Global Warming

Global Warming

Global warming refers to the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation. Global warming has been the main concern for scientists around the world. With new technology and evidence to support this theory it is now an epic problem. Studies show that there are many causes for global warming. There are natural causes and man made causes.

Climatologists believe global warming has occurred since the late 1800’s. The majority believe that human activities are the source, contributing by enhancing earth’s natural greenhouse effect. Some of these longer wavelengths are absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before being lost to space. The rays are absorbed and as a result the gases and particles are heated then cooled by sending out infrared rays of their own. This effect essentially warms the earth’s surface. “The major natural greenhouse gases are water vapor, which causes about 36-70% of the greenhouse effect on Earth (not including clouds); carbon dioxide CO2 , which causes 9-26%; methane, which causes 4-9%; and ozone which causes 3-7%(timeforchange.org).” Many scientists believe that the greenhouse effect could bring permanent global warming and destroy many kinds of life.

Through global warming the surface waters of the oceans could become warmer, increasing the stress on ocean ecosystems. High water temperatures can cause a damaging process call coral bleaching, which will ultimately kill the corals. This also affects sea creatures that survive from these ecosystems. Climate change is another main factor. Most natural processes seem to cause climate change although increasing evidence proves that humans also factor in the equation by the combustion of fossil fuels as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. The construction