Outline for 9-3

I. Discuss First Assignment

II. Introduction to Environmental Sustainability Questions

A. We are interested in these issues because they will add dimension to why community is important.
B. Intent is not to give full explanation, but to demonstrate why people may be concerned.

III. The Climate as a Case Study.

IV. Why Do We Think Climate Is Changing/Will Change?

A. Greenhouse Gasses (GHGs) absorb longwave radiation (heat) emitted by the Earth, warm up, and emit radiation back toward Earth, increasing temperature.
B. Concentrations of GHGs have increased significantly over the last 100 years.
C. We have observed an increase in temperature of about 1 degree F over the last century. The best estimates are that a doubling of CO2 will result in a global increse of about 5 degrees F.

V. Discussion.