Global warming is the rapid increase in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans. The rapid increase in temperature is caused by a doubling of carbon dioxide in the Earth's atmosphere. The problem is mainly caused by humans. Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere between 50-200 years. The nonstop burning of fossil fuels and the clearing of the rain forest has caused a greenhouse effect in the Earths atmosphere.
CausesThe United States is the world's largest producer of greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The main causes of global pollution are electricity generation, transportation, industry, agriculture, residential, and commercial. Some greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, while others are caused only by humans. Humans can also increase the amount of naturally occurring ozone gases to unsafe levels. The three most common naturally occurring greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Carbon dioxide is produced when fossil fuel such as oil, natural gas, coal, and wood is burned.
Mean surface temperature change for 1999–2008 re...
Carbon dioxide concentrations on 500 million year ...
Changes in sea level during the last 9,000 yearsMethane is emitted by the production and transportation of such fossil fuels. A large percent of methane also comes from landfills and the raising of livestock. Nitrous oxide is mostly emitted during agricultural and industrial activities. Man-made gasses such as hydro fluorocarbons, per fluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are also produced through industrial processes.
EffectsThe potential effects of global warming can cause some very dramatic and irreversible changes. Global warming's effects Earth's weather, oceans, and ecosystems. An increase in temperature will also lead to an increase in rainfall. Global warming also has a direct effect on the severity of weather. More category 4 and 5 hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and random climate changes are the result of global warming. Increased evaporation will bring about heavier rains and erosion. The oceans are expanding due to the increase in temperature. Glaciers...