What is Global Warming?
What is global warming? This is a very common question, with a very important and relevant answer. Here are some facts:
Ozone depleting gases such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), are greenhouse gases, and they are to blame for the climate change that affects everything from the polar bears, to the melting ice caps in Antarctica, Greenland, and Alaska.
El Nino (the increase in temperature of the equatorial Pacific Ocean that occurs about every 2-7 years) could also be the consequence of human-induced climate change.
In fact, human-induced climate change is occurring at a rate unprecedented in the past 1300 years. This is a sign that we need to change our ways as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage.
This gradual increase in Earth's surface temperature is the definition of global warming, so it is clear that although some of these changes are due to natural causes, mankind is mostly to blame.
What is Global Warming?
Learn more about global warming and how it is going to affect all of us and our wider environment.
The Greenhouse Effect
Another cause for this climate change is the greenhouse effect, which is defined as the phenomenon whereby the earth's atmosphere traps solar radiation, caused by the presence of atmospheric gases that allow incoming sunlight to pass through and absorb heat from the earth's surface. Some of these greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and CFCs, which are mostly emitted from human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels.
Although we've dug ourselves a pretty deep hole, it's still possible to help the environment and slow down some of these damaging changes. One solution is to go green and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. By reducing the amount of harmful emissions that reach the atmosphere, we could see an improvement. For example, one idea is to either drive a fuel-efficient vehicle, carpool, or use public transportation.
Another way to stop global warming is torecycle
solid waste products, make yourhome
andoffice
more energy efficient, and use green power whenever possible. By reducing your carbon footprint, you are improving the environment and making this planet a better place for future generations. |
