Global Warming: the Signs and the Science

Global Warming: The Signs and the Science

1. What are some indications that global temperatures are increasing, particularly in polar regions?

2. What is the greenhouse effect? Is the greenhouse effect a natural phenomenon? Explain.

3. What are some of the primary emissions that act in enhancing the greenhouse effect?

4. About how long does CO2 produced today persist in the atmosphere before it is re-assimilated?

5. How will the population and economic growth patterns in China likely impact carbon emissions?

6. Do you think a developed country, like the U.S. that contributes a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions, has any role in developing or influencing energy policy in emerging/developing nations? Why or Why not?

7. What are some of the health hazards associated with urban living and exposure in the urban life as shown in the video?

8. How is the idea of “heat transfer” in systems associated with alteration in global climatic patterns?

9. What kind of problems might climate change present for the petroleum industry and the distribution of hydrocarbon based products in Louisiana and the U.S.?

10. How might climate change and changes in local weather patterns influence food production?

11. Why do scientists in the video think that photosynthesis by trees won’t sufficient to absorb excess carbon dioxide emission if average temperature continues to rise?

12. How might global oceanic currents be altered if glacier and ice sheet formations in places like Greenland continue to melt at current rates?

13. What was the major goal of the Kyoto Protocol?

14. What role do you foresee for hybrid technologies in terms of reducing carbon dioxide emissions?

15. What type energy conservation techniques and “smart design” architecture practices are being implemented in construction of “greener” / energy efficient homes? 16. How does solar power actually help to create jobs and provide economic stimulus in the economy?

17. What is “net carbon sequestration”?

18. What is your opinion of the feasibility of the “artificial tree” carbon scrubbing technology as portrayed in the video?