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Climate Science
Climate Change
Over the last 800,000 years, there have been natural cycles in the Earth’s climate, rotating between ice ages and warmer interglacial periods. The last ice age ended 20,000 years ago and the average global temperature has risen by about 3°C to 8°C, over a period of about 10,000 years
Greenhouse GasesRising levels of CO2 and other heat-trapping gases (greenhouse gases) in the atmosphere are rapidly warming the Earth and causing a wide range of impacts.
Global CO2 emissions from human activity have increased by over 400% since 1950. The concentration of CO2 in the air has reached more than 400 parts per million by volume (ppm), compared to about 280ppm in 1750 (around the start of the Industrial Revolution)
Source: NASA
Climate Change in Pennsylvania
• The state of PA has warmed more than half a degree in the last century
• Heavy rainstorms are more frequent
• Delaware River is rising every year • Increased flooding• Dry soils in the summer and fall• Increased drought
• Warmer temperatures lead to more algal blooms
• Increased runoff pollution • Increased loss of forest
underbrush• Increased invasive species• Decreasing crop yields• Decreased milk and beef
production
The State of Pennsylvania produces 1% of the WORLDS carbon emissions
Carbon Footprint Carbon Footprint: the total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities
Daily activities such as: using electricity, driving a car, consuming food, and disposing of waste causes greenhouse gas emissions
Global Carbon Footprint
Villanova’s Carbon Footprint
Electricity
Steam Plant (Natural
Gas)
Commuting
Refrigerants&
Fertilizers
University Vehicles
Individual Carbon FootprintTypical break down of an individual’s carbon footprint
Ways to Reduce YOUR Carbon Footprint
• Reduce, Reuse & Recycling• Eat more vegetables• Improve your health by biking
instead of driving• Support your local business• Explore thrift stores• Challenge yourself to take
shorter showers
• Enjoy clean clothes washed in cold water
• Set your computer to energy save mode
• Screw in LED light bulbs and see the light
• Offset your carbon emissions for free
Carbon OffsetsA reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for or to offset an emission made elsewhere.• UCapture automatically offsets your carbon footprint at
no cost to you.• You shop online, UCapture buys offsets for you.• Offset projects: reforestation, methane capture, and
renewable energy • 2,500 online partners
www.Ucapture.com/Villanova
www.Ucapture.com/Villanova
Sign up using the VU URL and automatically donate 10% of
your carbon offsets to Villanova.
