Before You Watch

Read Chapter 13 (pages 349-380). Climate change is currently affecting the global environment. It has been demonstrated that the most likely source of global warming is human production of CO2 emissions which magnify the natural greenhouse effect that keeps our planet habitable. In this lecture, we will discuss the mechanism of climate change. We will also look at the impacts of global warming on our oceans.

Video

Ch13 - Part 1.pdf

Key Takeaways

No one can make a meaningful statement about climate change from global warming (or cooling) unless it is based on an analysis of at least 30 years of average atmospheric temperature data.

Define and compare weather and climate

What are earth’s three major climate zones? Explain how these zones were created.

List two ways in which scientists get information on past changes in atmospheric temperature and carbon dioxide levels.

How are warmer ocean waters affecting coral reefs? What is ocean acidification and what are its likely harmful effects?