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= THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT = Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases. The earth absorbs the sun’s energy, but also radiates some of it back into space. While this energy is traveling through the atmosphere, greenhouse gasses absorb it and again radiate it back to the earth’s surface. This means that the earth’s temperature is increasing. With the more greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere, the higher the earth’s temperature will continue to rise. Without the Greenhouse Effect, temperatures today would be about 60 degrees cooler than they are today. These conditions would be unbearable for the human race. Therefore, without the Greenhouse Effect, we wouldn’t be able to live.
 * __ The World’s __**  **__ Killer __**

GLOBAL WARMING: THE BIG PICTURE
Global warming is the effect of the Greenhouse Effect. Since the greenhouse gasses are getting trapped in the atmosphere, more heat is staying in the atmosphere. This is ultimately causing the temperatures of the earth to rise. Since the temperatures of the earth are rising, ice bergs and glaciers begin to melt, causing the sea level to rise. To see a video of global warming and all of its effects, [|click here].




 * GLOBAL WARMING: CONTRIBUTING FACTORS **

There are many factors that contribute to global warming. These factors are mainly greenhouse gases. First, there is carbon dioxide, or CO2. Carbon dioxide can be released into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, solid waste, trees and wood products, and also as a result of chemical reactions (as in the making of cement). Carbon dioxide can be removed from the atmosphere when it is absorbed by plants as a part if the biological carbon cycle. Another gas that contributes greatly to global warming is methane, or CH4. Methane can be emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil. Also, methane can be emitted by livestock and other agricultural practices. Another greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming is nitrous oxide, or N2O. Nitrous oxide can be emitted during agricultural and industrial activities, as well as during combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. The final greenhouse gasses that contribute to global warming are fluorinated gases. Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride are synthetic, powerful greenhouse gases that are emitted from a variety of industrial processes. These are some examples of fluorinated gasses. There are lots of local effects that global warming has on the northeast United States (specifically Massachusetts). One local effect that global warming has on Massachusetts is that there is a lot of erosion due to sea level rise. Also, in the future there will be more storm surges due to sea level rise. Another effect that global warming will have on Massachusetts in the future is that there will be reduced winter activities (such as skiing and snowboarding), and more summer activities. Also, another local effect that global warming will have on Massachusetts in the future is that there will be northern shifts of plant and animal species due to the increase in average temperatures. In all, North America’s average temperature is predicted to rise between 3.6 and 18 degrees Fahrenheit between 2100.
 * GLOBAL WARMING: LOCAL EFFECTS **

Now, to help slow down global warming, there are many possible things that we could do. One specific thing that I would like to focus on is using alternate ways of transportation (without having to burn fossil fuels) or buying smarter cars. This includes not traveling in cars, buses, trains, etc or buying a Smart Car or a Toyota Prius when buying a new car. Instead of riding in a car, you could use a bike to get around. You could even walk. The hard truth is that 55% of the greenhouse gas emitted annually around the world is carbon dioxide in result of burning fossil fuels or making cement. This basically means that 55% of all of the greenhouse gas emitted into the atmosphere is a result of people riding in cars and making cement. Each year, there is over 25 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels, cement manufacture, and gas flaring. This number can easily be reduced if everyone in the world listened to the EPA’s transportation tools (if they choose to ride in cars instead of walking or riding a bike). I believe that the EPA’s transportation tools could drastically reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere each year. The first tip that the EPA gives us is to **Buy Smart**. This has to be the most important tip in reducing the carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. This tip states that when you are buying a new car, to choose a fuel efficient car (as in a hybrid) instead of a car that has a low mile-per-gallon status. The EPA wants people to do this because some cars emit more carbon dioxide and have a better fuel economy than other cars. The EPA also says that when looking for a new, fuel efficient car, you should refer to the following sources: [|The EPA's Green Vehicle Guide] (which provides detailed information on emissions, including Air Pollution and Greenhouse Gas scores). [|The EPA/DOE's Fuel Economy Guide] (which provides a side-by-side fuel economy comparison and a customized fuel cost calculator). Once you buy that new hybrid, the EPA advises you to: Yes, you might have to buy a new car, but eventually, you will end up saving money in the long run. For example, if you buy a new Toyota Prius (which is about $22,000), you might spend about $9260 on gas if you drive 200,000 miles. On the other hand, if you buy a new Toyota Rav-4 (which is also about $22,000), you might spend about $16,130 on gas if you drive 200,000 miles. This just goes to show how you can save money and cut down on your carbon footprint at the same time if you make a smart choice when buying a car. By following these steps, you are sure to reduce your carbon footprint and ultimately slow down global warming, making the world a better place. So, as I have mentioned in my research, the greenhouse effect is when the greenhouse gasses get trapped in the atmosphere. Once this gas gets trapped in the atmosphere, it makes it hard for the heat in the atmosphere to get out. This gradually heats up the earth (which is Global Warming). Also, there are many ways to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions. Since 55% of all greenhouse gasses emitted annually around the world is carbon dioxide. This means that over 25 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide is emitted annually all over the world! By following the 6 EPA transportation tools, you can greatly reduce your carbon footprint and make the world a better place. "Climate Change." __EPA.__ May 27th, 2009. May 29, 2009 <[]> "Basic Information." __EPA.__ May 27th, 2009. May 29, 2009 <[]> "Global Greenhouse Gas Data." __EPA.__ May 27th, 2009. May 29, 2009 <[]> "Greenhouse Effect."__Wordpress__ December 27th, 2008. June 1st, 2009 <[]> "Global Warming Article."__Wordpress__ February 17th, 2009. June 1st, 2009<[]> "Greenhouse Gas Emissions." __EPA.__ May 12th, 2009). June 1st, 2009<[]> "U.S. Regions."__EPA.__ April 29th, 2009. May 2nd, 2009 <[]>  "Global Greenhouse Gas Data." __EPA__. February 18th, 2009. May 2nd, 2009 <[]>  "Future Climate Change."__EPA.__ January 12th, 2009. May 2nd, 2009<[|http://epa.gov/climatechange/science/futurecc.html]>  "On the Road." __EPA.__ April 1st, 2009. May 3rd, 2009 <[]>  "Global Warming/Project Millennium Development". __University__ __of Minnesota____.__ February 17th, 2008. May 4th, 2009 <[]> "The B.S. Report." __Wordpress.__ March 27th, 2009. May 4th, 2009 <[]> "Global Warming: Point of No Return?" __Youtube.__ Not Listed. May 4th, 2009 <[]>
 * WHAT YOUR AUDIENCE CAN DO DIFFERENTLY: One specific area of focus **
 * Drive Smart ** by easing up on the brake and gas petal.
 * Tune Your Ride ** by keeping you car well-maintained.
 * Check Your Tires ** by checking the pressure regularly.
 * Give Your Car a Break ** by using public transportation, a bike, or a carpool every once in a while.
 * Use Renewable Fuels ** by using E85 and biodiesel fuels every once-in-a-while.
 * A SUMMARY OF YOUR RESEARCH **
 * BIBLIOGRAPHY **

"Dry/Ice: Global Warming Revealed." __Spirit of Maat.__ July 19th, 2004. May 5th, 2009 <[]>

"Global Warming is Happening Today. ExxonMobil Hopes You Don't Notice." __Greenpeace International.__ May 25th, 2004. May 25th, 2009 <[]>