GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming is the term used to describe a

gradual increase in the average temperature of the
Earth's atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is
believed to be permanently changing the Earths
climate.
 according to a NASA report. Furthermore,
97 percent of climate scientists agreethat the
rate of global warming trends the planet is now
experiencing is not a natural occurrence, but is
primarily the result of human activity. That
consensus was made clear in
a major climate reportreleased Sept. 27, 2013, by
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC). In that report, climate scientists
indicated they are more certain than ever of the
link between human activities and global
warming.
CAUSES
Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide
(CO2) and other air pollutants and
greenhouse gasses collect in the atmosphere
and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that have
bounced off the earths surface. Normally, this
radiation would escape into spacebut these
pollutants, which can last for years to centuries
in the atmosphere, trap the heat and cause the
planet to get hotter. That's what's known as the
greenhouse effect
EFFECTS
Scientists agree that the earths rising
temperatures are fueling longer and hotter heat
waves, more frequent droughts, heavier rainfall,
and more powerful hurricanes
The earths ocean temperatures are getting
warmer, toowhich means that tropical storms
can pick up more energy
Antarctica has been losing about 134 billion
metric tons of ice per year since 2002
EFFECTS
Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome
new pests, heat waves, heavy downpours, and
increased flooding. All those factors will damage
or destroy agriculture and fisheries.
Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease
outbreaks will become more common due to
increased growth of pollen-producing ragweed,
higher levels of air pollution, and the spread of
conditions favorable to pathogens and mosquitoes
HOW TO PREVENT
Carbon dioxide is the climates worst enemy. Its
released when oil, coal, and other fossil fuels are
burned for energythe energy we use to power
our homes, cars, and smartphones. By using less
of it, we can curb our own contribution to climate
change while also saving money
Choose a utility company that generates at least
half its power from wind or solar and has been
certified byGreen-e Energy
Change only happens when
individuals take action, Aliya
Haq