Introduction
On a very hot day, the car gets hotter when it
Throughout its long history, Earth has warmed and
cooled time and again. Climate has changed when the
planet received more or less sunlight due to subtle
shifts in its orbit, as the atmosphere or surface
changed, or when the Sun’s energy varied. But in the
past century, another force has started to influence
Earth’s climate: humanity
How does this warming compare to previous changes
in Earth’s climate? How can we be certain that
human-released greenhouse gases are causing the
warming? How much more will the Earth warm? How
will Earth respond? Answering these questions is
perhaps the most significant scientific challenge of our
time.
What is global warming?
Global warming is when the earth heats up (the
temperature rises). It happens when greenhouse gases
(carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and
methane) trap heat and light from the sun in the
earth’s atmosphere, which increases the temperature.
This hurts many people, animals, and plants. Many
cannot take the change, so they die. Global warming is
the unusually rapid increase in Earth’s average surface
temperature over the past century primarily due to the
greenhouse gases released as people burn fossil fuels.
The global average surface temperature rose 0.6 to 0.9
degrees Celsius (1.1 to 1.6° F) between 1906 and
2005, and the rate of temperature increase has nearly
doubled in the last 50 years. Temperatures are certain
to go up further.
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is when the temperature rises
because the sun’s heat and light is trapped in the
earth’s atmosphere. This is like when heat is trapped
in a car.
is out in the parking lot. This is because the heat and
light from the sun can get into the car, by going
through the windows, but it can’t get back out. This is
what the greenhouse effect does to the earth. The heat
and light can get through the atmosphere, but it can’t
get out. As a result, the temperature rises.
The sun’s heat can get into the car through the
windows but is then trapped. This makes what ever
the place might be, a greenhouse, a car, a building, or
the earth’s atmosphere, hotter. This diagram shows
the heat coming into a car as visible light (light you
can see) and infrared light (heat). Once the light is
inside the car, it is trapped and the heat builds up, just
like it does in the earth’s atmosphere.
Sometimes the temperature can change in a way that
helps us. The greenhouse effect makes the earth
appropriate for people to live on. Without it, the earth
would be freezing, or on the other hand it would be
burning hot. It would be freezing at night because the
sun would be down. We would not get the sun’s heat
and light to make the night somewhat warm. During
the day, especially during the summer, it would be
burning because the sun would be up with no
atmosphere to filter it, so people, plants, and animals
would be exposed to all the light and heat.
Although the greenhouse effect makes the earth able
to have people living on it, if there gets to be too many
gases, the earth can get unusually warmer, and many
plants, animals, and people will die. They would die
because there would be less food (plants like corn,
wheat, and other vegetables and fruits). This would
happen because the plants would not be able to take
the heat. This would cause us to have less food to eat,
but it would also limit the food that animals have.
With less food, like grass, for the animals that we need
to survive (like cows) we would even have
less food. Gradually, people, plants, and
animals would all die of hunger.
What are greenhouse gasses?
Greenhouse gasses are gasses are
in the earth’s atmosphere that
collect heat and light from the
sun. With too many greenhouse
gasses in the air, the earth’s atmosphere will trap too
much heat and the earth will get too hot. As a result
people, animals, and plants would die because the heat
would be too strong.
What is global warming doing to the environment?
Global warming is affecting many parts of the world.
Global warming makes the sea rise, and when the sea
rises, the water covers many low land islands. This is
a big problem for many of the plants, animals, and
people on islands. The water covers the plants and
causes some of them to die. When they die, the
animals lose a source of food, along with their habitat.
Although animals have a better ability to adapt to what
happens than plants do, they may die also. When the
plants and animals die, people lose two sources of
food, plant food and animal food. They may also lose
their homes. As a result, they would also have to
leave the area or die. This would be called a break in
the food chain, or a chain reaction, one thing
happening that leads to another and so on.
The oceans are affected by global warming in other
ways, as well. Many things that are happening to the
ocean are linked to global warming. One thing that is
happening is warm water, caused from global
warming, is harming and killing algae in the ocean.
Algae is a producer that you can see floating on the
top of the water. (A producer is something that makes
food for other animals through photosynthesis, like
grass.) This floating green algae is food to many
consumers in the ocean. (A consumer is something
that eats the producers.) One kind of a consumer is
small fish. There are many others like crabs, some
whales, and many other animals. Fewer algae is a
problem because there is less food for us and many
animals in the sea.
Global warming is doing many things to people as
well as animals and plants. It is killing algae, but it is
also destroying many huge forests. The pollution that
causes global warming is linked to acid rain. Acid
rain gradually destroys almost everything it touches.
Global warming is also causing many more fires that
wipe out whole forests. This happens because global
warming can make the earth very hot. In forests,
some plants and trees leaves can be so dry that they
catch on fire.
What causes global warming?
Many things cause global warming. One thing that
causes global warming is electrical pollution.
Electricity causes pollution in many ways, some worse
than others. In most cases, fossil fuels are burned to
create electricity. Fossil fuels are made of dead plants
and animals. Some examples of fossil fuels are oil
and petroleum. Many pollutants (chemicals that
pollute the air, water, and land) are sent into the air
when fossil fuels are burned. Some of these chemicals
are called greenhouse gasses.
We use these sources of energy much more than the
sources that give off less pollution. Petroleum, one of
the sources of energy, is used a lot. It is used for
 transportation, making electricity, and
making many other things. Although this source of
energy gives off a lot of pollution, it is used for 38%
of the United States’ energy.
Some other examples of using energy and polluting
the air are:
enormous amount of greenhouse gasses into the air
and makes global warming worse.
Another thing that makes global warming worse is
when people cut down trees. Trees and other plants
collect carbon dioxide (CO2), which is a greenhouse
gas.

Turning on a light Carbon dioxide is the air that our body lets out when
Watching T.V. we breathe. With fewer trees, it is harder for people to
Listening to a stereo breathe because there is more CO2 in the air, and we
Washing or drying clothes
Using a hair dryer don’t breathe CO2, we breathe oxygen. Plants collect
Riding in a car the CO2 that we breathe out, and they give back
Heating a meal in the microwave oxygen that we breathe in. With less trees and other
Using an air conditioner plants, such as algae, there is less air for us, and more
Playing a video game greenhouse gases are sent into the air. This means that
Using a dish washer
it is very important to protect our trees to stop the
greenhouse effect, and also so we can breathe and live.

This gas, CO2, collects light and heat (radiant energy),

produced by the sun, and this makes the earth warmer.
The heat and light from the sun is produced in the
center of the sun. (The sun has layers just like the
When you do these things, you are causing earth.)
more greenhouse gasses to be sent into the air.
Greenhouse gasses are sent into the air because
creating the electricity you use to do these things
causes pollution. If you think of how many times a
day you do these things, it’s a lot. You even have to
add in how many other people do these things! That
turns out to be a lot of pollutants going into the air a
day because of people like us using electricity. The
least amount of electricity you use, the better.

When we throw our garbage away, the garbage goes to

landfills. Landfills are those big hills that you go by
on an expressway that stink. They are full of garbage.
The garbage is then sometimes burned. This sends an

The dirty yellow color on outside is the surface. The
light and dark yellow colored area is the convection
zone. The orange colored area is the radiative zone,
and the red colored area is the core. The squiggle
lines represent radiant energy.
This layer is called the core. Just like a core of an
apple, it is in the middle. Here there is a very high
temperature, about 27,000,000°F. This heat escapes
out of this layer to the next layer, the radiative zone.
This layer is cooler, about 4,500,000°F. Gradually,
the heat and light will pass through the convection
zone at a temperature of around 2,000,000°F. When it
gets to the surface, the temperature is about 10,000°F.
Finally, the heat and light is sent into space. This is
called radiant energy (heat and light). The radiant
energy reaches the earth’s atmosphere. As a result of
this process we get light and heat. When you pollute,
you send chemicals into the air that destroy our
atmosphere, so more heat and light cannot escape
from the earth’s atmosphere. How does it affect you?
The green house gases like carbon dioxide, methane,
and nitrous oxide are playing hazards in the present
times. These green house gases trap heat in earth’s
atmosphere and thus result in increasing the
temperature of earth. The excessive emission of these
gases is one of the major Causes of Global Warming.
The major source of carbon dioxide is the power
plants. These power plants emit large amounts of
carbon dioxide produced from burning of fossil fuels
for the purpose of electricity generation.
There has been a considerable increase in the average
temperature of earth in the past century. This rise in
temperature is attributed to the effects of global
warming brought about by the accumulation of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This
phenomenon is called Global Warming. The effects of
global warming are numerous. The main culprits in
the issue are excessive discharge of green house gases
in the atmosphere.
What are people doing to stop global warming?
People are doing many things to try to stop global
warming. One thing people are doing is carpooling.
Carpooling is driving with someone to a place that you
are both going to. This minimizes the amount of
greenhouse gases put into the air by a car.
Another thing that people are doing is being more
careful about leaving things turned on like the
television, computer, and the lights. A lot of people
are taking time away from the television, and instead,
they are spending more time outdoors. This helps our
planet out a lot. Now, more people are even riding
busses, walking to school, and riding their bikes to
lower the amount of greenhouse gases in the air.
Planting trees and recycling also helps. If you recycle,
less trash goes to the dump, and less trash gets burned.
As a result, there are fewer greenhouse gasses in our
atmosphere.
Watch what you buy. Many things, such as hairspray
and deodorant, now are made to have less of an impact
on the atmosphere. Less greenhouse gasses will rise
into the air, and global warming will slow down.
What is the government doing to stop global
warming?
The government is doing many things to help stop
global warming. The government made a law called
The Clean Air Act so there is less air pollution.
Global warming is making people get very bad
illnesses that could make them disabled, very sick, and
sometimes even die. The Clean Air Act is making
many companies change their products to decrease
these problems. Part of the law says that you may not
put a certain amount of pollutants in the air. Hairspray
and some other products, like foam cups, had this
problem. Making and using these products let out too
much volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), ozone-
destroying chemicals (chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s),
and related chemicals (such as CO2) into the air.
Now, almost all of these products have a label on them
telling people what this product can do to the
environment and many people. By 2015 all products
listed on the Clean Air Act will have this label on
them:
WARNING:contains or
manufactured with (thechemical
would go here. For
examplechlorofluorocarbons
(CFC’s), a substance which harms
public health and theenvironment
by destroying ozone in the upper
atmosphere.
Almost all of the other chemicals that could be
harmful will have this label on them hopefully by this
time (2015) as well.
The Clean Air Act has also made car companies
change some of the things inside of the cars. Cars
pollute a lot. While cars make more than half of the
world’s smog (visible pollution in the air), many
things that cars need to move and heat up make even
more pollution. Some things that are inside of cars,
buses, trucks, and motorcycles, like gasoline, pollute
the air when the fuel is burned. It comes out as a
chemical and when mixed in the air, forms smog.
Smog is a kind of pollution that you see in the form of
a cloud. If you have ever been to California you can
see a lot of smog in some places. Sometimes the
smog gets so bad that you cannot see at all! Smog
forms when car exhaust, pollution from homes, and
pollution from factories mixes in the air and has a
chemical reaction. The sun’s heat and light add to the
reaction.
Cars, buses, and trucks are also responsible for over
50% of dangerous chemicals let into the air. Some of
these chemicals can cause cancer, birth defects,
trouble breathing, brain and nerve damage, lung
injures, and burning eyes. Some of the pollutants are
so harmful that they can even cause death.
What are some of the other dangerous chemicals?
Some other chemicals that cause air pollution and are out a word search at the website below.
bad for the environment and people are: When you enter this website, you will have
to click on Global Warming Word Search to
Ozone- Ozone is produced when other pollution enter the page. Click on the website below
chemicals combine. It is the basic element of to test yourself on global warming.
http://globalwarming.enviroweb.org/games/
smog. It causes many different kinds of health
issues dealing with the lungs. It can damage
Kid can help stop global warming, too!!
plants and limit sight. It can also cause a lot of
property damage. Although adults do many things to help stop global
VOC’s (volatile organic compounds, smog
warming, kids can do just as much. Kids can’t do
formers)- VOC’s are let into the air when fuel is
hard things like making a law, but we can do easier
burned. This chemical can cause cancer. It can
things like not watching as much TV. You can listen
also harm plants.
to your parents when they say, turn off your lights or
NOx (nitrogen dioxide)- This chemical forms smog.
go play outside. Listening to them and actually trying
It is also formed by burning sources of energy,
to help can help you, your environment, and the
like gas, coal, and oil, and by cars. This
world.
chemical causes problems in the respiratory
system (including the lungs). It causes acid rain,
and it can damage trees. This chemical can eat
away buildings and statues. Global warming is caused by green house gases,
CO (carbon monoxide)- The source of this chemical which trap in the sun’s infrared rays in the earth’s
is burning sources of energy. It causes blood atmosphere, which in turn heat up the earth’s
vessel problems and respiratory failures.
PM-10 (particulate matter)- The source of this atmosphere. These green house effect warming is
chemical is plowing and burning down fields. It called as global warming. The effects of green house
can cause death and lung damage. It can make effect are visible more prominently in the recent
it hard for people to breathe. The smoke, soot,
years, with number of natural calamities on the rise
ash, and dust formed by this chemical can make
in the whole world.
many cities dirty.
Sulfur Dioxide- This chemical is produced by The global warming has happened in the past few
making paper and metals. This chemical can years and is evident from the rise in mean
cause permanent lung damage. It can cause acid
temperature of the earth’s atmosphere. The main
rain which kills trees and damages building and
statues. causes for the global warming are attributed to
Lead- This chemical is in paint, leaded gasoline, release of green house gases by human activities.
smelters, and in lead storage batteries. It can
The main gases contributing to green house effect
cause many brain and nerve damages and
are carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane and
digestive problems.
nitrous oxide. The largest producers of these gases
Test yourself on global warming by figuring are the thermal power plants, which burn the fossil
fuels and produce these gases in large quantities.
The second biggest sources of these green house
gases are the road vehicles and industries.
The global warming has led to increase in mean
earth surface temperature and thus melting of
polar ice. There are frequent melt down of glaciers
that result in floods and other natural calamities.
The melting of ice at the poles had led the mean sea
level. And further increase in temperature may
further melt the ice and lead to further increase in
mean sea level, which will engulf low lying
countries.
The effect of global warming is very evident on
the animal kingdom also. Some animals have
become extinct due to loss of their natural habitat
or their inability to evolve to the rapid changes in
the climate. Also there is a change in their life style
because of the changes in the seasons. The migrating
birds have changed their time of travel and also
their place of migration.
The effect of global warming can be felt on
seasons too. There is shift in season cycle, as the
summers are getting longer than the winters. This
has affected the animals and made them to change
their lifestyle accordingly, and those who failed to
do so have perished or on the verge of extinction.
The global warming is also responsible for the
introduction of some new diseases. The bacteria
are more effective and multiply much faster in
warmer temperatures compared to cold
temperatures. The increase in temperature has led
to increase in the microbes that cause diseases.
Global warming is also effecting the crop
production, as the crops are getting destroyed by
the sudden change in temperatures or sudden on
set of rains. Also the flash floods and other natural
calamities affect the crop.
As a matter of fact, because of global warming, the
earth’s atmosphere is getting more unpredictable
with heavy rains in the areas, which have scanty
rainfall or drought in the areas, which received good
annual rainfall. The months of rainfall has also
getting affected.
But there are some people on the other side of the
wall also, they believe that the global warming is a
natural process and cannot disturb our ecosystem.
The earth’s surface mean temperature was even
higher a long time ago, and the ecosystem has
evolved from that temperature to this. So it can
evolve further. But the changes that are happening
now are rather fast compared to earlier times.
The Greenhouse Effect

Anyone
who has either spent time in a greenhouse for plants or
simply gotten into a car on a hot summer day has
personally experienced the greenhouse effect. Heat
enters an enclosed area and then reflects back and
forth building upon itself. While the ambient
temperature outside might be 85 degrees Fahrenheit,
inside an automobile the temperature easily zooms
upward to 130F. Simply put, the greenhouse effect is
what happens when heat is trapped in one way or
another and then increases as more heat radiation is
added.
This is fine if you are an orchid or other tropical plant.
But living things, including people, require set
parameters of climate. When we discuss the
greenhouse effect as regarding global warming we
place the effect into a specific environment. That is the
Earth’s atmosphere. When referencing the Earth, our
entire planet becomes the interior of an automobile in
the heat of summer. The Earth of course does not have
a metal roof or a glass dome around it to trap heat and
reflect solar radiation back to its surface. Indeed when
drawings depict and descriptions explain the
greenhouse effect the principle is simplified to imply
that this is the case. Actually the greenhouse effect for
the Earth is somewhat different.
When solar radiation passes through out atmosphere
the molecules that constitute our air absorb it. The
majority of solar heat is absorbed by our planet’s
surface. Different types of surfaces absorb or reflect
heat in different ways. A white blanket of snow will
reflect much more heat than freshly paved asphalt.
Still everything that the sun’s rays fall upon either
absorbs or reflects heat. In the case of out snowy Polar
Regions that heat is reflected back from the planet. In
the case of our cities it is trapped on the surface. From
there it radiates outward where living things attempt to
adjust to the relative heat or cold. Our planet’s original
design was for a balance of all the components. Our
atmosphere absorbs enough heat to keep us warm but
hopefully not bake us. The angle of the sun in areas
such as the poles creates an environment suited to
North and South Pole inhabitants. The people,
creatures and plant life at the Earth’s equator have
acclimated to their section of the world.
The greenhouse effect occurs planet wide when solar
radiation either bounces off of or is radiated forth from
the earth and instead of passing through our
atmosphere and outward into space, is absorbed by all
kinds of extra amounts of and extraneous gases and
particles. These gases et al absorb heat and then
radiate it outward in all directions, one of those
directions, being the surface of the Earth. From there
the process repeats itself until we have a global
version of a car with the windows rolled up parked in
the noonday sun
Primary effects of global
warming
The effects of global warming are in some ways less
definable than the causes. It seems odd that such huge
manifestations of change such as rising sea levels,
glacier retreat, and Arctic shrinkage somehow manage
to filter down so that when members of western
civilization safely tucked away in homes and
apartments look at the effects they are so remote as to
become invisible. What we may well bear watching
are the effects of the effects of global warming. These
secondary results are so non-linear as to be a random
harvest of environmental and economic dilemmas that,
when fully formed and in place present a definitive
short-term danger.
Still, let us once again follow a chain of events so as to
be able to completely envision the scale and scope of
the problem.
Rising sea levels
Rising sea levels are an easily measurable effect of
global warming. As Polar ice melts down the water
created obviously must go somewhere. Aside from
that ice which joins inland fresh water reservoirs, the
vast majority of melted ice joins the pool of the
oceans. Most people misunderstand the effect of polar
meltdown and consider that this addition to our oceans
creates the overall rise in sea levels. This is hardly the
case. The rise in sea levels due to global warming is
primarily caused by thermal expansion. In short when
you heat a liquid (such as sea water) it expands. Sea
levels are currently on a pace to rise at a rate of
approximately 1 inch every ten years. Such a small
change seems as if it could never affect quality of life
for people living in such distant from the oceans
locations as Denver, Colorado.
Yet this is precisely the scenario by which we are all
affected. Obviously people living in low laying areas
such as coastal Florida and Louisiana will most
directly be affected. A one hundred year model that
allows for the current progression of global warming
factors would result in millions of acres of land mass
lost in these areas. Still we have set our viewpoint in
the Rocky Mountains not Holland or the eastern coast
of England, both of which are teetering at or below sea
level.
Salt water intrusion
Our Denver citizen might enjoy bottled water from
Zephyrhills, Florida or any of the hundreds of fresh
water springs gushing forth in the sunshine state. Salt-
water intrusion as a result of rising sea levels could
easily destroy a huge percentage of the potable water
available in this and other coastal states. Agricultural
products of low-lying areas around the world will face
shortfalls. Production of fruits and vegetables is
dependent on a stable set of environmental conditions.
Ever hear of the Indian River? Well most of
America’s grapefruit is grown there along the Florida
coast and should we follow the expected loss of
coastline for all of the Southern US which is projected
at a possible 2 mile inward loss of coastline over the
next 75 years. Both the Indian River and Indian River
Grapefruit will no longer exist. 50% of American
produce is grown in our low laying areas. A major
effect of global warming is that agricultural
production will be decreased. Our planet will be
unable to grow as much food.
Beach erosion
A major secondary effect of rising sea levels is
massive beach erosion. Our Colorado vacationer will
find the endless stretches of sandy beaches he enjoys
on his winter vacation have withered away to a few
hundred yards here and there. But a shortened tourist
base is hardly a world catastrophe…is it? Tourism
pumps over 50 Billion dollars a year into Florida’s
economy. North Carolina and Louisiana earn 15
billion dollars each through tourism. In fact every US
state and every nation on Earth with mild climate and
a sandy shore depends upon financial gain from
tourism to sustain its economy.
Lest we dwell only on financial impact consider that
loss of coastal acreage will displace thousands of
species of animal and plant life.
Extreme weather the jet stream, wind sheer, greater quantity of
cyclones, and drought.

Increased rainfall

Perhaps the most commonly conceived notion as to

the effects of global warming is that of cataclysmic
weather. In fervor to promote the cause, too often we
see graphic depictions of raging floods, category 12
hurricanes and dozens of tornadoes sweeping the
landscape. These same depictions seem to serve those
who accept the threat of global warming and those
who reject the possibility. One agenda hopes to
frighten the world into an austere program of self-
If we increase the temperature of the air it is able to
denial so as to instantly curb global warming causes.
absorb more moisture in the form of water vapor. If
The other faction points out that currently there are no
we cool the air that vapor becomes liquid and falls to
typhoons sweeping across Kansas so therefore global
the earth as rain. The greater the amount of water
warming is a but a myth. As always when dealing with
vapor the atmosphere absorbs the greater the amount
scientific anomalies the truth lies nicely hidden in
of rainfall we will receive during the normal process
between.
of reaching a dew point or other yard stick of
precipitation. This increased rainfall results in
Category 4 and 5 hurricanes have risen in frequency drastically increased erosion. Areas such as
from 20 to 35% over the last 30 years. Since the dawn Colorado’s Platte River long noted for the devastation
of the industrial revolution, frequency of hurricanes following its hundred-year floods can in no way
overall has risen by almost 40% and the those accommodate that same volume of water arriving
hurricanes now making landfall deposit almost 10% every decade. Erosion is vulnerable tropical areas such
more rainfall than their pre 1970 counterparts. As an as Africa results in native plant life dying off and a
effect of global warming hurricanes are stronger, resultant desertification.
wetter and more numerous. Hurricane Fay from 2007 Evaporation, by definition is a cooling process. So
created massive flooding over a dozen states. This why then is this increased evaporation not countering
increase in storm activity is directly related to a wider global warming? Because the water vapor that enters
variance between warm and cold ocean waters. the atmosphere counters the cooling process while
Consider that the measurement of temperature rise in acting as a greenhouse gas. It should be pointed out
ocean waters is based on an overall average. Storms that change in climate for targeted areas can often
are created by the extremes that create that average. result in a plus side modification meaning that adding
Global warming produces as byproducts, variance in
water to dry areas usually results in those areas being balance of the seas it does result in damage to corals.
able to support vegetation. Coral reefs are home to the vast majority of undersea
life.
Destabilization of local climates Ocean acidification coincides with Oxygen depletion
in our oceans. Heavier CO2 molecules are supplanting
oxygen. Less oxygen equals less fish.
The overall destabilization of local climates is a major
effect of global warming. The Arctic is home to over 4
million people. Canada, Russia, and Alaska are Drought
dealing with a tremendous rise in bacterial growth as
permafrost regions warm.
Glaciers in the northern hemisphere have decreased in
size by 50% over the last 100 years. This particular
meltdown has resulted in landslides; flash floods and
lake overflow through out the Andes, Alps, Pyrenees,
Himalayas, and Rocky Mountains. These seasonal
meltdowns are followed by seasonal droughts. Global
warming creates climate extremes. We may measure
the average but we live with the outcome of the
extremes. The slow steady melting of the Himalayas
results in the steady flow of water of the Ganges
River. The Ganges is the lifeblood of over 500 million
people. To say this plainly, if we melt all of our fresh
water too quickly and send it out to blend with the
ocean billions of people, including our friend in
Denver, Colorado will go thirsty.

Acidic Oceans As temperature swings increase we are left with

Our Oceans are the Earth’s largest sink for the
absorption of CO2 from our atmosphere. As excess
CO2 is dealt with, the oceans in an effort to balance
the ecosystem have become saturated with CO2. This
has resulted in production of mild carbonic acid and is
known as ocean acidification. While this is an
extremely slight change in the ph (acid to base)
flooding in some areas and drought in others the
drought creates correct conditions for forest fires.
These fires, like our hurricanes, are suddenly
emerging on a much grander scale. The 2009 fires
raging through Australia and the 2002 fires in Florida
serve as excellent examples. Massive fires release
much more carbon as both particle and molecule than
can readily be absorbed. Once again prevalent anti
global warming as reality belief is that these fires can
only be considered a natural effect of the ecosystem
and as the forests are a naturally renewing resource
should be discounted as an effect of global warming.
However with global warming defined as a premise of
additional stress on our environment we come to
realize that it is not the existence of a naturally made
fire but the scale of that event that matters.

Secondary effects of
global warming
All of the above initial effects of global warming set
into motion the following more directly adverse
effects. Every human being, animal and plant on
planet Earth feels these second tier effects.
Decreased crop yields
For a short time it was hoped that a byproduct of
global warming would be increased yields of
agriculture. The obvious conclusion was that plant life
through photosynthesis would make good use of the
increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and
produce a lush abundance of flora. Certainly areas
such as Iceland, which due to an overall warmer
climate can now support the growth of crops such as
barley, have benefited from global warming. Regions
such as Siberia are now able to produce food. But
overall the effect of global Warming on agriculture is
decidedly negative. Floods and droughts do not make
suitable growing fields. In Africa, areas that
historically received two rain falls yearly now receive
more resulting in increased yields, but areas receiving
one rainfall per annum now receive less. This of
course results in a non existent growing season and a
33% decrease in harvestable crops. While an increase
in rainfall may increase yields for those already able to
produce a harvest a decrease in rainfall results in a
complete lack of food for others.
Flooding of coastal areas results in coastal growing
plains being destroyed. For many poorer countries
these are the only fertile areas accessible to
transportation via waterways. Poor countries like
Bangladesh are completely at risk to massive
starvation caused by coastal flooding.
Many Pacific Island nations will be completely
eliminated as sea levels rise. It is already planned to
evacuate the peoples of Tuvalu to nearby New
Zealand as flood defense in not economically or
agriculturally possible.
Species Migration and Extinction
People will not be the only living things on the move
due to global warming. As regional ecosystems
change many species will be unable to find historical
food sources. This will result in mass migrations to
climates hoped to support those species as well as
mass extinction of those animals unable to migrate
an /or adapt. Polar bears, emperor penguins,
gyrfalcons and snowy owls are just a few of the
species current in peril in the new warmer Arctic and
Antarctic regions. Longer warm seasons result in such
basic changes as a Polar bears loss of natural
camouflage. A white bear on brown earth is easy for a
seal to avoid.
Birds and butterflies have shifted the range of their
migrations almost 200 kilometers in North America
and Europe. Plant life is unable to shift regions as
quickly and as such will die out unless manually
replanted in more conducive settings. When
herbivores migrate to find a genetically compatible
climate they face the risk of starvation when their
traditional foodstuffs have not migrated with them.
Many species are simply unable to migrate to better
climes and as such will suffer the fate of Australia’s
white possum. Unable to survive in temperatures
above 30 degrees Celsius the entire species was
destroyed during a surprisingly excessive heat wave
during 2005. Their loss is directly attributed to global
warming.
Severe winters in British Columbia have always
managed to keep in balance the voracious effect of the
Pine Beetle. Warmer temperatures have now allowed
the beetles to profligate and destroy 33 million acres
of Canadian pines.
Mountain run off of melting snows is expected to
result in seasonal flooding followed by seasonal
drought in every mountain range in the world.
Mountains cover one fourth of the Earth’s land mass.
As upper mountain areas warm it is expected that over
heated lower level animals and plants will simply
move up to a higher elevation. But what of life already
situated at the upper threshold? Once they reach the
top of the mountain where will they move up to?
The Human Condition
Of course we tend to realize the plight of animals as
we can easily see their need to migrate to better
stomping grounds. But, what are the direct effects of
increased temperature on homosapiens?
Disease spreads in an overheated environment. Ever
notice that there isn’t a lot of malaria in Buffalo, New
York or Moscow, Russia. Cold kills germs. Global
warming will extend the favorable zones for many
infectious diseases. Encephalitis, Lyme disease and
the aforementioned malaria will join with other
bacteria based carriers of illness to spread throughout
areas previously thought of as safe zones.
Our bodies must work harder to cool off when placed
in a higher ambient temperature. Cardiovascular
function is directly reduced by even a 1-degree
temperature increase.
Higher concentrations of greenhouse gases in the air
we breathe are also directly damaging to lung tissue
and lung capacity.
Global warming as a
chain of events
Once again remember we are attempting to define
global warming as a chain of events. The first several
of these links is an over abundance of solar radiation
absorbing gases and other particles floating about in
our atmosphere.
The next grouping of events concerns what happens
when the small percentage of increased heat on our
planet’s surface and in our air begins to effect long
standing conditions.
Currently the measured effect of global warming as
caused by the greenhouse effect on the planet overall
is approximately a 1 degree Celsius increase over the
last 50 years. This would seem to mean nothing. One
asks, “How could one degree more or less effect
anyone or anything.” In terms of that “anyone”, the
effect of a one-degree difference in ambient
temperature will probably go unnoticed. Our bodies
are designed to adjust to a huge range of climatic
conditions. No one of us will notice that today it is 71
degrees outside and fifty years ago it would have been
70. The human body will adjust and adapt even if the
average temperature globally were to increase by ten
degrees. Chances are we would set off a huge
oblivious migration to more temperate areas. But that
little one-degree change manages to set out of kilter an
incredible array of environmental forces.
Permafrost
While that one-degree of heat made you take off a
sweater, segments of the Earth known as permafrost
began a meltdown. Permafrost is a condition whereby
sections of the Earth’s surface have remained at a
temperature below freezing (0 degrees Celsius) for at
least two years. Literally, it means permanently frozen
soil. In actuality, most permafrost regions have been
frozen for thousands of years. A large portion of the
Arctic is permafrost. During summer months these
areas seem to be thawed as they permit a two to
twelve foot layer of soil to grow vegetation. But
beneath that summer season lays a still frozen core.
These frozen strata of the Earth lock away huge
amounts of gaseous content with the highest
concentrations of gases held in check by permafrost
being Carbon dioxide and Methane gas. That one-
degree increase in overall temperature is allowing
millions of underground acres of permafrost to defrost
and release even more greenhouse gas.
Tundra
In a similar vein frozen areas know as Tundra are also
experiencing a subtle warming. Tundra describes the
soil above permafrost that is frozen for most of the
calendar year but thaws for allowance of small
amounts of vegetation growth. Areas of Tundra
throughout the world serve as sinks for absorption of
massive amounts of Carbon. As these areas begin to
exist for more months of the year above freezing they
both release their stores of Carbon and cease to
function as greenhouse gas depositories.
The extremist view is that within another half century
global warming will simultaneously melt the arctic
tundra releasing billions of tons of harmful greenhouse
gases and ignite the world’s rainforests destroying our
planet’s ability to create oxygen. Such a viewpoint is
falsely alarming and without basis. The real danger of
global warming is sufficient without need to
exaggerate.
Polar meltdown
The increase, albeit slight in overall temperature the
planet is now in the midst of, is more than sufficient to
cause catastrophic effect. Take for example our next
link in the chain of events feeding the effect of global
warming. That is the warming of our polar caps and
oceans. An increase in overall temperature for the
troposphere allows that segment of the atmosphere to
absorb more water vapor. Much as we set a dew point
for condensation of moisture on the earth’s surface,
the atmosphere has an evaporation point allowing a
larger volume off gaseous H2O to exist. A simple
linear logic would allow that a 1 percent increase in
overall water temperature throughout the earth’s
atmosphere might allow a corresponding 1% increase
in airborne vapor. In truth there is a non-linear curve
to this dialectic, but the general principle follows suit
and allows for our explanation. A 1% increase in
water vapor is a huge increase to the overall amount of
greenhouse emissions. The problem however is not
caused by the increase whether it is 1% or 1000th of
one percent. The problem is that each release of an
unchecked amount of greenhouse gas precipitates a
further release. So if we add excess water vapor to our
ecosystem it then further heats the atmosphere so as to
allow even more water vapor to encroach.
Ocean Temperatures and Positive
Feedback
Our oceans digest most of the carbon footprint
needing to be absorbed into our ecosystem. But, if we
raise the temperature of the oceans by as little as
1/10th of one percent that ability to absorb and
neutralize excess CO2 is compromised.
Currently greenhouse gas emissions from production
of energy and internal combustion engines results in a
36% increase in carbon dioxide over that which the
planets normal balance can support. This results in a
subtle increase in temperature that just happens to be
enough to melt some of the Earth’s permafrost, which
then releases even more CO2. The CO2 then slightly
raises the Earth’s temperature resulting in an endlessly
looping progression. This situation and scenario is
known as positive feedback and this is the real danger
inherent as global warming.
We can follow our ever-expanding chain of events
further to a point where man is more directly affected.
Environmental causes
Gaseous emissions are the largest issue as a cause for
global warming. But simple environmental issues still
manage to total together and create a factor that is in
no way to be discounted as unimportant.
The greenhouse effect has caused our Polar Ice Caps
to reduce in size by 20% since 1979. This has resulted
in more land and sea area being exposed to absorb
heat from the sun and as our continual cycle suggests
create more excess heat, which in turn melts more
polar ice.
Not all of global warming is the result of greenhouse
gases and the ensuing greenhouse effect. As the
population of the earth has increased mankind has
brought civilization to almost every corner of the
globe. Civilization includes buildings, highways, land
cleared for agriculture, cities built where once stood
deserts. Almost everything that we build absorbs more
heat than its natural predecessor.
For hundreds of years we have sheared the tops off of
mountains and burned down millions of acres of forest
just to look for precious metals. We clear ten thousand
year old growth areas just find hardwoods for lumber.
We are still clearing the Brazilian Rain Forests so
cattle can be raised on the grassy plains we create.
And the semi-comical side of this is that we have
simultaneously destroyed lush plant life that would
have through photosynthesis turned CO2 into oxygen,
so as to grow cattle, which are raised in such
abundance that their flatulence (Methane) is a
measurable greenhouse emission.
This is not to suggest that we tear down all of our
houses to plant a forest of trees and carve up the
superhighways and replace them with lovely green
meadows. What we do need is an awareness of our
situation. We need to realize that every move we make
as a result of industrialization has a corresponding
consequence
Summation of effects
The effects of global warming are beginning to
manifest themselves. While the greatest threat still lies
at a point perhaps some fifty years forward, the
current problems and predicaments are more than a
harbinger. Global warming has already diminished the
quality of life for the world’s poorest peoples. Hunger
and starvation on the African continent is its greatest
reality. If global warming is ignored and, shall we say,
allowed to prosper, we the fortunate percentage of the
Earth’s populace living in first tier nations may very
well join the fray of increased human suffering.
In the long term…
Now, the most obvious thought anyone who did not
believe in global warming would think is that all of
these factors have existed for millions of years and the
fluctuations in them, such as amounts of greenhouse
gases and changes in the surface of the Earth are too
small to drastically effect climate. In the long term,
that is, say a length of 100,000 years that is probably
true. The Earth as a master clockwork will probably
naturally adjust to all of man’s device. But mankind
may not be around to appreciate the changes as those
same changes may exclude mankind from existence.
Global Warming
Solutions
Obviously there is no one magic solution to the
problem of global warming. There are instead
hundreds of questions that need to be asked and
addressed so as to create an overall Earth plan that will
develop our planet wisely. The changes we can make,
both large and small when combined will curtail
global warming for the better. In this section we
discuss the latest green designs, products and ideas as
yet undeveloped that will reduce environmental
damage overall.
We
plan to offer honest value comparisons of products
such as hybrid cars. If the carbon footprint made from
producing a hybrid is ten times larger than that it
erases it is news that should be shared. Compact
florescent lights are great energy savers but are all of
these exactly what they claim to be? And furthermore
will light emitting diodes render CFLs obsolete before
they are universally adapted.
As always the future holds a newer and possibly better
design. We will be bringing you articles examining
what will come and those products that are already
available but await widespread acceptance.
Developments in mass renewable energy production
in such areas as solar and wind power are of interest to
all. We will also be looking back at past successful use
of these energy choices. Zenith sold tiny windmills in
the late 1930s that would charge a car battery that in
turn would run a radio for days. Has the technological
upgrade been utilized?
We will find solutions to the problem of global
warming by asking countless questions about the
processes we rely upon to live. We answer these
questions on a personal level by changing the habits,
which build each of our carbon footprints and on a
global level by insisting that social and governmental
structure acknowledge the need for environmental
protection.
Cause and effect for global warming
Cause of global warming
Almost 100% of the observed temperature increase over
the last 50 years has been due to the increase in the
atmosphere of greenhouse gas concentrations like water
vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and ozone.
Greenhouse gases are those gases that contribute to the
greenhouse effect (see below). The largest contributing
source of greenhouse gas is the burning of fossil fuels
leading to the emission of carbon dioxide.
Global warming causes by
greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (see above) act like
a mirror and reflect back to the Earth a part of the heat
radiation, which would otherwise be lost to space. The
higher the concentration of green house gases like carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere, the more heat energy is being
reflected back to the Earth. The emission of carbon
dioxide into the environment mainly from burning of
fossil fuels (oil, gas, petrol, kerosene, etc.) has been
increased dramatically over the past 50 years, see graph
below.

The greenhouse effect

When sunlight reaches Earth's surface some is absorbed
and warms the earth and most of the rest is radiated
back to the atmosphere at a longer wavelength than the
sun light. Some of these longer wavelengths are
absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before
they are lost to space. The absorption of this longwave
radiant energy warms the atmosphere. These greenhouse
gases act like a mirror and reflect back to the Earth some
of the heat energy which would otherwise be lost to
space. The reflecting back of heat energy by the
atmosphere is called the "greenhouse effect".

The major natural greenhouse gases are water vapor,

which causes about 36-70% of the greenhouse effect on
Earth (not including clouds); carbon dioxide CO2, which
causes 9-26%; methane, which causes 4-9%, and ozone,
which causes 3-7%. It is not possible to state that a
certain gas causes a certain percentage of the
greenhouse effect, because the influences of the various
gases are not additive. Other greenhouse gases include,
Fig. 1: Cause for global warming: Carbon dioxide
but are not limited to, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride,
emissions in million tons per year over the last 200
hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and
years. (graph taken from
chlorofluorocarbons.
http://www.globalwarmingart.com/wiki/Image:Global_Ca
rbon_Emission_by_Type_png)
Fig. 2: Global warming cause: Concentration of
carbon dioxide has dramatically increased in the
last 50 years (Source: NOAA)
Fig 2: Trends for greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide
(CO2) and nitrous oxide (NOx) concentrations in the
atmosphere are still increasing. For the other major
greenhouse gases, the steady upward trend has been
broken. (Graph taken from
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/bb/Major_gre
enhouse_gas_trends.png)

Fig 3: From which sectors do the major greenhouse
gas emissions come from? The lower part of the
picture shows the sources individually for the gases
carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide,
respectively. (Graph from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Greenhouse_Gas_by_
Sector.png)
The increase of greenhouse gas concentration (mainly
carbon dioxide) led to a substantial warming of the earth
and the sea, called global warming. In other words: The
increase in the man-made emission of greenhouse gases
is the cause for global warming. For the effects of global
warming see below.
Effects of global warming
There are two major effects of global warming:
• Increase of temperature on the earth by about 3°
to 5° C (5.4° to 9° Fahrenheit) by the year 2100.
• Rise of sea levels by at least 25 meters (82 feet)
by the year 2100.
More details about the effects of global warming :
Increasing global temperatures are causing a broad range
of changes. Sea levels are rising due to thermal
expansion of the ocean, in addition to melting of land ice.
Amounts and patterns of precipitation are changing. The
total annual power of hurricanes has already increased
markedly since 1975 because their average intensity and
average duration have increased (in addition, there has
been a high correlation of hurricane power with tropical
sea-surface temperature).
Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns
increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of other
extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, heat
waves, and tornadoes. Other effects of global warming
include higher or lower agricultural yields, further glacial
retreat, reduced summer stream flows, species
extinctions. As a further effect of global warming,
diseases like malaria are returning into areas where they
have been extinguished earlier.
Although global warming is affecting the number and
magnitude of these events, it is difficult to connect
specific events to global warming. Although most studies
focus on the period up to 2100, warming is expected to
continue past then because carbon dioxide (chemical
symbol CO2) has an estimated atmospheric lifetime of 50
to 200 years. For a summary of the predictions for the
future increase in temperature up to 2100
What Causes Global
Warming?
What are the causes of Global Warming? What is the Green
House effect? Is it really that destructive? Read on for information
on Global Warming Causes.
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Global Warming is a major issue due to the
industrialization and progress by humankind since
the past few years. There has been a hue and cry
about Global Warming ever since the idea was first
put forward. There are many articles on Global
Warming on the internet as well print media which
give further details about the causes of Global
Warming. Here is some further information on
global warming.
Global warming has been and is being caused due
to a various number of factors. Global warming is
basically a change in the climatic conditions of the
earth. These climatic conditions vary due to
various reason, external and internal. Changes to
climatic conditions and therefore Global Warming
can be caused to to natural or man-made
circumstances also. Some of the factors causing
global warming are volcanic emissions and solar
activity.
According to the solar variation theory,the sun has
been gaining strength and is at it's strongest since
a sixty years. Therefore, it may now be acting as a
cause of global warming. Sunspots are also said
to be a cause or catalyst for Global Warming.
Recent reports suggest that the number of
sunspots in an area directly affects the amount of
time the nearby earth takes to cool. The sun is the
main source of energy to the earth. The earth
absorbs about seventy percent of the earth's solar
flux. This solar flux increases the temperature of
the earth's atmosphere, land and oceans.
Orbital forcing is also said to be one of the natural
causes of Global Warming. The reports show the
effect of the slow tilting of the earth's axis on the
climate of the earth.The greenhouse effect is said
to be the most important factor regarding global
warming. When infrared radiation from the
atmosphere increases the temperature of the
earth's surface, it is termed as the greenhouse
effect. The greenhouse effect has increased the
earth's temperature by about twenty four percent.
Carbon dioxide contributes about twelve percent
of the greenhouse effect, while water vapor
contributes thirty six percent of the greenhouse
effect. Methane causes five to ten percent of
Global Warming, while Ozone makes around three
to seven percent of the greenhouse effect
possible.
Solar variation is said to be another reason of
Global Warming. The changes in the amount of
radiant energy emitted by the Sun are known as
solar variation. This solar variation has been
correlated with the changes in the Earth's climate
and temperature.
Along with the natural causes of Global Warming,
scientists have also contributed rapid
industrialization to the increase of Global Warming
today.Humans had first affected global warming
some eight thousand years ago, with the start of
agriculture. Due to the clearing of the forests for
agriculture, the amount of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere increased drastically.
Scientists are of the opinion that industrialization
releases various gases like carbon-dioxide and
 methane which are known to contribute to Global
Warming. Deforestation is also said to increase
global warming. Trees contain a high level of
carbon, and therefore their cutting creates an
increase of carbon in the atmosphere. Humankind
also contributes to the increase of carbon dioxide
by the burning of fossil fuels. The contribution of
humankind to global warming due to the burning
of fossil fuels has increased by about eighty
percent in the past twenty years.
If the greenhouse effect didn't exist, the
temperature of the earth would be around twenty
seven Celsius less. Some scientists are of the
opinion that human life would be impossible on
planet earth if the temperature would be so less.
Global Warming
Effects on Humans
A short writeup on global warming effects on humans which will
give you a rough idea as to how soaring temperatures will affect
us in the near future. Continue reading for more information on
the effects of global warming on mankind.
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Global warming is one environmental issue which needs no
introduction - after all it has been in the news for all the
good and bad reasons over the last year or so. What needs
an introduction though, is the impact that it will have on
mankind. Global warming effects on humans have always
been downplayed, perhaps because most of them are
based on climatic models which the critics allege are too
crude to rely on. However, critical evaluation of the
evidence of global warming - such as climate change pattern
and rising frequency of hurricanes, is more than enough for
a person to understand the ground reality. It's another thing
that we are too engrossed to sit back and ponder over the
most obvious global warming causes and effects.
Effects of Global Warming on Humans
In what can be best described as domino effect on the
Earth's environment, one thing will lead to another as a
result of global warming - and in matter of time several
species will be completely wiped off from the planet. When
we talk about species, it includes humans as well. Even
though we don't face the direct threat of extinction, quite a
few effects of global warming on the environment will affect us
directly or indirectly. Given below are the details of some
global warming effects on humans which will help you
picture the situation.
Sea Level Rise: Submerging of Coastal Regions
What we refer to as the effects and consequences of global
warming will start with melting of polar ice as well as
glaciers due to excessive rise in global near-surface
temperature. The water from melting glaciers and polar ice
will drain into the ocean, which will eventually trigger a sea
level rise. More importantly, water tends to expand when
heated - and when ocean water will be heated as a result
of global warming it will naturally expand and contribute to
sea level rise. Rising sea will encroach on land - and low
lying areas as well as tiny islands will start submerging
(See Maldives Islands Sinking). That will turn out to be
disastrous, considering that a significant portion of the
world population resides in coastal areas which are
threatened by encroaching sea.
Melting Glaciers, Drying Rivers: Severe Water and
Food Crisis
Coming back to melting glaciers, they are our only reservoirs
of potable water and if they melt - which is already
happening at an alarming rate, there will be no water to
drink. Some of the major rivers of the world originate in
these glaciers, and melting of glaciers as a result of global
warming will sound the death knell for these rivers. At the
end of the day, we will end up facing a severe water crisis -
and the prophecy about we having the World War III for
water will come true. Other than using river water for
drinking, we are also dependent on it for agriculture. If
there are no rivers, it is bound to affect the agriculture
sector and result in food shortage for us. Similarly, all this
occurrences will disturb the water cycle, hamper the normal
pattern of precipitation and trigger environmental issues -
such as droughts, on the planet. Sooner or later, most of
the regions on the planet will become barren and we won't
have land to cultivate. End result - no water to drink, no
food to eat courtesy global warming.
Frequent Hurricanes: Large Scale Devastation
When the cold water from melting glaciers and warm water
of oceans will mix, it will provide ideal conditions for the
formation of hurricanes - which will make these natural
disasters much more frequent and severe than they are
today. The steady rise in frequency of hurricanes over the
last few years is an apt evidence of global warming. These
devastating hurricanes will rip across the residential areas
in coastal regions of the world, which will result in huge loss
in terms of human lives as well as property.
Warm Climate: Spread of Diseases
As far as global warming effects on human health are
concerned, they may be far more severe than we can
possibly imagine. One of the most obvious global warming
effects on Earth will be the change in climatic conditions of
different regions. If the planet becomes warm, it will
become a heaven for disease spreading insects. These
insects - which cannot survive in cold regions beyond the
tropics now, will begin to flourish in these regions which will
then have conducive environment for them. As they start
spreading out, they will also spread diseases attributed to
them which will affect more people and result in more
casualties.
If global warming effects on animals and plants were not
convincing enough, these global warming effects on humans
are bound to come as an eyeopener for all those people
who thought global warming was a myth. At the end of the
day, we need to understand that we are a part of the
ecosystem, and any thing which threatens the ecosystem is
a threat for us either directly or indirectly. It's high time we
stop taking this environmental issue so lightly and
implement global warming solutions to reduce its impact. Now
that there is ample evidence that global warming and
deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, use of CFCs, etc., are
related to each other, we can go ahead and restrict this
hazard by keeping a check on these anthropogenic
activities. If we don't act now, the loss will be too much and
revival may turn out to be impossible.
What Are the Impacts of Global Warming?
So what will happen if global warming continues unabated? As
the temperature continues to soar, it will trigger numerous
changes on the planet - quite of few of which will affect us
directly, while others will affect us indirectly. In order to
make it simple, we have divided the environmental impacts
of global warming into three categories - on the basis of
who will be at the suffering end.
Global Warming Impact on Plants
Global warming will trigger numerous changes in climatic
conditions, and this climate change will in turn trigger the
extinction of various plant species. These plants have
taken years together to adapt to the conditions in which
they thrive today, any changes in these climatic conditions
now will result in adverse effects on these species. Climate
change, i.e. change in pattern of seasons to be precise, will
also alter the growing season of these plants, which will in
turn affect their reproduction cycle. It will be difficult for
these species to undergo the entire adaptation process all
over, and in this process many of these species will
become extinct. Irregularities in precipitation, irrespective of
whether it is drought or flood, will affect various plant
species including agricultural crops. Going through
endangered plants list will give you a better idea of the
seriousness of the issue.
Global Warming Impact on Animals
If you thought the impact of global warming on plants was
severe, the same will be even more harsh on numerous
animal species. In fact, the global warming effects on animals
have already begun, and a look at the list of extinct animals
is full of evidence of the same. The Monteverde golden
toad endemic to the rainforests of Cost Rica was one of the
first causalities of global warming. It became extinct as a
result of habitat loss, when extremely hot summers dried
up the lake which this species inhabited. The list of
endangered animals also includes a number of animal
species which have lost their natural habitat as a result of
global warming. The relationship between polar bears and
global warming best explains the effects and consequences of
global warming on animals. Melting of polar ice as a result of
global warming has resulted in loss of habitat for this
species, and this has forced the species to move further
north. The same trend has been witnessed in almost all the
biomes of the world, including the ocean biome wherein coral
reefs are fighting for their basic existence in warm ocean
water.
Global Warming Impact on Humans
Without plants and animals, it will be impossible for us to
survive on this planet. We are dependent on these plant
and animal species for everything - including the basics such
as oxygen and food. Only plants have the ability to prepare
their own food by resorting to the process of
photosynthesis - the same energy is eventually transferred
to us when we eat plants or eat animals which feed on
these plants. We are just a part of the food chain, if any link
of this chain is broken everybody, including us, will have to
bear the brunt of the same. That was about our
dependence on plants and animals, but our woes are not
just restricted to global warming effects on plants and
animals. When this hazardous phenomenon will reach its
peak, we will have to face a number of problems. Global
warming and melting glaciers are closely associated, and so
are their impacts on humans. Glaciers act as freshwater
reservoirs on the planet, and if they melt we will be left
devoid of water to drinking.
Similarly, glacial melting at high altitude will also trigger
flash floods in the surrounding. All this water will be drained
into the oceans, and that in turn will result in sea level rise.
As sea level continues to rise all the low lying area and tiny
islands will get submerged. Maldives islands sinking is one of
the best evidence of this global warming problems. When
water from melting glaciers enters the sea, the warm and
cold water currents will result in conditions ideal for
formation of hurricanes. As a result of this, the frequency of
hurricanes will increase. Warm climate will also come as a
blessing for various disease spreading insects, and thus
some diseases which are restricted to tropical areas as of
today will spread to various other regions. Extreme weather
- drought, floods and lengthy or short growing seasons, will
destroy the agricultural sector, and that will leave us devoid
of food.
What are the Positive Impacts of Global Warming?
While the whole has been divided between those think
global warming is really occurring or not, there does exist a
group of people who are optimist about this phenomenon.
These people are of the opinion that only the negative
impacts of global warming are highlighted every now and
then, but the fact is that there do exist some positive
impacts of the same as well. These people argue that
longer summer will mean longer growing seasons, and this
will result in more crop produce. Similarly, melting of ice in
certain areas around Antarctica will make these waterways
navigable and help marine transport. Warmer winters will
also mean that we would have face less number of
devastating snow storms. While rise in sea level will turn
out to be a boon when it comes to the development of tidal
energy, formation of estuaries will add to the biodiversity of
the planet. A large section of the scientists who are working
on global warming impacts refute these claims as mere
optimism. More importantly, all these positive effects are
easily overshadowed by numerous negative global warming
effects, and therefore we should stop being so optimist and
start putting in efforts to curb the hazards associated with
global warming. Given below are some articles which
stress on the importance of dealing with this issue.
• How to Stop Global
Warming?
• Ways to Prevent
Global Warming
• Ways to Stop Global
Warming
• How Can We Stop
Global Warming
That must have given you a rough idea as to what are the
impacts of global warming on the environment, with special
emphasis on its impact on plants, animals and humans. It's
high time we take the seriousness of the global warming
causes and effects into consideration, and start working to
save the planet. While the concerned authorities continue
to ponder upon various global warming solutions at the
international level, we can do our bit by resorting to some
simple yet effective stop global warming tips to save our
planet. Over the period of time, the problem of global
warming has become so intense that it will take mammoth
efforts on our behalf to reduce the intensity of various global
warming effects on Earth, if not get rid of them totally.
Stop Global Warming: Facts
The term 'global warming' refers to the incessant rise in
average near surface temperature of planet Earth, to an
extent wherein it triggers numerous changes in the climate
and physical properties of the planet. At present, the
average global temperature is rising at the rate of 0.36°F
per decade. Global warming effects on Earth exist in plenty,
and each of these effects are related to each other. For
instance, rising temperature would result in glacial melting,
and melting glaciers would add to the ocean water and result
in submerging of low lying areas and tiny islands. This is
just one of the numerous examples of ecological imbalance
which highlights the fact that global warming is occurring.
Other evidences include extreme weather conditions,
increase in frequency of hurricanes, extinction of animal
species, etc. This might come as a surprise for many, but
we are responsible for this natural hazard to a significant
extent, and the anthropogenic causes of global warming make
it more than evident.
Stop Global Warming: Tips to Follow to Curb Global
Warming
While there exist numerous environmental issues which
threaten the basic existence of life on the planet, the issue
of global warming is the most threatening among them all.
That being said, we need to understand that we have
already done a significant bit of irreversible damage to the
Earth. Even though we can't bring back all those glaciers
which have melted and animals which have become
extinct, we can at least try and get into a damage control
mode in order to make sure that we don't create more
problems for the future generations. If you are wondering
how can we stop global warming, you can follow some simple
tips, or actually some simple alterations in your daily
activities, given below.
• Do not use
incandescent light
bulbs, they emit 300
lbs of carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere every
year. Instead you can
use environment
friendly compact
fluorescent light bulbs.
• Do not waste
electricity by leaving
electronic appliances
on (or on a standby
mode). Even better,
unplug appliances
when they are not in
use.
• One of the
simplest ways to stop
global warming is to
plant trees. They don't
just release oxygen in
the atmosphere but
also help in absorbing
carbon dioxide present
in the atmosphere, and
thus prove to be very
useful for the
environment.
• If and whenever
possible, resort to
walking or cycling
instead of using your
car. This has
numerous benefits - it
will reduce pollution,
save fuel and make
sure that you stay
healthy.
• Drive your vehicle
efficiently, ideally within
the speed limits
recommended by the
manufacturer, and put
the engine off
whenever you take a
halt - even on traffic
signals or at the gas
station.
• Resort to recycle
and reuse formula,
especially when it
comes to items of daily
use - such as plastic
and paper. This will not
just save the tons of
raw material used to
The
produce them, but also one
save energy which lives in this planet is global warming. The drastic changes in the
goes into their climatic
production. Owing
• Change your levels are
dietary habits and species
Icebergs
switch over to organic
now vanished. Scientists and environmentalists conducted various
foods. While going
vegetarian is the best
bet, even doing away
with a single non-
vegetarian meal a
week can be of great
help.
• Instead of
resorting to energy
sources which require
burning of fossil fuels,
opt for alternative energy
sources which are
environment friendly in
nature.
• If possible, try and
give up on
unnecessary luxuries
of life - such as use of
air conditioners, a car
for every member in
the family, etc. if not,
make sure that you use
them efficiently.
• Most important of
all, understand the
seriousness of the
issue and resolve that
you will follow these
tips to stop global
warming in the future.
That covered all you needed to know about how to stop
global warming. Tips given in this article will surely help you
prevent this impending disaster from befalling our race, but
only when they are followed religiously. The number of
extinct animals in the last 100 years, melting of the Himalayan
glaciers and Maldives islands sinking - all come as the
warning signs of this impending danger that we have been
ignoring for quite some time now, and if we continue to do
the same it may turn out to be too late for us to save the
planet. The need of the hour is to come up with global
warming solutions, and implement them at the earliest
Introduction To the Threaten
single concern that is threatening the very existence of
conditions pose serious threat to our future generation.
to the results of global warming glaciers is retreating, sea
increasing, polar bears and other rare cold climate
are slowly becoming extinct. Navigators maintain that the
that once dominated the Atlantic and Pacific oceans have
studies and concluded that the past 30 years has been the warmestwalking or riding a bike will save the environment from pollution.
period in the global history. The main causes attributed towardsBesides this, consolidating trips and encouraging car- pooling is
global warming are human activities. The burning of fossil fuel one
is of the effective ways of preventing global warming. Recycling
one of the major factors that contribute to global warming. maximum products, eating local foods and vegetarian meals,
painting home in light color, purchasing energy certificates as well
Reasons for Global Warming as carbon offsets are few of the ways of preventing our wonderful
Global warming can be minimized to a great extent, if we eliminate
planet, the earth from the disastrous global warming.
the causes which are mostly human made. The responsibility of
preventing global warming rests both on individual as well as theThough, there are many ways to prevent initiating and following it
state. In individual level we can change our practices such as with determination will yield the desired results. This is a unison
minimize the usage of fossil based fuel, reduce the electricity effort and so all the hands have to join together with force to push
consumption by using energy efficient appliances. Vehicular the effects of global warming back beyond sight.
pollution can be minimized by using the public transport system. What are Some Ways to Stop Global Warming?
The nucleus goal is to beget the global warming under control by
restricting the carbon dioxide release and other heat ensnaringThere are numerous ways to stop global warming, and all of these
greenhouse gases into the environment. On an average nearlyrely on a single method - identifying the causes of global warming and
10000 pounds of carbon dioxide is released per year in significant
working to eliminate them. Given below are some of the simplest
countries like Canada and US. This can be immediately curtailed measures
by which can help you in doing your bit to stop global
becoming energy efficient. Reducing the usage of oil, coal and warming and save the Earth.
gasoline are one of the effective ways of preventing global
warming. Plant more trees and stop contributing to deforestation: This is
by far the easiest measure to save our planet from the hazards of
Home Appliances Contribution to Global Warming global warming. Global warming can be attributed to the large scale
Regrettably, it is noticed that an average home contributes to global
concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. That being said
warming more than a car. The increase of contribution is at home planting trees can help in absorbing this harmful gas and help in
because the energy utilized in our homes is received from power regulating its amount in the atmosphere and help in preventing
plants that burn fossil fuel to provide power for our electric global warming by lessening green house effect.
products. We can save energy by substituting compact fluorescent
bulbs in the place of incandescent light bulbs. This will save your
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs: Every household
money as well as your energy bill will be minimal. The CFL bulbs which uses incandescent bulbs contributes to global warming on a
last longer and the energy consumed is also less. LED bulbs are large scale. On the whole, these bulbs add 300 lbs of carbon
efficient and energy savers. Home appliances also contribute adioxide
lot to the atmosphere every year. Replacing incandescent
in elevating the energy bill. The higher is the energy efficient bulbs with energy saving Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs)
appliance, the lesser is the cost of running the appliance. So can help in reducing carbon dioxide generation and help you to
purchasing energy efficient appliances will help in reducing thesave 60 percent of energy.
utility bill and also in protecting the environment. Similarly,
purchase major appliances such as dishwasher, air conditionerReuse or and recycle products: Reusing and recycling various
refrigerator with maximum energy efficiency. This reduces the products which we use in our day to day life can also help you in
carbon dioxide pollution. doing your bit to stop global warming. For instance, recycling paper
will make sure that the large scale felling of trees to produce paper
As per the U.S. energy report, heating as well as cooling systemsis stopped, and these trees will in turn absorb the carbon dioxide in
emit maximum carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The energy used the atmosphere and reduce global warming.
for our homes for heating goes in vain though the prevention is
inexpensive and simple. This energy that goes vain can be saved Unplug appliances: Unplugging appliances to save energy is yet
by reducing the need for air conditioners. This can help improve another
the effective way to address the problems of global warming.
environment from pollution. The largest source is transportationSimply
that unplugging all the electronic devices which are not in use
adds to greenhouse gases. Vehicles are responsible and poor can help in saving 20 percent energy. More importantly, it will also
maintenance of vehicle contributes to pollution and global warming.
help in reducing your electricity bill by 10 percent every month.

Avoid keeping electrical appliances on standby: Similarly,

Maintaining Vehicle Efficiency keeping electronic appliances on standby also contributes to loss of
This can be protected by increasing the overall fuel efficiency of
energy and global warming, and therefore is best avoided. One
your vehicle and paying attention to your driving style and may feel that keeping a single computer on standby won’t make a
maintenance. Buying fuel efficient hybrid cars that allows usingbig
gasdifference, but when millions of people think in this manner it
electric engines and thereby cutting global warming pollution todoes
a make a drastic difference.
great extent. Driving less and making use of public transports,
Use a programmable thermostat: A thermostat helps in
regulating the temperature by altering heat supply. Make sure that
you keep your thermostat as low as possible during the winter, and
as high as possible during the summer. Lowering the thermostat by
2 degrees in winter and increasing it by 2 degrees in summer can
help in keeping 2,000 lbs of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Promote the use of organic products: Promoting the use of

organic foods is also one of the effective ways to prevent global
warming. The tendency of organic soils to capture carbon dioxide far
exceeds that of the soil used in conventional farming. Estimates
suggest that we can get rid of 580 billion lbs of carbon dioxide if we
resort to organic farming for food production.

Use vehicles efficiently: One of the leading causes of pollution,

vehicles dump a great amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
If we stop using vehicle we can cut down of great amount of
pollution. If you can’t resist vehicle, you can opt to efficient driving
tips, such as turning the engine off at red lights and driving at
moderate speeds, and contribute in curbing global warming. Ideally
though, you should opt for public transport or other environment
friendly modes of transportation such as cycling.

Resort to alternative sources of energy: One of the most talked

about global warming solution is to switch to alternative energy
sources such as solar power and wind power. You can easily
harness these sources of nature to generate power, and replace
fossil fuels with it. Doing away with fossil fuels alone will help in
reducing the huge amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
every day.

Become a responsible citizen: This is the most important among

the various measures to curb global warming. We need to
acknowledge the fact that we are responsible for this menace to a
great extent. Just implementing the simple steps to stop global
warming mentioned above can make a huge difference. You can
also come up with your own novel ways to contribute for this cause.
For instance, one of our readers had made a valid point by saying,
"If we sacrifice the unnecessary luxuries in our life, we can
contribute in saving the tremendous amount of energy which goes
in their production."

Resorting to these 10 ways to stop global warming can help us to

curb the problem to a significant extent. However, we also need to
take into consideration the fact that this problem has developed
over a period of time and thus it will take a significant amount of
time for things to get back to normal. While the administration tries
to tackle the hazards of global warming at a larger scale, we can
follow the measures given above and contribute our bit for the
cause