How Humans are Affected by the Greenhouse Effect
Earth's atmosphere keeps heat from escaping into space through a process called the greenhouse effect. Air pollution is having a negative effect on Earth's atmosphere, causing the greenhouse effect to pose a threat to humanity.
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Global Warming
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The presence of gases including carbon dioxide and methane causes heat to remain trapped in Earth's atmosphere and keep temperatures at a level that sustains life. Since the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, humanity has increasingly pumped these and other gases into the atmosphere. These gases are trapping too much heat, causing global temperatures to rise.
Sea Levels
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One of the biggest threats posed to humans by global warming is rising sea levels. As Earth's polar caps continue to melt from increased global temperatures, significant rises in sea levels may submerge coastal cities and will cause people to relocate. Currently uninhabited land will become more scarce as people move inland.
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Other Threats
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The human cost of the greenhouse effect may be manifested in ways that include drought, flood, violent storm activity caused by increased evaporation, and widespread disease as disease carriers such as animals and insects are forced to relocate because of rising sea levels and changing climates.
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References
- Photo Credit Earth from space image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
