Be able to define greenhouse effect.
Be able to compare the magnitude of a degree Celsius to a degree Fahrenheit. Know how much the average global temperature has increased in the past century.
Know the following key greenhouse gases and the outlined information about these gases:
Greenhouse Gas Details to know:
Carbon Dioxide (CO
2
) Know that deforestation (reduced photosynthesis) is a significant factor in increasing this greenhouse gas in addition to combustion of fossil fuels.
Know common natural and anthropogenic (man-made) sources. Methane (CH
4
)
Nitrous oxide (N
2
O) Know natural and anthropogenic sources. Have a basic understanding of the nitrogen cycle for the natural sources. Know that inorganic fertilizer use is the primary man-made source with nitrous oxide also being a by-product of fossil fuel combustion.
Halocarbons (contain F, Cl or Br)
Also known as fluorinated gases
CFC’s, HCFC’s and HFC’s
Anthropogenic sources only. Know uses of CFC’s and HCFC’s and regulations on these gases.
Know that CFC’s are both strong ozone-depleting compound and very strong greenhouse gases. HCFC’s are weak ozone depleting compounds and very strong greenhouse gases.
Tropospheric Ozone (Ground- level O
3
)
Soot (Black carbon)
Know that while the stratospheric ozone layer blocks UV radiation, ozone pollution in the troposphere traps heat at ground-level (as well as being a harmful air pollutant).
Know common anthropogenic sources. Soot is particulate matter rather than a gas so not as long lasting in the atmosphere.
Water Vapor (H
2
O) Little human effect on the amount of this greenhouse gas in the atmosphere due to water cycle. Possible positive feedback loop to global warming.
Be able to name three gases that have stronger heat trapping abilities than carbon dioxide.

Be able to explain two reasons that inorganic (synthetic) nitrogen fertilizers result in increasing greenhouse gases and be able to name the two greenhouse gases involved.
Be able to describe the Keeling curve. Know what causes the seasonal fluctuations in CO
2
. Know that atmospheric CO
2
levels are the lowest when it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere because there is much more land located in this hemisphere. Know how much the overall increase in CO2 from the preindustrial era until today.
Be able to define carbon sink (carbon reservoir). Be able to cite two major terrestrial carbon sinks.
Know three different ways that the oceans serve as a carbon sink.
Be able to explain why increasing water temperature due to global warming will likely decrease the ability of the ocean to serve as a carbon sink. Be able to explain how the increasing level of dissolved
CO
2 affects the pH of the ocean.
Be able to define positive and negative feedback loops. Be able to give some examples of possible positive and negative feedback loops. What factors effect whether cloud formation could play a positive feedback role?
Be able to explain some possible consequences of global warming. Know examples of areas particularly vulnerable to water shortages due to decreased snow cover in mountains. Know that potential sea level rising is due to thermal expansion of water due to increased temperature and melting of ice on landmasses (NOT due to the melting of icebergs). Know examples of countries/states particularly vulnerable to flooding due to sea levels rising.
Know the basic history of the Kyoto Protocol. When did the initial summit occur? What were the basic provisions of the treaty? What rationale did our government have for not ratifying the treaty? What requirement had to be met for it to go into effect, and when did that finally occur for the countries that had signed the treaty. Know about the recent Lima Summit.
Know that in 2009 the EPA declared carbon dioxide and 5 other greenhouse gases to be air pollutants.
Be able to discuss strategies for reducing the anthropogenic sources for each of the key greenhouse gases, including policy options for governments and possible technologies. Define carbon sequestration
(also known as carbon capture and storage – CCS). Know limitations /risks to any carbon sequestration technology that may be developed.
Be able to define the “cap and trade” (emissions trading) approach for controlling carbon dioxide emissions (or other pollutants).
Analyze your own carbon footprint. What are some factors that affect your carbon footprint? http://www.nature.org/initiatives/climatechange/calculator/

How can you improve your car’s fuel efficiency (outside of buying a new car)?

Be able to explain why beef production leads to greater CO
2
production per calorie

Be able to name other strategies for reducing your carbon footprint.
Know about to define the three Milankovitch cycles (eccentricity, axial tilt and precession ) and how each affects seasonal variation. Be able to explain the the two reasons why decreased season variation can lead to glaciation.