 |
|
|
What is Global Warming?
To understand global warming, we first must understand the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural occurrence which keeps the lower 10 miles of our atmosphere livable. 
Sunlight passes through the atmosphere, warming the planet's surface. Light-colored areas, such as clouds or ice caps, radiate some heat back into space. Human activity — such as burning fossil fuels — causes more greenhouse gases to build up in the atmosphere. As the atmosphere “thickens” with more greenhouse gases, more heat is held in. Fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas are high in carbon and, when burned, produce major amounts of carbon dioxide or CO2. A single gallon of gasoline, when burned, puts 19 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. 
One way to think of the greenhouse effect is to think of a car’s windshield. The sun’s energy passes through the windshield. The heat is trapped inside the car and cannot pass back out, causing the inside of the car to heat up. So if we need the greenhouse effect to live, why is global warming so damaging? For millions of years, the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere kept the planet’s temperature within a comfortable range for humans and other living creatures. Human industries are now sizable enough to alter the atmosphere’s chemistry. The more CO2 in the air, the warmer the temperature. This graph shows CO2 (the blue line) and temperature in Celsius (the red line). As CO2 rises, so does temperature. 
At the planet's poles, temperatures rise even more, causing major ice melting. You can make a difference today and become part of the solution by taking the Good Neighbor pledge! |
|
© 1996-2009 National Wildlife Federation | 11100 Wildlife Center Dr, Reston VA 20190 | 800-822-9919
Contact Us | Jobs at NWF | Link to NWF | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use