Global Warming

Global Warming

Global warming is an increase in the earth's temperature due to fossil fuels,

industry, and agricultural processes caused by human, natural, and other gas

emissions. This results in an increased emission of

greenhouse gases. (Caroline Quatman). Short-wave solar radiation sinks into the

Earth's atmosphere and warms its surface; while longwave infrared radiation

emitted by earth's surface is absorbed, and then re-emitted by trace gases.

(Brent C. Willhoite)Climate changes occur in our earth's atmosphere due to a

buildup of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases can occur naturally as well as a

result of human activities. (Melissa Phillips). Problems can occur when higher

concentrations of greenhouse gases are present in our atmosphere because they

have enhanced our earth's heat trapping capability. (Anne Rector). There

are many misconceptions about global warming. Some believe that pollution

causes global warming, but the fact is global warming is the !

result of burning fossil fuels, coal, and oil that release carbon dioxide.

Another misconception is nuclear power causes climate change. Nuclear power

actually reduces emissions of carbon dioxide when used in place of coal. Some

believe that global warming means that it will become warmer all over. The name

is misleading because in some places, it will actually become colder. The

majority of scientists believe global warming is a process underway and that it

is human-induced. (Misty Thompson).The greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide,

methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases occur naturally. The Earth "uses"

those gases to warm its surface. (Misty Thompson). Carbon dioxide is released

into the atmosphere when solid waste, fossil fuels, wood, and wood products are

burned. Each greenhouse gas absorbs heat differently. If natural gases did not

occur, the temperatures would be 91.4 degrees cooler than the current

temperatures. These gases trap heat and cause the greenhouse ef!

fect, rising global temperatures.(Heidi Sterrett). Human activities add

to the levels of these gasses, causing more problems. The burning of solid

waste, fossil fuels, and wood products are major causes. Automobiles, heat from

homes and businesses, and factories are responsible for about 80% of today's

carbon dioxide emissions, 25% of methane, and 20% of the nitrous oxide

emissions. The increase in agriculture, deforestation, landfills, industrial

production, and mining contribute a significant share of emissions too The gases

released into the atmosphere are tracked by emission inventories. An emission

inventory counts the amount of air pollutants discharged into the atmosphere.

These emission inventories are used by many organizations. NASA and

meteorologists also use them.(Heidi Sterrett). The Centers for Disease

Control have been involved in studying global warming's effect on human health.

Global warming is a danger to a human's health. Its affect on cl!

imate can adversely affect humans. Plagues have been attributed to global

warming. An increase in temperature can result in a longer life cycle for

diseases or the agents spreading them. Living in a warm area makes egg

production a quicker process. Global warming will lead to more precipitation,

which enables infectious diseases to be more easily contracted and spread.

Effects of global warming on human health might not be immediately detected.

(Symone Salisbury).Birds are a species that will be affected by a change in the

climate. Global warming might result in birds finding a more permanent home in

northern areas in the Northern Hemisphere. The ecosystems of fish will be

affected by global warming in a variety of ways. The chemical composition of

water could be changed. (Symone Salisbury). Fish may migrate to different

areas. Other animals could be affected also due to changes in climate and

habitat. (Misty Thompson).Nature will be affected in many ways also. I!

n Spain, more than 2.2 million acres of forest