global warming
Global warming is caused primarily by human activity such as burning fossil fuels, chemicals and other pollutants that are later released into the earth's atmosphere. These gases effect the chemical composition of the atmosphere causing increased warming (EPA, 1999). This warming trend disturbs the balance of a natural system that has taken billions of years to develop. This delicate balance exists in a complex interaction between the atmosphere and the oceans, land surfaces, and their vegetation, and snow and ice cover, which is driven by the energy from the sun. The earth receives energy from the sun that heats the earth and causes our weather; in turn, the earth's surface radiates energy back into space. Thus, naturally occurring atmospheric greenhouse gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, including other gases serve to trap some of the outgoing energy and to retain heat in earth's surface. This natural "greenhouse effect" is important in keeping our atmosphere in! a balanced state. However, some scientists believe that too much warming can also be disastrous (Whyte, 1995). The main gases that cause global warming are carbon dioxide, methane gas, nitrous oxide, Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS), and
Nonetheless, carbon dioxide has been increasing due to emissions from fossil fuels, the deforestation of earth, and the clearing of land for agriculture use (Whyte, 1995). In addition, methane gases occur naturally in wetlands and oceans, but are aggravated by coal mining, natural gas, and petroleum (1995, p 77). Similarly, Nitrous oxide is generated from soil and by the use of fertilizers. On the other hand, Chlorofluorocarbon is a man-made gas produced by aerosol spray propellants, foam packaging, cleaning solvents and as refrigerants. Unfortunately, CFCS gases remain in the atmosphere well after we stop using them, thus its effect enhances the warming effect for years (Singer, 1998). Other natural causes are atmospheric water vapors that may increase in a warmer environment, thus, enhancing global warming even further (Gabler, Sager, Wise 1997). ems and planting trees that add oxygen to our atmosphere. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Many scientists tell us that in order to determine the future, we can look back at the past for evidence and analysis of the potential outlook. Therefore, the following table from the Environmental Protection Agency shows the warming trend occurring since recorded back in 1880. water vapors occurring naturally in the atmosphere (1995, p 68). These gases are linked to many other environmental issues, including ozone depletion, deforestation, desertification and the occurrence of short-term weather abnormalities.
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Approximate Word count = 1247
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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