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Global Warming: Rising Storm

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In the last half of the 20th century, scientists began understanding that industrialization and the effects of explosive population growth were affecting the fundamental structure and composition of earth's atmosphere. Man's ever-increasing thirst for energy, quenched by the burning of fossil fuels, has dramatically increased greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere. We are now experiencing the first impact of these accumulating gases: A general warming of the planet. This 2-disc set examines and explains this phenomenon, and looks into the future where other, more deadly impacts are predicted to follow. In the first decade of the 21st century, we find ourselves at the precipice of a dangerous, rising storm.

Episodes:

• Warnings from a Warmer Planet

  Increased greenhouse gases are res[responsible for global warming and climate change producing weather extremes such as heat waves and storms. Massive Pinion Pine Dieback The Earth's ecology as well as smaller ecosystems can be directly affected by weather extremes, such as droughts, which can destroy entire forests, and indirectly by allowing opportunities or pests such as the bark beetle to invade. Fires Fires, especially wildfires, can be the result of a positive feedback loop that stresses ecosystems that then strain the firefighting ability of countries. Oceans Oceans are affected by weather extremes, that impact our Blue Planet and destroy the ocean ecology. Coral Reefs Coral Reefs are destroyed by coral bleaching, which hurts the zooxanthellae, the symbiont that keeps coral alive in places such as the barrier reefs. Acidification of the Oceans Acidification of the Oceans, raising the ocean's pH, hurts coral reefs and destroys the ocean ecology. The Arctic The Arctic, glacier, sea ice, tundra and Greenland ice sheet are affected by arctic warming, a result of greenhouse gases creating a positive feedback loop. Melting of the Sea Ice Greenhouse gases create a positive feedback loop. Melting of Glaciers and Ice Fields Glaciers and ice fields in places like Greenland, are melting creating a positive feedback loop. Thawing of the Permafrost As Permafrost melts, it releases CO2, creating a positive feedback loop that can destroy Alaskan coastal villages such as Shishmaref.

  Next Airing:	Thu, Jun 20th, 2024 at 9:00 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:58:39
  Usage rights:	Expires 6/30/2029

• Predictions for a Warmer Planet

  Global Warming and climate change are a result of the Anthropocene Era, where fossil fuels have increased CO2 emissions, and as a result climate models predict shifts in the Earth's climate, causing growths and a thawing of the Arctic's permafrost, while meteorology models predicts more weather extremes and methane hydrates pose a problem for even more greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. Worries Positive feedback loops increase the melting of Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, threatening the Earth with a runaway greenhouse effect that could melt all the ice on the planet. How Science Works In the Interglacial period carbon dioxide, CO2, one of the potent greenhouse gases. Has increased in the last 200 years demonstrated by the hockey stick curve on graphs. The Effects of Global Warming The permafrost, arctic icepack and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica are all melting as a result of global warming. Scientific Models Climate models demonstrate a positive feedback with CO2. Weather Models Weather Models are used to predict weather and extreme weather, using gathered weather data to make a weather forecast. Climate Circulation Models Climate Circulation Models and climate models show how greenhouse gases and solar radiation interact to affect climates, while atmospheric models use atmospheric circulation, clouds, the Bio/Geo/Chemical cycles and old carbon to demonstrate positive feedback loops. Weather Extremes Weather Extremes - storms, droughts, hurricanes and heat waves - as well as decreased frost days and less precipitation can be demonstrated in a climate model and an ocean model.

  Next Airing:	Thu, Jun 20th, 2024 at 10:00 AM on UEN-TV
  Length:	00:57:53
  Usage rights:	Expires 6/30/2029

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