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=__ We are Destroying Our Planet __= = THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT = =- Greenhouse gasses are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Some examples of greenhouse gasses are Carbon Dioxide (Co2), Methane (Ch4), Nitrous Oxide (N20), and Fluorinated Gasses. The greenhouse effect is a process in which the earth’s atmosphere maintains the earth’s heat. This process is naturally occurring which is caused by the burning of fossil fuels. By using hybrid cars and riding bikes you can prevent the burning of fossil fuels. =

GLOBAL WARMING: THE BIG PICTURE
== -Global warming is the increase in the earth’s temperature. The atmosphere is made up of natural gasses which become heated by non-natural gasses. We need the greenhouse effect to keep heat in our atmosphere. Scientists believe that too much greenhouse gas goes into the atmosphere that it will effect the earth’s “thermal blanket. Global warming is increasing more and more every year. It has gone up by ½ a degree in the last 14 years while from 1895-1995 it only went up 1 degree. == ==GLOBAL WARMING: CONTRIBUTING FACTORS ==

== - There are many contributing factors of global warming. Air pollution including Carbon Dioxide is going up into the atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm up. The largest U.S. source of carbon dioxide pollution is coal-burning power plants. These plants produce about 2.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide yearly. Automobiles are the second largest source of carbon dioxide pollution. Automobiles such as cars, planes, trains and motorcycles create almost 1.5 billion tons of CO 2 each year. == ==GLOBAL WARMING: LOCAL EFFECTS == == A small increase in the annual temperatures would change New England drastically. It is projected that the temperature in New England will increase 6- 10 °F. This would result in the temperatures in Hartford matching those of Atlanta, GA, by today’s standards. This would have extremely dramatic effects on our environment here in New England. ==

[[image:globalwarming.jpg width="303" height="273"]][[image:http://blog.lib.umn.edu/ellis271/arch1701/bigstockphoto_Global_Warming_217540%203.jpg width="593" height="258"]]
==WHAT YOUR AUDIENCE CAN DO DIFFERENTLY: One specific area of focus == == - One of the main causes of global warming is greenhouse gasses getting produced by gas vehicles such as cars, trains, ships and plains. 15% of manmade carbon dioxide comes from vehicles. There are many ways that families can help. Some car companies are creating cars that are electric and are a less expensive investment because they don’t need gas. Cars such as Zipcars and hybrid cars are examples of cars that run on electricity. Some people believe that electric cars do not perform as well as gas cars. Scientists believe otherwise. Tests have shown that hybrids and Zipcars perform at the same level as a car that runs on gas. == == Hybrid cars run on electricity so they don’t affect the environment. One potential reason that buyers considering hybrid cars wouldn’t is because of price. The initial cost of a hybrid is generally $3,000 - $6,000 more than a vehicle of the same size that runs on gas, but buyers will save a lot more after they buy the car. No gas is needed so you don’t have to worry about how much gas is. Some people believe that it is more expensive for repair of a hybrid than a gas car. This is simply not true. Maintenance of a hybrid is the same cost as a non-hybrid cars. ==

== During my research I have found many interesting facts about global warming. I did not know that we had such of an impact on the environment. We have a big impact just doing our everyday activities. For example, driving cars, leaving lights on, and even leaving my computer on has an impact on the environment. I also didn’t know about any of the naturally occurring green house gasses that were produced such as cow manure. In closing, I learned a lot about global warming and learned some facts I never knew. ==

** BIBLIOGRAPHY **
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"Global Warming in New England States." __New England__ __Climate Coalition.__ 10/23/03. 6/3/09 

Rice, Doyle. "Study looks at transportation’s effects on global warming." __USA__ __TODAY__1/8/08. 6/3/09 

"Gas Price Influence On hybrid Car Sales." __Carseek.__ 6/4/09 

"Basic Science." __U.S.__ __Climate Emergency Council.__6/4/09 

Samardeep __Funny Global Warming__ 6/8/09 <[]>

Riley,John "__Newsday__" 6/8/09 [|

"Global Warming / Project Millenium Development." __University Of Minnesota__ __.__6/8/09 []