The Changing Global Environment

756 Words4 Pages
Anthropogenic pollution of Earth’s lower atmospheres is increasing the temperature of the atmosphere. This is otherwise known as global warming. Humans are causing the process of global warming to speed up tremendously. We are burning fossil fuels, clearing forests, and using aerosols. The effects of our actions are taking a toll on us and the Earth. The sea levels are rising, ice is melting worldwide, and natural disasters are becoming more deadly. If we do not change our ways there are more problems predicted to happen including the extinction of animals, and the disappearance of coral reefs. In its 2001 report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change stated, "There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities." (Source 1 “Union of Concerned Scientists”) As humans we have come to rely on certain things to sustain our lifestyles. Coal burning power plants provide us with electricity and gasoline powered vehicles provide us with transportation. These are two of the highest carbon dioxide emitters in our world today. 40% of the U.S. carbon dioxide emissions come from electricity production, and 33% of our emissions come from our gasoline powered cars. (Source 1 “Planet Save”) We are also tearing down forests at an alarming rate. The HOME video showed us examples of trees being cut down for paper and other goods and not being replaced. The video also stated that this does nothing but aid in the process of global warming. (Source 3 “HOME”) You see this decreases the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed from the air and the amount of oxygen introduced into it. Chlorofluorocarbons from aerosols and refrigeration make up nearly 25% of the human generated greenhouse gases. (Source 4 Globalization and Diversity) Yes, all of this that we are doing is causing global warming, but
Open Document