| Global warming is explained as an increase in the | | | | Some carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere, the |
| average temperature of the earth. Hurricanes, | | | | rest is absorbed into the sea and vegetation. CO2 |
| droughts and floods are more frequent and this is | | | | should be compensated by plant absorption, but as |
| said to be the result of global warming. | | | | the earth's atmosphere becomes warmer plants close |
| Scientists claim that over the last 100 years or so the | | | | their pores to prevent the loss of water and switch |
| temperature near the earth's surface has risen. This | | | | to consuming oxygen and produce carbon dioxide |
| means the earth is now warmer than it has been for | | | | instead. |
| the last thousand years. What is more, the warmest | | | | Global warming can be compared to the inside of a |
| years ever recorded have been in the last eight | | | | car on a hot sunny day. The sun will heat the inside |
| years. | | | | of the car but the heat will then be unable to escape, |
| There has always been climate change, but according | | | | thus causing a greenhouse effect. |
| to scientists increased temperature rises in recent | | | | The greenhouse effect is the absorption and |
| years has been faster than ever before. They | | | | emission of infrared radiation by gases in the |
| therefore feel that the global warming we are now | | | | atmosphere which in turn warm the lower |
| experiencing is not a natural occurrence but one that | | | | atmosphere of the surface of the earth. The issue |
| is being brought on by man. | | | | of global warming is how the strength of the |
| Throughout history temperatures have varied | | | | greenhouse effect changes when human activity |
| substantially depending upon the greenhouse gases in | | | | increases the concentration of greenhouse gases in |
| the atmosphere. Natural gases such as carbon | | | | the atmosphere. |
| dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have always been | | | | There are many natural causes of gas emissions into |
| in the atmosphere as without them Earth would be a | | | | the atmosphere. Ruminant animals for instance |
| very chilly planet! | | | | produce methane gas which is 25% more potent |
| Farmers around the world use nitrogen fertilizers and | | | | than carbon dioxide. Global meat consumption has |
| it's use is increasing in order to feed the growing | | | | increased and is still rising, this in turn means more |
| world population. These fertilizers are often washed | | | | cows, more methane gas. |
| away into lakes and oceans where algae feeds on | | | | The phenomenon of greenhouse effect was a |
| them and the consequence is they bloom | | | | known atmospheric condition long before current |
| uncontrollably and eventually starve the water of | | | | concerns of global warming became popular. So it's |
| oxygen creating a dead zone. | | | | really a question as to whether it is just a normal |
| Since the industrial revolution carbon dioxide in the | | | | process which the planet has experienced many |
| atmosphere has increased by nearly 40% which is | | | | times before in changes of weather conditions, or is |
| the result of burning fossil fuels, deforestation and | | | | man contributing to the greenhouse effect by his |
| industrial production. | | | | need for a more comfortable way of life. |