Global Climate Change

Medieval Global Temperature Optimum
The Medieval Global Temperature Optimum occurred during the European Middle Ages from approximately 950-1250 AD. Basically, it was a period of warm climate that is believed to have been related to other climate events occurring around the world at that time. It primarily affected the North Atlantic Region. However, there were also documented climate events in China and California.

Little Ice Age
The Little Ice Age began after the Medieval Temperature Optimum from approximately 1350-1850. However, climatologists do not all agree on its specific start and end dates. Contrary to the period before it, the Little Ice Age was a period of global cooling. It certainly brought colder winters to Europe and America. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that it also affected most other parts of the world including New Zealand, Australia, Patagonia, and even Africa. This had severe implications for the way of life  in those areas. For example,  farmers could not manage their crops due to the temperature drop. This demonstrates the profound effects that climate change can have on our way of life.

Air Quality in Long Beach

Long Beach in Los Angeles, California is one of the biggest cities in the state, putting it at the forefront of modern industry. However, this has severe consequences for the air quality there. Long Beach received a score of 107 for its air quality rating. This score indicates that air quality is unhealthy, and with time everyone living there may begin to feel the effects of this. The poor air quality is presumably directly related to the thriving industries there. It is one of the maritime centers of the U.S. due to the fact that it holds the second largest port in the country. Furthermore, it has a large oil industry with both underground and offshore wells. Long Beach also has industries which produce aircrafts, car parts, and electronics. Finally, it has two natural-gas fired power plant, AES Alamitos LLC Gas Power Plant and Haynes Gas Power Plant.

Characteristics of Copper

Mineral Deposits: The ores cuprite, tenorite, malachite, chalcocite, covellite, and bornite are the primary providers of copper in this day in age.
How metal is transformed from minerals:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2hjv6FS67g
Distribution: Copper deposits are found in the United States, Chile, China, Zambia, Zaire, Peru, and Canada. Chile, as the country with the most copper reserves, produces about 1/3 of the world's copper.
Statistics on Mining: 
Domestic- In 2013, U.S. mine production of copper increased by 4% to about 1.22 million tons. It was valued at  $9 billion. Twenty-seven mines in the U.S. recovered copper, 18 of which accounted for about 99% of production. 
Worldwide- In 2010, world mine production of recoverable copper was 16,073,917 tons. The breakdown by country is shown in the chart below.

Uses: Copper is used very heavily in the electrical industry in the form of wire. It is also commonly used in coins, water pipes, and jewelry. Copper is also used in alloys because it is usually too soft unless it is strengthened by another metal. The two most common of these alloys are brass and bronze. Copper is also used in compounds, such as blue vitriol, which is commonly used as an agricultural poison and as a blue pigment for inks.