Global Warming

Abstract Global warming is a direct result of human activities on this planet. Our species have inhabited this planet for thousands of years but only since the 1900’s have scientists been able to measure the changes that we have induced on earth. It is estimated that temperatures have risen globally by about 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit, which may seem minor, but have caused physical changes on the planet (and potentially dangerous ones in the future). The “greenhouse effect” is a term many politicians, scientists and individuals know worldwide which is the primary reason on rising temperatures. This effect is when short UV energy rays omitted by the sun enter the earth’s atmosphere and the majority of them bounce back out into space, but the infrared energy waves get trapped by the greenhouse gases, and this results in a rise of global temperature. There are many greenhouse gases but the two major contributors to the greenhouse effect are carbon dioxide and methane. It has been estimated that since 1900 these two gases have increased by an incredible 25% due to human activities on the planet. The greenhouse effect will change earth’s climate conditions and not only affect the human race but also many in the animal kingdom. With the warmer climate there will be alterations in ocean circulation and global air. These changes will either cool or warm up regions around the globe; the U.S has already seen higher temperatures which has caused an increase in precipitation levels in the country. Instead of being evenly divided throughout the year, this change has caused flash floods in some regions and droughts in others. The change in the temperature means that the climate will become more volatile, making life more difficult in all parts of the world. This article relates to our in-class discussions because we not only discussed global climate changes in lectures but also talked about the “greenhouse effect” and its potential to change environments. In the article it

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