The Cloud around Global Warming

We've all heard the catch phrases - "global warming", "greenhouse gas", "climate change", and so on. But while many of us are concerned about our environment and what we can do to preserve it, we are also largely at a loss to explain what global warming really means. Is it a dramatic increase in temperatures caused by a recent increase in greenhouse gases? Or is it something else? And what is a greenhouse gas anyway?

What is Global Warming?

As defined by Wikipedia, Global warming is "the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation." What that means is that in the last century, the average temperature on earth has increased anywhere between .3 degrees and 1.3 degrees, Fahrenheit. While this hasn't lead to any substantive difference in quality of our life on earth yet, global warming may in the future lead to an increase in extreme weather events, a rise in sea levels (which could threaten low-lying communities), and water scarcity in some places.

What Causes Global Warming?

Here's that word again: Greenhouse Gas. Some scientists say that an increase in greenhouse gases has contributed to global warming. But what exactly are greenhouse gases?
They're the gases in our atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation, like water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane. Increased levels of some of these gases lead to an increase in heat, which in turn, may cause global warming.
Since more warming of the earth has occurred in the last century than at any other time period, scientists attribute this increase in greenhouse gases to pollution from industry, farming, and day to day existence for modern man.

How Can We Prevent Global Warming?

While there are active steps that individuals can take to put a stop to pollution, some of the best ways to prevent global warming will have to take place on a larger scale. For example, switching from cars that run on gas to electric cars could have a profound impact on the level of carbon dioxide that is released into the environment, which in turn, may help put a stop to global warming. In fact, any business or industry that finds a way to switch to alternative fuel sources could help reduce greenhouse gas emission, which may help reverse the global warming trend.



Now that you know a bit more about what global warming really is, you can decide for yourself whether to take an active role in putting a stop to it. Riding your bicycle to work, buying a more fuel efficient or electric vehicle, and using less energy in the home are all ways you can have a positive impact on the environment.