Global Warming
Global Warming xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx
SCI207: Dependence of Man on the Environment (GSM1312A)
Instructor: Benjamin Kirgan
4-21-2013
Global warming is not a new subject, over the years we have heard a lot about all the different effects that global warming can have on our planet. Many people wonder if global warming is happening at all and if it is happening, can it really hurt us. Many scientist claim that the human race is to blame for global warming, while others claim that the human race is not responsible. I believe that the human race is to blame for global warming. In my essay, I will explain what global warming is, is it really happing, both sides to whether the human race is to blame, what effect will global warming have on plants, animals, and people, and if the human race can take action to stop global warming.
Everyone always talks about the effects of global warming without talking about what global warming is. Global warming is the increase of the average temperature on earth. To understand the concept of global warming you have to understand how the earth atmosphere works. Of all the different gases that make up earth’s atmosphere, greenhouse gases are extremely important. Greenhouse gases let the visible light through the earth’s atmosphere but not the heat. When the light from the sun, which is visible light, hits the earth’s atmosphere, the greenhouse gases let it through. When the hits something reflective on the ground, such as snow or shiny metal roof, it bounces the visible light back through the atmosphere and back into outer space. When the sunlight hits something that is dark or non-reflective, its heat gets absorbed. The sunlight’s energy is converted to heat in the ground. This energy then radiates back toward space. This heat is called heat wave or infrared. This is the type of energy that the greenhouse gases do not let through. Therefore, the heat that started as visible light from the sun is now trapped in the earth’s
SCI207: Dependence of Man on the Environment (GSM1312A)
Instructor: Benjamin Kirgan
4-21-2013
Global warming is not a new subject, over the years we have heard a lot about all the different effects that global warming can have on our planet. Many people wonder if global warming is happening at all and if it is happening, can it really hurt us. Many scientist claim that the human race is to blame for global warming, while others claim that the human race is not responsible. I believe that the human race is to blame for global warming. In my essay, I will explain what global warming is, is it really happing, both sides to whether the human race is to blame, what effect will global warming have on plants, animals, and people, and if the human race can take action to stop global warming.
Everyone always talks about the effects of global warming without talking about what global warming is. Global warming is the increase of the average temperature on earth. To understand the concept of global warming you have to understand how the earth atmosphere works. Of all the different gases that make up earth’s atmosphere, greenhouse gases are extremely important. Greenhouse gases let the visible light through the earth’s atmosphere but not the heat. When the light from the sun, which is visible light, hits the earth’s atmosphere, the greenhouse gases let it through. When the hits something reflective on the ground, such as snow or shiny metal roof, it bounces the visible light back through the atmosphere and back into outer space. When the sunlight hits something that is dark or non-reflective, its heat gets absorbed. The sunlight’s energy is converted to heat in the ground. This energy then radiates back toward space. This heat is called heat wave or infrared. This is the type of energy that the greenhouse gases do not let through. Therefore, the heat that started as visible light from the sun is now trapped in the earth’s
References: Gore, A. (2006) an Inconvenient Truth (Documentary), Los Angeles: Lawrence Bender Productions Kunzig, R. (2011). World without ice. National Geographic, 220(4), 90-109. Robinson, M. (2011). Pliocene climate lessons. American Scientist, 99(3), 228-236. News and Information about Geology. (n.d). Retrieved from http://geology.com/articles/horizontal-drilling/ News Rx Health. (2011). Diet and nutrition; one report reveals economic, social costs of hunger in America. Retrieved October 17, 2011, from ProQuest database. Pinto, J. (2004). The coming oil crisis-Energy Alternatives. Retrieved from http://www.jimpinto.com/writings/oilcrisis.html Turk, J., & Bensel, T. (2011). Contemporary environmental issues. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc Wargo, J. (2011). Green intelligence: Creating environments that protect human health. Retrieved October 17, 2011, from: http://yalepress.yale.edu/book.asp?isbn=9780300110371