Global Warming Dimi Voliotis

What is Global Warming? Global Warming is the rise in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere, generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Since the early 20th century, Earth's mean surface temperature has increased by about 0.8 °C, with about two- thirds of the increase occurring since 1980.

What causes Global Warming? Global Warming is happening because of two things: Natural causes, and man-made causes. One natural cause is the release of methane gas from arctic tundra and wetlands. Methane is a greenhouse gas. A greenhouse gas is a gas that traps heat in the earth's atmosphere. Another natural cause is that the earth goes through a cycle of climate change.

Man-made causes do the most damage. Pollution is one of the biggest man-made problems. Burning fossil fuels is one major thing that causes pollution. Fossil fuels are fuels that are made up of organic matter such as coal, or oil. When fossil fuels are burned they give off a green house gas called CO2. The worlds population is another source of pollution. More people means more food and more transport, and more transport means more gases and toxins being emitted into the air.

Facts about Global Warming ● There is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today than at any point in the last 800,000 years. ● Consequences of global warming include drought, severe hurricanes, massive fires, and melting of the polar caps. ● In the last century, sea levels rose roughly 7 inches after not having changed noticeably in the previous 2,000 years. Sea levels rising are an effect of global warming and put many states at risk of existing in the near future.

Top 10 things to help reduce Global Warming 1. Reduce, re-use, recycle 2. Use less heat and air- conditioning. 3. Change a light-bulb 4. Drive less and drive smart 5. Buy energy efficient products 6. Use less hot water 7. Use the 'off' switch 8. Plant trees 9. Get a report card from your utility company 10. Encourage others to conserve