What is global warming?
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s near-surface air and oceans since the mid-twentieth century, and its projected continuation. The average global air temperature near the Earth’s surface increased 0.74 ± 0.18 °C (1.33 ± 0.32 °F) during the hundred years ending in 2005. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes “most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-twentieth century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic (man-made) greenhouse gas concentrations” via the greenhouse effect. Natural phenomena such as solar variation combined with volcanoes probably had a small warming effect from pre-industrial times to 1950 and a small cooling effect from 1950 onward.
Global warming is an increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth. Global warming has occurred in the distant past as the result of natural influences, but the term is most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of man-made greenhouse gases. Scientists generally agree that the Earth’s surface has warmed by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past 140 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently concluded that increased concentrations of man-made greenhouse gases are causing an increase in the Earth’s surface temperature.
The greenhouse effect is not constant and huge variations were observed during the history of the planet. The greenhouse effect becomes an issue when an “overload” of the atmosphere with these greenhouse gases lead to a progressive increase of the mean temperature observed at the earth surface with subsequent potential and dramatical consequences such as climate and sea levels changes. Other chemicals of industrial origin and common use, among which the fluorocarbons, have an intrinsic “greenhouse potential”and could thus potentially contribute to affect the greenhouse equilibrium.
Global warming is the rise in temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. The earth is naturally warmed by rays from the sun which pass through the atmosphere and are reflected back out to space again. The atmosphere’s made up of layers of gases – some of which are called greenhouse gases. They’re mostly natural and make up a kind of thermal blanket over the Earth. Rays This lets some of the rays back out of the atmosphere, keeping the earth at the right temperature for animals, plants and humans to survive (60F/16C). So some think global warming is good. But most scientists think if extra greenhouse gases are made, the thermal blanket gets thicker and too much heat is kept in the earth’s atmosphere – that’s when global warming’s bad.
Global warming is an increase in the Earth’s average temperature. This, in turn, causes climate changes. A warmer Earth may lead to changes in rainfall patterns and a rise in sea level. It also triggers a wide range of changes in plants, wildlife, and human life. Hotter weather increases “bad” ozone and cause more cases of heat-related problems. Many common things you do at home and on the road add “greenhouse gases” to the air. These gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, trap the heat of the Earth. Just by starting your car and turning on a light, you could be adding to the levels of these gases in the air. There are things you can do to help protect the environment. These climate savers will reduce your energy use and decrease the levels of greenhouse gases. Find out how your daily life affects global warming and what you can do. Use EPAs Personal Greenhouse Gas Calculator.
