Quick Facts About Global Warming
Global warming is the steady increase in the earth's temperature which has, in the last 20 years, risen faster than any time since such things were recorded globally (around 1880). The rate of global warming appears to be approximately one degree every 20 years. As the earth's atmosphere heats up, the planet experiences a number of measurable changes.
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Basic Process
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Global warming is the term given to the increased temperature of the planet. The increasing temperature is an imbalance between the ability of the air to get rid of gases that trap heat and the amount of those gases trapped in the atmosphere.
Human Impact
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Human activity has a direct relationship with the heating of the planet. Industrialization, cutting down the rain forests and putting up the factories and creating large farms has had a major impact on the earth, its temperature and eco systems. Air pollution, including heat, chemicals and gases, has increased the amount of water vapor, carbon, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere.
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Greenhouse Gases
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According to the Environmental Protection Agency, greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Some occur naturally and some are produced by human activities. Some gases are a combination of both. Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane gas, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) also referred to as fluorinated gases. Fluorinated gases are a byproduct of the manufacture of synthetic gases and commonly released into the atmosphere in aerosols and factory emissions.
Carbon
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Carbon dioxide is released though industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels. The amount of carbon an individual releases into the atmosphere is referred to as a carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is affected by the rate people consume electricity, put gasoline in their cars and purchase products made far from their particular geographical location. Reducing carbon footprints is thought to decrease the rate of global warming and climate change.
Plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the process of photosynthesis, which is why the green movement focuses on saving forests and planting trees as a way to offset carbon footprints and affect climate change.
Climate Change
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Although people often use the terms "global warming" and "climate change" to mean the same thing, there are actually a few definite differences. "Global warming" refers to the measurable warming of the planet on a global scale. It is a comprehensive term. Climate change is the significant regional changes that are taking place on a short-term and long-term basis in different areas of the world. These changes would include average annual rainfalls, seasonal temperature, and increase in severe weather, such as droughts, hurricanes and tropical storms. These changes can affect animal habitats, crop production and human activity.
Effects of Global Warming
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The recorded effects of a hotter planet include melting glaciers, rising water levels, altering eco systems and changes in animal and insect habitats. These changes have and will continue to have a significant effect on human activity, manufacturing, living arrangements and health.
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