Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation. Our way of life, our planet, and our children are all in grave danger because of global warming. An increase in global temperatures can in turn cause other changes, including sea level rise, and changes in the amount and pattern of precipitation resulting in floods and drought. There may also be changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Other effects may include changes in agricultural yields, glacier retreat, reduced summer streamflows, species extinctions and increases in the ranges of disease vectors.
The causes are split up into two groups, man-made causes and natural causes.
One natural cause is a 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. This climate change usually lasts about 40ꯠ years.
Man-made causes probably do the most damage. Pollution is one of the biggest man-made problems. When fossil fuels are burned they give off a green house gas called CO2. Also mining coal and oil allows methane to escape. Another cause of Global Warming is population. More people mean more cars, and more cars means more pollution. Since CO2 contributes to global warming, the increase in population makes the problem worse because we too breathe out CO2. Also, the trees that convert our CO2 to oxygen are being demolished for various reasons. We are constantly taking advantage of our natural resources and giving nothing back in return.
We can make simple decisions that will reduce global warming pollution. A well-tuned car with properly inflated tires burns less gasoline. Drive the car with better gas mileage. Try to skip the drive and take public transit, walk, or bicycle when you can. Support clean, renewable energy, solutions, such as wind and solar power. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets and you'll use half the water without decreasing performance. Then turn your hot water heater down to 120°F and see hot-water costs go down by as much as 50 percent. Buy energy-efficient electronics and appliances. Plant a Tree to protect a forest. Please buy recycled products!
Educate your community about how it can cut global warming pollution. Lets all vow today to join hands to save our planet.