Things That Affect Global Warming

Global warming causes changes in the world's climate. Most experts agree that the major reason for global warming is the greenhouse effect. The burning of fossil fuels releases CO2 (carbon dioxide), which builds up, traps heat in the atmosphere and prevents it from returning to space. Burning just 1 gallon of gasoline creates 19 pounds of CO2. Other gasses contributing to the problem are carbon monoxide, water vapor, methane and nitric oxide. The sun's rays can still get through to the Earth but radiation emitted from the Earth cannot escape. The resultant effect is a warmer planet, and several factors can affect the rate of global warming.

The Human Effect

• Humans each affect global warming every time they travel by car, bus, boat, train or airplane. It may seem that mowing the lawn or firing up the charcoal grill makes an insignificant impact on climate change until you remember that millions of others are doing the same things. You burn fossil fuels when you heat water for laundry and showers, cook in your kitchen, turn on the lights and sit in front of your computer. The products people depend on every day come from factories and are delivered by truck, rail and ocean freight, all of which burn fossil fuels.

Natural Effects

• Because the earth is warming, glaciers are melting and methane, usually trapped, is escaping and the sea ice is releasing carbon. This has always occurred in the planet's natural cycles, but it is happening at a more rapid pace. Trees store and absorb carbon from the air. When they are cut down to make way for farming, building or paving, the carbon is released back into the atmosphere. Volcanoes spew ash that can circle the globe, blocking the sun's rays and causing a drop in temperature. In addition, they add CO2 to the atmosphere. The sun emits various amounts of radiation at different times, which can cause changes in climate and temperature.

Long-Term Effects

• Changes in climate may bring more severe storms.

  If humans continue to expel greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, sea levels will rise as glaciers melt, storms will become more severe and winters more harsh. Serious damage may occur along coastal lands. Potentially, there could be a proliferation of disease because germs favor warm and moist conditions. Animal species could be lost and ecosystems disrupted if there are intractable changes in climate. Scientists and environmentalists do not agree on the course or longevity of global warming, but most believe, to some degree, that it's happening.

Reducing Global Warming

• Plant a tree.

  There is no way to stop global warming, but it is possible to limit the effects upon it. Reducing deforestation and planting more trees will increase absorption of carbon dioxide. Discovering and implementing new energy sources such as wind and solar power will lessen the amount of greenhouse gasses disbursed. Industry can find new sources of power that lessen or omit noxious smoke. Even you can do your part by using your car less, flying less, reducing waste and buying locally. Think about planting a tree. It will absorb 1 ton of CO2 in its lifetime.