Energy from the sun travels to the Earth's surface and then bounces off into space.This energy (heat) warms the Earth. Human activities are altering the world's atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases. These gases are mainly carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane. These gases stop some of the energy and keep it from reaching space "....somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse." (1) The more the gases buildup the warmer the Earth will get.
The human activities that cause the emittion of these chemicals into the atmosphere are mainly the burning of fossil fuels. "Fossil fuels burned to run cars and trucks, heat homes and businesses, and power factories are responsible for about 98% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, 24% of methane emissions, and 18% of nitrous oxide emissions." (1) Other contributions are from deforestation, mining, agriculture, landfills, and industry.
In 1997 the United States emitted about 1/5 of the world greenhouse gases. Without better emission control policies, by 2100 the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will probably be 30% to 150% higher than today's level.
The effects of global warming are: the ocean level getting higher as the polar ice caps melt, severity of storms majorly increasing, higher disease rate because of the amount of stagnant water, strong heat waves, and coastal flooding."Prolonged heat can, moreover, enhance production of smog and the dispersal of allergens." (2) Both of these cause respiratory problems.
Even after warnings from the scientific community the Bush Administration has withdrawn from the Kyoto protocal. We need political leaders that try to save the Earth not abuse it. We are all stuck here (for the time being at least) so I think our political leaders should concentrate on protecting the planet, not on making weapons that destroy it.
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