Week 12: Climate Change

 Lab: 

What are the primary points in the video?

- Climate change is becoming increasingly destructive to the earth

- People are experiencing the impacts of climate change right now -- even those who don't contribute to the problem as much

What are the major issues?

- glacial melting

- people are needing energy, and how do we provide that for people without using fossil fuels

- lobbying for big energy companies

- changing weather patterns

What questions do you want us to teach you?

- What realistic steps can we take to navigate the effects of climate change?

- What big corporations contribute the most?

- What will happen if we do nothing to change our habits?

How would you like us to teach you?

- Real-life impacts from around the world?

- SDG's

- Simulations

- Public Data

NASA Images of Change:

This image describes a lake in Oregon that has disappeared over the span of 20 years. This was caused by immense dry conditions and water withdrawals in the area. The disappearance of this lake has taken away a large water source for many migrating birds. 

How do we know that the goldfinch is endangered? 

The growing precipitation and humidity rates make animals more susceptible to disease. Not only that, but the birds live in Iowa because the climate is optimal for this species. As the climate continues to change, the birds will not be able to survive in this climate, causing them to die off. 


Pressbook Reading: 

I learned more about the factors that contribute to climate, including latitude, ocean currents, wind and air masses, elevation, topography, and proximity to water. I previously had a misconception that the climate in an area was the way it was because of its position on the earth. I knew that Iowa was experiencing a oot more precipitation and flooding because of climate change, but never connected the dots that it could have been a contributor of the flood in 2008 here at the University. 

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