Global Warming is a great climatic phenomenon. The earth s temperature is rising and it is due to human activities. This rise in Earth s overall average temperature may seem minor or even irrelevant, but it is problem that should be taken seriously by the people and governments of this planet. Global warming is a serious threat to man s well being that he has brought upon himself. Global warming is caused by the Green House Effect. The Green House Effect is a natural part of the earth s atmosphere (Revkin Getting Ready [online]). Green house gasses are naturally occurring in the atmosphere. The gasses act as a green house on an extremely large scale. The gasses allow energy from the sun to pass through the atmosphere unimpeded. When the light reaches the Earth s surface it is absorbed and converted into heat energy. When the heat energy then attempts to radiate back through the atmosphere and into space, a portion of the energy is contained by the green house gasses. This is much like how the glass roof in a green house traps heat, hence the name Green House Effect (Steinvorzel [online]). These green house gasses make up only about two percent of the Earth s atmosphere. This tiny percentage of the atmosphere made up by CO2 (carbon dioxide), water vapor, and a few trace gasses is responsible for the stabilization of the Earth s surface temperature at about 15 degrees C (60 degrees F) (Greenhouse[online]). The Green House Effect is a vital part of the planet. Without the heat trapped by the Green House Effect the earth s surface would be about -18 degrees C (0 degreesF) (Revlin Who Cares [online]). The Green House Effect is a necessity, but it can also become dangerous. The Green House Effect becomes dangerous when the levels of the green house gasses become overly concentrated in the atmosphere. When green house gasses become more concentrated, the atmosphere traps more heat. This increase in the amount of heat being trapped causes the Earth to become warmer. Monitoring since the 1950 s has demonstrated a steady rise in the carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere (Revkin Who Cares [online]). This green house gas has been becoming more concentrated in the atmosphere due to a variety of reasons, mostly as a result of the reckless actions of humans. The main reason for the increase of CO2 (carbon dioxide) are the great amounts of fossil fuels burned by man. Ever since the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, man has been burning more and more fossil fuels (Revkin Who Cares [online]). The industrialized countries of the world burn excessive amounts of fossil fuels, especially through industry and automobiles. With the industrialization of many presently undeveloped countries this output of CO2 is expected to rise ( GreenHouse [online]). Normally the Earth could absorb much of the CO2 that man is producing. The earth s vegetation, particularly the Rain Forests and ocean plankton, use CO2 and produces oxygen in the process of photosynthesis. This mechanism for the earth to naturally reduce CO2 levels is hindered by a couple of obstacles. The destruction of much of Earth s forest and the depletion of the O-zone layer have been obstacles for the natural mechanisms. The destruction of forests leaves less vegetation for absorption of CO2. The depletion of the O-zone layer also reduces the Earth s means of absorbing CO2. The O-zone layer is in the upper part of the Earth s atmosphere. This layer stops harmful ultra-violet rays from reaching the Earth s surface. Ultra-violet rays reduce the

growth of Phytoplankton in the Earth s oceans. Phytoplankton absorb a large amount of the CO2 created by humans. By depleting the O-zone layer we decrease the absorption power of the Phytoplankton which leads to an increase in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere ( GreenHouse [online]). The use of CFC s as propellants has severely depleted the o-zone layer. The increased CO2 in the atmosphere has already caused increase in temperatures. The average surface temperature of the Earth has increased approximately 1 degree during the 20th century and is expected to rise another 3.5 degrees in the next century (Stevens [online]). While this increase does not sound significant, we have already begun to feel it s effects. Researcher have found that overall precipitation and the frequency of intense rainstorms has on average increased by 10 percent over the 20th century (Stevens[online]). There has also been a 10 percent increase in vegetation in the northern latitudes over this time (Stevens[online]). The increase in vegetation may even help to slow down global warming due to the increase in the amount of oxygen being absorbed. Some effects of global warming may seem positive. Warmer temperatures may lead to longer growing seasons and more food production. The warmer temperatures may also seem more pleasant. The possible positive effects of global warming will probably be outweighed by the negative effects. The warmer temperature will cause shifts in climate zones. Shifts in climate zones may lead to the upset of many ecosystems and to the disappearance of numerous species (Steinvorzel[online]). Global warming caused by humans occurs at a faster pace than animals and plant can evolve. Warmer temperatures will cause a great increase in the frequency and severity of storms. The warm temperature increases the amount of moisture the air can hold. This will cause precipitation to be more erratic and severe ( GreenHouse [online]). There will be long periods of drought followed by periods of intense precipitation. The severe weather will most likely cause flooding and crop damage. This will offset any increase in crop production that may be caused by the high levels of CO2 and warmer temperatures (Stevens[online]). All over the world this more extreme erratic weather will have devising effects, especially in under developed parts of the world, where conditions are less than optimal at the present. A bad crop in one of these areas may cause starvation and great hardship. Other aspects of global warming will also be devastating in some parts of the world. The increased temperature will cause the polar ice caps to partially melt. All the increased water will cause the sea level to rise. Within the next century the sea level is expected to rise about 1.5 feet (Revkin WhoCares [online]). In low lying countries such as Bangladesh millions will lose their homes and method of food production.(Revkin GettingReady [online]) These profound changes on the Earth s climate and the aftermath the changes leave behind can possibly be avoided or reduced in severity. By reducing the output of CO2 by humans and halting the destruction of natural CO2 absorbers we avoid the many negative effects of global warming. Industrialized nations especially the United States, since we are the leading producer of CO2 (Steinvorzel[online]), should take the lead in cutting back on CO2 emissions. The industrialized nations should help developing nations learn how to cut back on CO2 emissions. Global warming is caused by the unnatural build up of the Green House Gas CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the Earth s atmosphere. This build up of CO2 is caused by human activities. The resulting rise in global average temperatures will cause profound devastating effects on the earth and the living things inhabiting it. Humans will have to stop causing an unnatural build of CO2 in the atmosphere or face the consequences of their actions.