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     What Should We Do About Global Warming? 

     Module written by Sharon Anthony, Thomas W. Brauch, Elizabeth J. Longley
     Quicktime Movies by G. C. Lisensky and S. C. Thorp

    Help with Quicktime Movies

    SESSION 1: Is the Climate Changing?
    Introduction

      This session introduces the controversial issue of cliamte change. You will analyze data to determine if and how the climate is changing, learn about personal causes of climate change, and identify other information you will need to defend your opnion about global warming.

      Exploration 1A: Is the Climate Changing?

        Figure 1.1 in the module (http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/figspm-1.htm) or copy
        Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Summary
        http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/005.htm (2001)
        http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/006.htm (2001)
        http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/007.htm (2001)
        http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/008.htm (2001)

        Physical Basis of Climate Change http://www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/ar4-wg1.htm (2007)
        Summary for policy makers (2007. 3.7 MB)
        Technical Summary (2007, 18.6 MB)
        Frequently Asked Questions (2007, 7.2 MB)
        Climate Change Impacts http://www.gtp89.dial.pipex.com/chpt.htm (2007)
        IPCC Timeline

        Temperature Trends
        Effects of Climate Change

        NASA Top Stories
        Press Briefings on Global Warming NASA-TV
        Scientists Report Increased Thinning of West Antarctic Glaciers, September, 2004
        http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2004/0923westglaciers.html)
        Frozen North May Accelerate Climate Change, October, 2004
        (http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2004/0929frozenclimate.html)
        Greenland's Ice Thinning More Rapidly at Edges, December, 2004
        (http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/earthandsun/thinningice.html)

        US Environmental Protection Agency (http://epa.gov/climatechange/index.html)

      Exploration 1B: Why is the Temperature Rising?

        Figure 1.2 in the module (http://www.grida.no/climate/ipcc_tar/wg1/figspm-3.htm) or copy
        Changes in climate forcings since 1850 (http://www.giss.nasa.gov/research/news/20020114/) or copy
        Figure 2.20 in IPCC 2007 (http://www.ipcc.ch/graphics/graphics/ar4-wg1/jpg/fig-2-20.jpg) or copy

      Exploration 1C: What's the Connection Between Greenhouse Gases and Global Temperature?

    SESSION 2: What Is A Greenhouse Gas?
    Visible and Infrared Spectroscopy

      You will use visible and infrared spectroscopy to investigate the absorption characteristics unique to greenhouse gases. A brief analysis of the nature of the electromagnetic spectrum and the interaction of light with matter will accompany the spectroscopic investigation.

        Infrared Spectra of Greenhouse Gases

    Properties of Gases

        Kinetic Molecular Theory (Molecules in Motion Applet)

    SESSION 3: What Determines Whether A Gas Is A Greenhouse Gas?
    Lewis Structures and VSEPR, Polarity and Infrared Activity

      You will be introduced to the nature of chemical bonding and molecular shape. You will also explore polarity and how molecular shape influences the absorption of infrared light.

      Exploration 3A: How are the Atoms in Greenhouse Gas Molecules Connected?
      Exploration 3B: What Are The Shapes of Greenhouse Gas Molecules?
      Exploration 3C: What Determines Whether a Gas Absorbs Infrared Radiation?

        VSEPR shapes
        Greenhouse Gas Molecules
        Infrared Spectra of Greenhouse Gases

    SESSION 4: How Much Are Greenhouse Gas Concentrations Changing?
    Interpreting Graphs

      You will graphically interpret the behavior of greenhouse gas concentrations as a function of time. Conversion between different units of measure will be necessary for comparison of the concentrations of different greenhouse gases.

        Greenhouse Gas Molecules
        Longterm Trends

    SESSION 5: Why Are Greenhouse Gas Concentrations Rising?
    Chemical Equations

      To understand why greenhouse gas concentrations are rising, we need to understand how these gases are created and destroyed. In this session, you will research the sources and sinks of the greenhouse gases and develop a qualitative understanding of why the concentrations are rising. In the process, you will develop skills in formulating and balancing chemical equations and in literature and world wide web research.

      Exploration 5A: Is There CO2 in your Breath?
      Exploration 5B: What are the Sources and Sinks of Greenhouse Gases?
      Exploration 5C: How Do We Balance the Relevant Equations?

        Greenhouse Gas Emissions
        US Greenhouse Gas Inventory Reports (http://epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html) or Summary or copy.
        Emissions of Greenhouse Gases in the US (http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggrpt/summary/index.html) or pdf file
        Greenhouse Gases Online (http://ghgonline.org/)

    SESSION 6: What Are Your Personal Contributions to Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
    Moles and Stoichiometry

      You will use laboratory investigations and stoichiometric calculations to determine whether you personally are a significant source of greenhouse gases. You will examine your daily activities to estimate which ones have the greatest impact on greenhouse gas levels. For instance, are you responsible for more carbon dioxide emissions if you drive to Boston or fly? Balancing equations, mole calculations, stoichiometry, unit conversions, experimental design, and order of magnitude estimation are skills that will be developed during this session.

      Exploration 6A: What Are Your Personal Contributions to CO2 Emissions?
      Exploration 6B: Which Daily Activities Contribute to Rising Greenhouse Gas Levels?

      EPA Personal Greenhouse Gas Calculator (http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html)

      State of the World (http://www.worldwatch.org/node/3894)

    SESSION 7: What Should We Do About Global Warming?
    Culminating Activity

      In this culminating activity, you will be asked to conclude what we should do about global warming. This activity will require you to articulate what you have learned during the module and to support your conclusions with scientific and quantitative data. Your instructor will decide the format of this activity; papers, debates, posters and discussions are possibilities. Several options are given as examples so you can start to think about how you will respond.

        Greenhouse Gas Emissions
        Effects of Climate Change
        Aerosols

        Living on Earth, National Public Radio
        August 10, 2007 Bush Climate Talks (UNFCC)
        January 27, 2007 Climate Change Predictions (IPCC 2007 report)
        January 27, 2007 States Crack Down on CO2 (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative)
        March 17-May 19, 2006 Early Signs: Reports From a Warming Planet (7 part series)
        September 10, 2004 Changing Views on Climate Change
        Our Changing Planet
        , the US government report (timecode 0:00-5:35)
        Balance as Bias interview with Jules Boykoff (timecode 5:35-12:45)
        Climate Change in the Press interview with Andrew Revkin, New York Times, and Bill Allen, National Geographic (timecode 12:45-25:07).
        Timecode 12:55-18:45 is a good segment for class use and refers to Global Warning in the September, 2004, issue of National Geographic.
        May 28, 2004 Climate Change (New York City)
        March 5, 2004 Abrupt Climate Change

        Kyoto Protocol (http://unfccc.int/essential_background/kyoto_protocol/items/1678.php)
        Kyoto Ratification Update
        http://unfccc.int/files/kyoto_protocol/background/status_of_ratification/application/pdf/kp_ratifcation.pdf
        Kyoto-related emissions by country
        http://unfccc.int/ghg_emissions_data/items/3800.php


    Copyright © 2007 by the trustees of Beloit College and the Regents of the University of California. This Module has been developed under the direction of the ChemLinks Coalition, headed by Beloit College, and the ModularChem Consortium, headed by the University of California at Berkeley. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation grants No. DUE-9455918 and DUE-9455924. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation, Beloit College, or the Regents of the University of California.

    Published through exclusive license with W. W. Norton.
    What Should We Do About Global Warming? ISBN 0-393-92429-7


    This page maintained by George Lisensky, Beloit College. Last modified August 12, 2008.
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