Cause & Effect Topics on Global Warming

Global warming occurs when the Earth's atmosphere gradually heats up, eventually disrupting the natural balance of heat that the Earth should have. According to TimeForChange.org, temperature increases in the atmosphere are due to greenhouse gases, or burning fossil fuel, which emits carbon dioxide into the air. Scientists also believe that global warming is due to gases and fumes emitted from cars, industrial factories, fertilizers and electricity production.

Global Warming and Climate

• The planet receives its energy from the sun and radiates this energy back to the earth. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when gases enter into the atmosphere, these gases absorb the sun's energy and trap heat into the Earth's atmosphere. When this happens, the sun gets hotter, because it the heat from the atmosphere is warming the Earth. When enough heat is not released from the sun, the Earth gets warmer. The Earth continues to warm as more gases release into the atmosphere.

Effects on Humans

• Increases in temperatures cause pollution in the air and water. Food quality is also affected by extreme heat. Climate-sensitive diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever, occur more frequently in humans. Humans are also affected by diseases that are spread by insects that thrive in warm temperatures, such as mosquitoes. Air quality is also poor, which leads to increases in respiratory disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Effects on Wildlife

• Heat in the atmosphere affects the habitat, food and water supply of wildlife. When ocean temperatures get too warm, fish, salmon, trout and other ocean species that need cold water to survive will eventually become extinct. Severe droughts can also occur, which kill off the plant, water and food supply of wildlife. Droughts also affect the shelter of wildlife, leaving them without a home or place to breed and raise their offspring.

How Global Warming Impacts Ecosystems

• In an ecosystem, plants, animals, micro-organisms and their environments work together to sustain life. Ecosystems must stay in balance or problems will occur. Excessive heat and high concentrations of carbon dioxide in air and water changes the habitat of species that depend on a consistent ecosystem to survive. For example, when water acidity increases, fish and other sea creatures die because they rely on a certain level of acidity to survive. Also, penguins are becoming extinct because the melting ice destroyed their natural habitat.