On a planetary scale, similar processes occur. Light from the sun has no trouble penetrating the atmosphere and reaching the earth's surface, warming it. The earth re-radiates much of this heat in the form of (invisible) infrared radiation. Infrared rays have a longer wavelength than visible light, and for this reason can be absorbed by certain gases in the atmosphere, labelled greenhouse gases. This absorption of heat warms up the atmosphere, which in turn radiates some of the heat back to the earth.

Greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), chloroflurocarbons (CFCs), Ozone (O3), and Nitrous Oxide (N2O).

It all seems very straightforward: greenhouse gases trap the sun's heat, warming the planet sufficiently for life to exist. The

The first, and perhaps most obvious, thing to do is to reduce your energy use. There are hundreds of simple ways to save energy, so the following is only a list of suggestions and by no means comprehensive.

These climate changes are likely to have significant effects on our lifestyles, natural environment, coastal areas, and agriculture:

Although the most important cause, burning of fossil fuels is not the only cause of the build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Other causes include deforestation (trees absorb carbon dioxide, turning it into oxygen), the use of fertiliser (a source of N2O), and rotting organic matters (which produce methane).

A third forecast consequence of increased temperatures is an increase in tropical cyclone activity. Northern Australia can expect increases in both the intensity and frequency of cyclones, and also the cyclone region will move up to 400 kilometres further South. It is, however, impossible to make any accurate forecasts on actual changes in risk in any particular region.

Released by burning of fossil fuels and plant materials, and by the use of nitrogenous fertilisers in agriculture.

The second factor, expansion of ocean water, will take place in decades rather than centuries. It refers to the fact that heated matter expands: warmer ocean water will expand, producing a rise in sea levels.

The effects of global warming on Western Australia could include a reduction in winter rainfall by up to 20% in areas that derive their rainfall from the Easterly passage of cold fronts, an increase in sea level between 0.2 and 1.4 metres, a decrease in the spread of salinity in low rainfall areas, increased wind speeds in the South, and decreased wind speeds in the North. Also, the duration and intensity of tropical cyclones would increase, and they would affect a greater area. These changes in climate will affect every aspect of our lives. Living in Perth will be more like living in Broome or Port Hedland.

Some common words found in the essay are:
South West, Oxide N2O, Australia CFCs, Greenhouse Effect, Antarctic Greenland, Western Australia, Port Hedland, Northern Australia, greenhouse gases, Montreal Protocol, carbon dioxide, fossil fuels, burning fossil fuels, burning fossil, ocean water, gases atmosphere, greenhouse effect, sea level, greenhouse gases atmosphere, greenhouse gas, natural gas, Living Perth, global temperature rise, greenhouse gas released, average global temperature,
Approximate Word count = 1443
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)