SPM 1.1: Observed changes (change is happening)
Multi-decadal warming
Upper ocean has warmed 1971 to 2010
Ocean surface decreased pH by .1 (26% more acidic) CO2 + H2O = H2CO3 carbonic acid
Greenland and Antarctic glaciers losing mass (as are glaciers world wide)
Permafrost is thawing
Increase in precipitation in Northern Hemisphere
Changes in ocean salinity (increasing in some areas, decreasing in others)
Summer melting of Arctic sea ice is increasing
Sea level is rising faster than in past 2,000 years.
SPM1.2: Causes – Anthropogenic gases
½ of CO2 emissions since Industrial Revolution have happened in last 40 years
78% of CO2 emissions 2000 to 2010 from fossil fuel combustion
Economic and population growth biggest drives of CO2 increases
½ of change in global temperature from anthropogenic causes
Pg 5 – Causation discussion
SPM 1.3 Impacts occurring now
Ecosystems showing more effects than human systems
Species moving ranges, change in migration patterns, population sizes and biotic relationships
Climate change having more negative effect on crops than positive
Figure SPM 4
SPM 1.4 – Extreme Weather
Impacts show vulnerability of ecosystems and human systems
Increase in extreme droughts, intensity of rain and snow storms