Mitigation – the act of decreasing or reducing something

1. Mitigation – the act of decreasing or reducing something Taking actions aimed at reducing the extent of global warming by reducing the production of greenhouse gases or their emission into the atmosphere We can improve energy efficiency, rely more on carbon-free renewable energy resources, and find ways to keep much of the CO2 we produce out of the troposphere. Adaptation – change along with the changing climate We recognize that some warming is unavoidable and devise strategies to reduce its harmful effects, or live with the outcome. What Are Our Options?

2. Solutions: Global Warming, Methods for Slowing Atmospheric Warming

3. Case Study:Is Capturing and Storing CO2 the Answer? • Carbon sequestration - removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it

4. Ways to Prepare for the Possible Long-Term Harmful Effects of Climate Change

5. A program to slow and adapt to global warming now is very likely to cost less than waiting and having to deal with its harmful effects later. Governments can tax greenhouse gas emissions and energy use, increase subsidies and tax breaks for saving energy, and decrease subsidies and tax breaks for fossil fuels. Getting countries to agree on reducing their greenhouse emissions is difficult. Governments Can Help Reduce the Threat of Climate Change

6. In 1997, delegates from 161 countries met in Kyoto, Japan to negotiate a treaty on global warming which went into effect January, 2005. It requires 38 participating developed countries to cut their emissions of CO2, CH4, and N2O to 5.2% below their 1990 levels by 2012. This represents a reduction of 2010 levels by 29% The protocol implements a “cap-and-trade” program that involves setting a cap or limit on emissions. If a country emits less than their allowed limit, they can sell the remaining allowances to another country. Many countries distribute their allowance to specific companies or power plants. Developing countries were excluded. The Kyoto Protocol:International Climate Negotiations

7. 191 countries have signed and ratified the protocol. U.S. signed the protocol but has not ratified it. Developing countries such as China, India and Brazil were considered exempt Belief that it would hurt the U.S. economy The U.S. did not sign, but 10 U.S. states and 740 U.S. Cities are participating. The Kyoto Protocol will have little effect on global warming without support and action by the U.S., China, and India. The Kyoto Protocol:International Climate Negotiations

8. Some Are Reducing Their Carbon Footprints • What is your carbon footprint? • The impact you have of the Earth (in terms of CO2 emissions) through your actions, decisions, and purchases. • Carbon neutral – a balance between the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere and the amount sequestered or removed from the atmosphere • U.S. cities, states, businesses, and schools are taking initiatives to reduce carbon emissions

9. 19-4 How Have We Depleted O3 in the Stratosphere and What Can We Do? • Concept 19-4A Widespread use of certain chemicals has reduced ozone levels in the stratosphere, which allows for more harmful ultraviolet radiation to reach the earth’s surface. • Concept 19-4B To reverse ozone depletion, we must stop producing ozone-depleting chemicals and adhere to the international treaties that ban such chemicals.

10. Our Use of Certain Chemicals Threatens the Ozone Layer • The ozone layerthat is concentrated in the stratosphere keeps about 95% of the sun’s harmful UV radiation from reaching the earth’s surface. • UV rays damage skin • Sunburns, cancer • Less ozone in the stratosphere allows for more harmful UV radiation to reach the earth’s surface.

11. Our Use of Certain Chemicals Threatens the Ozone Layer • In the early 1980’s scientists noticed a seasonal depletion in the stratospheric ozone. • This ozone thinning was occurring in most of the atmosphere but was most severe over Antarctica and the Arctic. • The largest ozone depletions have occurred over Antarctica. The hole is the so-called ‘ozone hole’.

12. Our Use of Certain Chemicals Threatens the Ozone Layer • It is the greatest over Antarctica in spring because of the presence of polar clouds and weak Antarctic sunlight, which provide efficient mechanisms for ozone depletion. • During Oct./Nov. each year 40-50% of the ozone in the stratosphere over Antarctica and a smaller amount over the Arctic is depleted.

13. Our Use of Certain Chemicals Threatens the Ozone Layer • Chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs) were deemed responsible for the depletion of stratospheric ozone. • CFCs were used coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators, propellants in aerosol cans, etc. • There are other, similar ozone-depleting chemicals • CFCs are harmful because: • They are chemically stable • In the troposphere they acts as greenhouse gases and eventually find their way into the stratosphere • In the stratosphere they break down ozone molecules • Each CFC molecule can last 65-385 years

14. Sun Cl Cl C Cl F UV radiation O O O O O Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl O O O O O Ultraviolet light hits a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) molecule, such as CFCl3, breaking off a chlorine atom and leaving CFCl2. Once free, the chlorine atom is off to attack another ozone molecule and begin the cycle again. A free oxygen atom pulls the oxygen atom off the chlorine monoxide molecule to form O2. The chlorine atom attacks an ozone (O3) molecule, pulling an oxygen atom off it and leaving an oxygen molecule (O2). The chlorine atom and the oxygen atom join to form a chlorine monoxide molecule (ClO).

15. Summary of CFCs and Other Chlorine –Containing Compounds that Destroy Ozone

16. Natural Capital Degradation:Effects of Ozone Depletion

17. We Can Reverse Stratospheric Ozone Depletion • Montreal Protocol– A 1987 international treaty that controls the production and consumption of chemical that destroy the ozone layer. • Later strengthened and accelerated in 1992 by the Copenhagen Protocol. • 191 countries have ratified this treaty and many of them do not produce or consume any CFCs. • Substitutes for CFCs are available. • Some developing countries still use CFCs and other damaging chemicals.

18. Human Impact (Positive) Pollution Control Devices • Emission Control Devices – filter particles • Scrubbers – use water to filter particles and gases • Catalytic Converters – on cars; finish burning wastes to decrease carbon monoxide levels • 1-800-453-SMOG

19. Law – Clean Air Act • 1963 - first passage • 1970, 1977 and 1990 - amended • Involves EPA • Sets standards for acceptable levels of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, lead, & more • Provides pollution credits for industries that utilize pollution-control devices+ • Bush administration has relaxed rules • It established NAAQS and AQI

20. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) • Sets acceptable concentrations for 6 “criteria” pollutants that: • Threaten public health/the environment over broad areas (non-point) • Are emitted in large quantities • CO, Pb, Nitrogen Oxides, Ozone, Particulate Matter and Sulfur Dioxides

21. Air Quality Index (AQI) • Measures levels of 5 criteria pollutants • Forecast of daily air pollution levels • Purpose to educate and protect public- focuses on health effects • Categories: green= good, yellow= moderate, orange= unhealthy for sensitive groups, red= unhealthy, purple= very unhealthy

22. National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants • Regulates emissions (from point sources) • For specific substances (air toxics w/ known or suspected serious health effects (mutagens, carcinogens, neurotoxins) • Tend to be localized, from point sources • Examples: Ammonia, chlorine, asbestos, arsenic, mercury, benzene

23. Extras - Funny

24. Extras - Funny Videos A special message from our president: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKMpQ6NqB3Q&feature=player_embedded Not satisfied with the overwhelming evidence for climate change? Here is a “Second Opinion” on climate change: http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/81744/february-05-2007/the-word---second-opinion