Knowledge Building Series:
Climate Change 101
SEFft
Part 1 of 3
United States
Environmental
March 2008
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 8
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate, such as tempera-
ture, precipitation or wind, lasting for an extended period (decades or longer). Climate
change may result from:
• natural factors, such as changes in the sun's intensity or slow changes in the Earth's or-
bit around the sun;
• natural processes within the climate system, such as changes in ocean circulation;
• human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, that change the atmosphere's composition
and the land surface, such as deforestation, urbanization, desertification.
Global warming is an average increase in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere
near the surface and in the troposphere. The term climate change is often used inter-
changeably with the term global warming, but according to the National Academy of Sci-
ences, "the phrase 'climate change' is growing in preferred use to 'global warming' be-
cause it helps convey that there are [other] changes in addition to rising temperatures."
Since the start of the industrial era in the late 1 8th century, the overall effect of human
activities on climate has been a warming influence, according to the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change. The human impact on climate during this era greatly exceeds
impacts due to known changes in natural processes, such as solar changes and volcanic
eruptions.
What the Data Tells Us
Climate scientists contributing to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are working to
understand the impacts of climate change, the vulnerability of natural and human environments
and the potential for response through adaptation.
These scientists use various tools and techniques in a wide range of scientific disciplines ranging
from ecology, biology, hydrology, atmospheric science, meteorology, oceanography, glaciol-
ogy, pathology, agronomy, forestry, economics, social science and natural resource
management.
Greenhouse Gases
Carbon dioxide (CC>2), meth-
ane, nitrous oxide and three
groups of fluorinated
gases—sulfur hexafluoride,
hydrofluorocarbons, and
perfluorocarbons, are the
major greenhouse gases
associated with human activ-
ity.
All of these gases have a
high global warming poten-
tial, and remain in the at-
mosphere for long periods
of time. They are also in-
creasing in the atmosphere.
In 2005, concentrations of
CC>2 and methane exceed
by far the natural range
over the last 650,000 years,
according to the Intergovern-
mental Panel on Climate
Change. Climate change is
predicted to warm the Earth
by 3 to 1 0° F between
1990 and 2100.
In addition to increasing air and ocean temperatures, scientists are observing
and measuring: retreating glaciers, decreased thickness and extent of sea ice
in the Arctic, a lengthening of the warm season over much of the Northern Hemi-
sphere, rising sea levels, species extinctions, poleward and upward shifts in
plant and animal ranges, increasing acidification of the oceans due to higher
carbon dioxide levels and the spread of vector-borne diseases.
Physical and biological systems on all continents and in most oceans are already
being affected by recent climate changes, particularly regional temperature
increases. Further, it is likely that human-caused, or anthropogenic, warming
over the last three decades has had a discernible influence.
Monthly Carbon Dioxide Concentration
pads per million
400
MO
380
370
360
350
340
330
320
310
1960
1970
'SBC
1990
20DO
2010
Keeling Curve
- Scn'pps Institution of Oceanography.
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Less snowfall and warmer
temperatures may increase
drought, wildfires and habitat
loss in the Mountain West.
Alpine habitat is expected to
be lost and fragmented as
warming occurs. The Ameri-
can pika is among the species
at risk.
CLIMATE
CHANGE IS
PREDICTED TO
WARM THE
EARTH BY 2
TO 11.5° F
BETWEEN
1990 AND
2100.
Future Climate Predictions in the Region
In the coming decades, scientists project that climate change will lead to significant changes in the
Mountain West and Great Plains. The mid-range of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
estimates a 5.4° F increase is enough to make Aspen as warm as Flagstaff is now, and Missoula as
warm as Denver is now.
Crop and livestock production patterns could
shift northward; less soil moisture due to in-
creased evaporation may increase irrigation
needs.
Drier conditions will reduce the range and
health of ponderosa and lodge pole forests,
and increase susceptibility to fire. Grass-
lands and rangeland could expand into pre-
viously forested areas.
Ecosystems will be stressed and wildlife such
as the mountain lion, black bear, longnose
sucker, fringetailed myotis, marten, and bald
eagle could be further stressed.
• The region will experience warmer tempera-
tures overall, with less snowfall.
• Temperatures are expected to increase more in
winter than in summer, more at night than in the
day, and more in the mountains than at lower
elevations — all leading to less snow.
• Earlier snowmelt means peak streamflows will
be earlier, weeks before the peak needs of
farmers, ranchers, rafters and others. In late
summer, rivers, lakes and reservoirs will be
drier.
• More frequent, more severe, and possibly
longer-lasting droughts will occur.
Taking Action
There are many "no-regrets" actions we can take to reduce climate change and its impacts - actions
that make sense for us to be doing anyway.
Tools and technologies exist to substantially cut greenhouse gases now, while actually improving local
economies and saving money. What it will take is a decision to act—by all of us.
Also, since greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere will remain and affect the climate for dec-
ades, we will need to plan for and adapt to changes in climate that are coming.
Many states, municipalities and businesses in the region are showing leadership in this area.
They have completed greenhouse gas inventories, established climate action plans, passed beneficial
legislation and joined voluntary programs such as EPA's Energy Star, Climate Leaders and the Green
Power Partnership.
What EPA Region 8 is Doing
EPA Region 8 has designated climate change as a priority, and has developed a Strategic Plan
to address this growing threat to human health and the envi-
ronment. The vision of this Plan is to implement a comprehen-
sive set of activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
sequester carbon, and facilitate adaptation to the negative
effects of climate change. The region has identified ways in
which it can make significant progress toward this vision
through our statutory and voluntary programs, as well as our
partnerships with States and Tribes.
The Plan includes activities in our core programs, including
air, water, waste, ecosystems and enforcement.
EPA Region 8's facility in Denver includes
many design features and systems that
dramatically reduce energy use and green-
house gas emissions.
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What You Can Do at Home
1. Change five lights to energy-efficient bulbs
Change a light, and you help change the world.
2. Look for the ENERGY STAR
Look for Energy Star-qualified products in more than
50 product categories, including lighting, home elec-
tronics, heating and cooling, and appliances.
3. Heat and cool smartly
Simple steps like cleaning air filters regularly, install-
ing adequate insulation, and having your heating and
cooling equipment tuned annually by a licensed con-
tractor can save energy, increase comfort at home
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Use green power
Green power is electricity that is generated from
renewable energy sources, such as wind and the sun,
that don't contribute to climate change
What You Can Do at Work
1. Manage office equipment energy use better
Office equipment and electronics use energy even
when idle or on stand-by. Always activate the power
management features on your computer and monitor,
unplug laptop power cords when not in use, and turn
off equipment and lights at the end of the day. Con-
sider using a power strip that can be turned off when
you're done using your computers, printers, wireless
routers and other electronics.
2. Use less energy for your commute
Switch to public transportation, carpooling, biking,
telecommuting and other innovative ways to save
energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on your
way to and from work.
5. Reduce, reuse and recycle
Reduce the amount of waste you generate and water
you consume.
Pursue simple water saving actions such as not letting
the water run while shaving or brushing teeth. Recycle
your newspapers, beverage containers, paper and
other goods. Reducing, reusing and recycling in your
home helps conserve energy and reduces pollution and
greenhouse gases from resource extraction, manufactur-
ing and disposal.
6. Be green in your yard
Composting your food and yard waste reduces the
amount of garbage that you send to landfills and re-
duces greenhouse gas emissions. EPA's GreenScapes
program provides tips on how to improve your lawn or
garden while also benefiting the environment.
Encourage your employer to offer commuter benefits
that address limited or expensive parking, reduce traf-
fic congestion, improve employee recruiting and reten-
tion, and minimize the environmental impacts associated
with drive-alone commuting. If you do drive, find out the
fuel efficiency of your vehicle using EPA's and the De-
partment of Energy's Fuel Economy Web site, and make
more environmentally informed choices when purchasing
your next vehicle by using EPA's Green Vehicle Guide.
3. Reduce, reuse and recycle
Recycle office paper, newspapers, beverage contain-
ers, electronic equipment and batteries. Use two-sided
printing and copying, buy supplies made with recycled
content and recycle used printer cartridges. For your
old electronics, investigate leasing programs to ensure
reuse and recycling or donate used equipment to
schools or other organizations.
What You Can Do on the Road
1. Buy smart
Before buying a new or used vehicle (or even rent-
ing), check out EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and the
EPA/DOE Fuel Economy Guide.
2. Drive smart
To improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, go easy on the brakes and gas pedal,
avoid hard accelerations, reduce time spent idling,
and unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce
weight. If you have a removable roof rack and you
are not using it, take it off to improve your fuel econ-
omy by as much as 5 percent. Use overdrive and
cruise control on your car.
3. Tune your ride
A well-maintained car is more fuel-efficient, produces
lower greenhouse gas emissions, is more reliable and
is safer! Keep your car well-tuned, follow the manu-
facturer's maintenance schedule and use the
recommended grade of motor oil. Also check
and replace your vehicle's air filter regularly.
4. Check your tires
Check your tire pressure regularly. Under-
inflation increases tire wear, reduces your fuel
economy by up to 3 percent and leads to in-
creased emissions of greenhouse gases and air
pollutants.
5. Give your car a break
Use public transportation, carpool, or walk or
bike whenever possible to avoid using your car.
6. Use renewable fuels
Look for the ever-increasing number of alterna-
tive-fueled and hybrid vehicles available.
ENERGY STAR
CLIMATE
CHANGE IS A
REAL
PROBLEM, BUT
IT ALSO HAS
REAL
SOLUTIONS
Wind energy production is increasing rapidly
throughout the Mountain West and Great
Plains. Look for opportunities to purchase
clean energy from your local utility.
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Knowledge Building Series:
Climate Change 101
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION 8
EPA Climate Change Information
Regional Climate Change
Coordinator
Laura Farris
US EPA Region 8 / MC 8P-SA
1595 Wynkoop Street
Denver, CO 80202-1129
farris.laura@epa.gov
303-312-6388 phone
303-312-6341 fax
Region 8 Climate Change Website
http://www.epa.gov/region8/
climatechange/
EPA National Climate Change Website
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/
Sources of Scientific Information
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
http://www.ipcc.ch/
U.S. Global Change Research Program
http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/default.php
National Center for Atmospheric Research
http://www.nca r.uca r.ed u/resea rch/climate/
Rocky Mountain Climate Organization
http://www.rockymountainclimate.org/index.htm
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/gmd/ccgg/trends/
State Actions to Address Climate Change
Center for Climate Strategies
http://www.cl imatestrateg ies.us/
Pew Center on Global Climate Change
http://www.pewclimate.org/what_s_being_done/in_the_states/
state_action_maps.cfm
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