Global Warming
Objectives: at the end of this assignment, you will be able to:
- Distinguish between positive and negative feedback and give examples of each.
- Describe the greenhouse effect and how humans have caused global warming.
- Discuss the impacts of global warming.
PART 1: Feedbacks
Feedbacks arise in many complex systems, like the climate system. There are two types of feedbacks. Fill in the blanks below to distinguish between the two and give an example of each. Then give your opinion about whether each is good or bad and why.
A negative feedback helps to _____________ a system and maintain balance.
A positive feedback __________ change and throws the system out of balance.
In your opinion, is a positive feedback good or bad? Why?
In your opinion, is a negative feedback good or bad? Why?
PART 2: Greenhouse Effect - Respond to the questions below.
1. What are the three main greenhouse gases?
2. What role do these gases play in the Greenhous Effect?
3. What have humans done to alter the Greenhouse Effect?
PART 3: Impacts of Global Warming
List and describe three impacts of global warming and the most direct cause(s).