred along

with an increase in infestations of the coffee

berry borer, a pest that causes annual losses

of about $500 million US$ and affects the

income of more than 20 million households

globally.

Since 2000, yields of Costa Rican coffee

crops have plummeted by 39 percent, and

coffee production has plunged by 44 percent.

Mid-range scenarios for future emissions of

heat-trapping gases–primarily from the

burning of oil, gas, and trees–project a

warming of 3.2 to 9° F (1.8 to 5° C) by

2100.That will likely worsen environmental

challenges already straining Costa Rican

coffee growers.

•Number of warm days in Costa

Rica have rose by 2.5% each

decade since 1970.

•Rising temps have caused

infestations in coffee.

•Costa Rican coffee products

went down 39%, making

production drop 44%.

Details Quote- The combination of rising

temperatures, more extreme rainfall

events, and greater prevalence of

coffee berry borers may already be

affecting Costa Rican coffee crops.

Since 2000, coffee crop yields have

dropped by 39 percent. This

warming–attributed to heat-trapping

emissions from human activities–

could prove troublesome for coffee

crops.4 The Arabica coffee plant's

preferred temperature range is fairly

narrow: between 64 and 71°/ F (18

to 22° C). Both yield and quality

decline above or below that

range.10 Above 93°: F (34° C), little

photosynthesis takes place within

the coffee plant.11

•Since 2000, coffee crop

yields have dropped.

•Coffee plant’s temperature

range is pretty narrow.

What the Future Holds Quote- Future changes in rainfall have

proven difficult to project, because of the

complex topography of Costa Rica and

its Central American neighbors, and the

connection to El Niño events. However,

some evidence suggests that rainfall in

Costa Rica could drop during this

century. Adaptations such as planting

coffee at higher altitudes, and planting

more shade trees to insulate coffee plants

from extremes in temperatures, may help

reduce the vulnerability of coffee

growers to continued changes in

temperature and rainfall. Because

human-induced emissions of heat-

trapping gases are rising, scientists

project that temperatures in Central

America will continue to increase over

the course of this century.

•Scientists predict that temps in

Central America will continue to

rise.

• Evidence says that maybe the

rainfall could drop.

•Growers might have to plant at

higher altitudes or plant more

shade trees.

Possible Solutions- Latin America Quote- Solutions to global

warming across the varied

countries of Latin America

include pursuing new policies to

curb deforestation and forest

degradation; reducing emissions

from cars, trucks and buses; and

promoting energy efficiency and

renewable energy. One standout

is Costa Rica, which aims to be

carbon neutral (have zero net

greenhouse gas emissions) by

2021. Already a green leader

with 96 percent of its electricity

coming from renewable sources,

Costa Rica has increased its

forested area by 10 percent in

the last decade.

•Reducing emissions from cars,

trucks and buses. People could

walk, bike, or carpool.

North Sea, United Kingdom Quote- Although marine species are more

difficult to see and less well studied than land

and freshwater species, they are known to be

experiencing some of the same—and some

different—effects from global warming. Cold-

water species are on the move, seeking cooler,

deeper, or higher-latitude waters, while warm-

water species are moving to places formerly

too cold for their survival. Scientists are

detecting marine diseases, such as lobster-shell

disease, in waters historically thought to be too

cold. As seawater temperatures rise above the

range that corals can tolerate, they are

expelling their symbiotic algae and exposing

white skeletons—a process known as

bleaching. Coastal wetlands, salt marshes, and

mangroves are highly vulnerable to inundation

as sea levels rise, unless they can migrate

inland unimpeded.

Top impact is salt water.

•Marine species are dealing

with effects of global

warming.

•Problems of this include

forced migrations, diseases,

coral bleaching, and harm to

wetlands.

Source- http://www.climatehotmap.org/hotspot-images/north-sea-united-

kingdom.jpg

Other Impacts

Quote- Climate-related threats

to global food production

include risks to grain,

vegetable, and fruit crops,

livestock, and fisheries.

Warmer oceans put coastal

communities at risk, increase

infrastructure costs, endanger

polar creatures and threaten

coral reefs and fisheries.

Perhaps most alarmingly,

rising ocean temperatures

accelerate the overall

warming trend.

•Ocean Temperature and food.

•Increase puts communities at

risk, raises infrastructure costs,

endanger polar creatures, and

harm coral reefs/fisheries.

•Climate threats global food

product like risks to grains, fruits,

vegetables, livestock, and fish.

Key Facts

Quote- Warming of the North Sea has

affected the distribution and abundance

of plankton—the foundation of the

marine food chain—and shifted their

seasonal cycles.

Changes in the plankton ecosystem

linked to warmer surface temperatures

have already harmed other species that

rely on plankton for food, such as cod.

Further climate change is expected to

intensify these effects on North Sea

plankton, cod, and marine

ecosystems—with implications for the

fishing industry and the communities

that depend on it.

•Warming in North Sea affected

amount of plankton and their

seasons.

•Changes in plankton’s

ecosystems have harmed other

species.

•Fishing industries and

communities rely on these

species.

Details Quote- Bridling ton, Whidbey, and other

English coastal towns have long

depended on the North Sea fishery for

food and income. But global warming is

affecting plankton and changing the

marine food chain, compounding the

pressures of overfishing. The resulting

disruption of the ecosystem could

damage the fishing industry and hurt

North Sea coastal communities from the

United Kingdom to Scandinavia. The

result is changes in the distribution and

abundance of plankton species, as well as

shifts in their seasonal cycles. For

example, in the northeast Atlantic, both

warmer-water and colder-water plankton

moved 10° latitude farther north over a

four-decade period at the end of the

twentieth century.

•The results of the ecosystem can

damage fishing industry and

communities from the UK to

Scandinavia.

•Plankton have moved 10° North.

What the Future Holds

Quote- If our climate continues

to warm at today's rate,

scientists expect North Sea

plankton that respond to

temperature cues to bloom even

earlier in the coming decades.

With a growing mismatch in

life cycles among various

species of plankton, as well as

further climate-induced shifts

in their abundance and

distribution, effects on the

North Sea ecosystem—

including cod—are projected to

be considerable.

•Plankton could start their

seasons earlier which effects the

ecosystem like cod.

Possible Solution- Europe Quote- Solutions to global

warming pursued by the

European region include

binding national commitments

to reduce emissions, the multi-

national cap-and-trade program

known as the European Union's

Emission Trading Scheme, and

strong supports for its

renewable energy and energy

efficiency industries. The

European Union's Emission

Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is

the world's first, and largest

multi-national cap-and-trade

program for reducing heat-

trapping emissions.

Binding commitments to reduce

emissions, European Union’s

Emission Trading Scheme, and

support for renewable sources.

Europe could try to get more

countries involved.

Geoengineering

Quote- Geo-engineering is the study

and implementation of technical

ways to change (and arguably

improve) things like weather

patterns, river paths, soils, climates

and sea currents on Earth. Recently,

geo-engineering has received

special attention for efforts to

combat global warming.

Geoengineering is the change

of geographical things with

technology.

Source- http://geo-engineering.blogspot.com/

Add SO₂ to Stratosphere Quote- The plan: Use a fleet of aero

planes to pump sulphur dioxide into the

stratosphere, where it will form aerosols

that reflect sunlight straight back into

space and thus cool the planet. Pros:

Could offset all the warming from a

doubling of CO2. Affordable and feasible.

We know it works – big volcanic

eruptions cool the planet this way. Cons:

Reduces rainfall, like all sunshade

schemes. Will alter regional climates with

potentially disastrous effects, such as

famines. Doesn't cool poles as much as

tropics, so rest of planet would have to be

cooled below pre-industrial levels to stop

polar ice sheets melting. Won't stop ocean

acidification. If CO2 levels continue to

rise, the planet would warm rapidly if we

stopped injecting SO2 into the

stratosphere. Will make sky whiter.

In order to add SO₂ to the stratosphere they would use airplanes. It would reflect sunlight back, making Earth cooler.

Source-

http://www.newscientist.com/gallery/geoengineering

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Affordable

2. Could offset all warming

3. We know it works

Cons

1. Reduces rainfall

2. Alter regional climates

3. Doesn’t cool poles as

much as tropics

4. Won’t stop ocean

acidification

5. If stopped, warming

could start again

6. Make sky whiter

Whiten Marine Clouds Quote- The plan: Use a fleet of ships to spray

seawater into the air. The salt particles should

increase the concentration of droplets in clouds,

making them whiter and more reflective, thus

cooling the planet .

Pros: Could offset all the warming from a

doubling of CO2. Might be possible to cool the

poles more than the tropics, and thus slow or stop

ice loss. Affordable and feasible. No toxic

chemicals required. Cons: Might not work – no

real-world tests have been done. Necessary

technology does not exist. Reduces rainfall, like

all sunshade schemes.

Will alter regional climates with potentially

disastrous effects, such as drying the Amazon

Rest of planet might have to be cooled to near

pre-industrial levels to stop polar ice sheets from

melting. Won't stop ocean acidification. If

CO2 levels continue to rise, planet would warm

rapidly if spraying stopped.

In order to whiten marine

clouds, ships would spray

seawater into the air. This

should increase the

concentration of droplets

making them more reflective

which cools the Earth.

Pros and Cons Pros

1. Offset all warming

2. Might cool down poles more

than tropics

3. Affordable

4. No toxic chemicals

Cons

1. Might not work

2. Necessary technology

does not exist

3. Reduces rainfall

4. Alter regional climates

5. Rest of planet might have

to be cooled in order to

stop ice sheets from

melting

6. Wont stop ocean

acidification

7. Planet could warm up

quickly if spraying

stopped.

Dispersing Cirrus Quote- The plan: Spray bismuth tri-iodide

high in the atmosphere to seed formation of

large ice crystals that rapidly fall to the

ground. This should reduce the amount of

heat-trapping cirrus clouds, which are made

of tiny ice crystals that descend slowly. Pros:

Will be most effective near the poles, where

cooling is essential to stop ice sheets melting.

Appears feasible. Could be done during

normal commercial flights. Fairly potent.

Could offset around the half the warming

from a doubling of CO2. Not expected to

reduce rainfall. Cons: Might not work – no

real-world tests have been done. Unclear if it

could cool poles enough prevent large sea-

level rises. Will alter regional climates with

potentially disastrous effects.

Won't stop ocean acidification. If CO2 levels

continue to rise, planet would warm rapidly if

seeding stopped,

In order to disperse cirrus,

people would spry tri-iodine

in the atmosphere to make ice

fall. This reduces amount of

heat trapping cirrus clouds.

Pros and Cons Pros

1. Effective near poles

2. Can be done during

commercial flights

3. Fairly potent

4. Not expected to reduce

rainfall

Cons

1. Might not work

2. Unclear is cooling is able to

prevent sea level to rise

3. Alter regional climates

4. Plant heat would rise if it is

stopped

Biochar

The plan: Grow plants and lock

away the carbon they absorb

by turning them into biochar–

charcoal – that can be mixed into

soil. Pros: Safe. Will slow climate

change rather than actively changing

the climate itself. Will slow rate of

ocean acidification. Cons: Of

questionable efficacy. An optimistic

estimate is that it could offset 10 per

cent of the warming due to a

doubling of CO2. Would compete

with food and biofuel production.

Won't prevent large sea-level rises,

though should slow rate a little.

In order to use biochar,

people would grow plants

and lock absorbed carbon

by turning them into

charcoal.

Pros and Cons Pros

1. It’s safe

2. Slow rate of ocean

acidification

Cons

1. Could offset 10% of

warming

2. Compete with food and

biofuel production

3. Won’t prevent sea levels to

rise

Ocean Fertilization

The plan: Boost the growth of

plankton by adding nutrients such as

iron to ocean waters. If the dead

plankton sink to the ocean floor and get

buried, the organic carbon in their

bodies will be safely locked away.

Pros: Safe. Will slow climate change

rather than actively changing the

climate itself. Will slow rate of ocean

acidification. Cons: Of questionable

efficacy. Optimistic estimate is

offsetting 5 per cent of the warming

due to a doubling of CO2. Will alter

marine ecosystems

Will cause or accelerate ocean

deoxygenation ("dead zones"). Won't

prevent large sea-level rises, but might

slow rate slightly.

In order to use ocean

fertilization, people will have

to add nutrients to ocean

waters.

Pros and Cons

Pros

1. It’s safe

2. Will slow rate of ocean

acidification

Cons

1. Offset 5% of warming

2. Alter marine ecosystems

3. Cause ocean

deoxygenation

4. Won’t prevent sea level

to rise

Space Parasols

Quote- The plan: Launch

millions of sunshades into

deep space to shade the

Earth from the sun. Pros:

Irrelevant. Cons:

Unachievable with existing

technology.

In order to use space parasols,

people would have to launch

sunshades into deep. This would

shade the Earth from the sun.

Pros

1. Irrelevant

Cons

1. Unachievable with

technology we have

now