What Global Warming Is All About
* Global warming is the increase of Earth's average surface temperature due to greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels or from deforestation, which trap heat that would otherwise escape from Earth.
* With the start of industry in the 1700s, humans began emitting more fossil fuels from coal, oil, and gas to run our cars, trucks, and factories. By driving a “smarter” car, you can not only save on gas, but help prevent global warming. * In the last century, sea levels have rose roughly 18 cm after not having changed noticeably in the previous 2,000 years. Sea levels rising are an effect of global warming and put many states of the United States of America at risk of existing in the near future. * Global warming puts coral reefs in danger as warmer water increases the chances of coral diseases and the rising sea levels makes it more difficult for coral to receive sunlight. |
* Greenhouse gases keep heat close to the earth’s surface making it liveable for humans and animals. However, global warming is happening largely to an over-emittance of these gases and fossil fuels (natural oil, gasoline, coal).
* There is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today than at any point in the last 800,000 years. * In total, the U.S. emits approx. 6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide every year. 40% of that comes from power plant emissions alone. * The NRDC (Natural Resources Defence Council) proposed the Clean Air Act to cut power plant emissions by 26 per cent in the next 7 years. * Consequences of global warming include drought, severe hurricanes, massive fires, and melting of the polar caps. * Heat waves caused by global warming have a greater risk of heat-related illness and death, most commonly among patients of diabetes who are elderly or very young. |