Global Warming. We hear about it ALL the time. I can bet that literally EVERYONE knows the phrases "Save the Earth" or "Go green". Sure, we know it has to do with the environment and stuff, but what does it really mean? What exactly is global warming?
Global warming is the increase in temperature of the Earth and it's atmosphere due to factors such as greenhouse gases (Carbon dioxide, methane, etc.) and other pollutants. These greenhouse gases infiltrate the atmosphere, trap heat, and cause the planet to warm up. Radiation from the sun passes through the atmosphere, warming the surface of our planet. Since the surface of our planet (like all objects) emits heat in the form of radiation waves, these waves travel back towards the atmosphere. Some of the waves pass through, directing back into space, while others are re-radiated back to Earth. The greater percentage of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, the warmer the planet will be. And because of pollution, that's exactly what is happening. In the past 50 years, the planet has experienced the fastest rate of increasing average temperature ever. Although annual average temperatures often fluctuate, drastic changes are on their way. Scientists estimate an increase of up to 6 degrees Celsius in the next century. People often don't realize how much this actually matters, which is a main problem. Everyone needs to be aware of the impacts global warming has on our world, and how they could become much, much worse in the future.
Problems caused by Global Warming
In many areas of the U.S., there has been extreme damage. Raging wildfires, severe drought, fierce dust storms, and uncontrollable floods have led to high death rates and expensive repair costs. The polar ice caps are declining by about 9% per decade, which causes a rise in sea levels and therefore more powerful hurricanes, tropical storms, and flood risks, especially for coastal areas. The sea temperature is increasing steadily too, which is a contributing factor to these natural disasters. Heat waves in both the U.S. and various other countries across the globe have brought death upon hundreds of thousands of people. And these consequences are just going to become more and more fatal, affecting the entire planet.
The United States is not the largest country in the world; it's population making up about 4% of everyone in the entire world. However, being highly industrialized and technologically advanced, the U.S. produces 25% of the carbon dioxide pollution. This makes it the largest source of greenhouse gases, emitting more that China, India, and Japan combined. Even so, it is not sufficient for the U.S. alone to resolve this problem. This is a global issue, and thus a global effort. If we all can make a change, together we can preserve our world. This is our planet. This is our responsibility. What will you do to save this world?
Problems caused by Global Warming
In many areas of the U.S., there has been extreme damage. Raging wildfires, severe drought, fierce dust storms, and uncontrollable floods have led to high death rates and expensive repair costs. The polar ice caps are declining by about 9% per decade, which causes a rise in sea levels and therefore more powerful hurricanes, tropical storms, and flood risks, especially for coastal areas. The sea temperature is increasing steadily too, which is a contributing factor to these natural disasters. Heat waves in both the U.S. and various other countries across the globe have brought death upon hundreds of thousands of people. And these consequences are just going to become more and more fatal, affecting the entire planet.
The United States is not the largest country in the world; it's population making up about 4% of everyone in the entire world. However, being highly industrialized and technologically advanced, the U.S. produces 25% of the carbon dioxide pollution. This makes it the largest source of greenhouse gases, emitting more that China, India, and Japan combined. Even so, it is not sufficient for the U.S. alone to resolve this problem. This is a global issue, and thus a global effort. If we all can make a change, together we can preserve our world. This is our planet. This is our responsibility. What will you do to save this world?