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**__Saving Our Planet: 1 Step At A Time__** __ The Greenhouse Effect __



The greenhouse effect is the temperature rise that the earth experiences. This happens because of certain gases that get energy from the sun. Without the greenhouse effect, the earth would be too cold, not warm enough for people to live. The greenhouse effect begins with the sun and the energy it radiates to the earth. The earth and the atmosphere absorb some of this energy, but the rest is radiated back into space. Naturally occurring gases in the atmosphere trap some of this energy and reflect it back, warming the earth. Scientist believes that extra gases we release into the air intensify the greenhouse effect. Evidence that scientist have is the result of some of the warmest years in recorded history. []

__ Global Warming __

 Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the earth’s surface. The increase in greenhouse gases, fossil fuel burning, and deforestation contributes to global warming. The average temperatures have climbed about 1.4 ° around the world since 1880. The rate of the warming is decreasing. The IPPC (International Panel on Climate Control) reports that 11 of the past 12 years are among the dozen warmest since 1850. []

__ Global Warming-Contributing Factors __  One of the biggest contributors to global warming is the methane from cow toots and feces. The methane from the cow comes from the methanotropic bacteria in its stomach. That bacteria helps the cows digest grass, their main diet. The methane is produced form carbon in the grass. Also, another contributor to global warming is combustion of fossil fuels in cars, factories, and electricity production. The release of carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere has climbed. Methane and carbon dioxide have hit their highest levels in the last 400 years. []

 __ Global Warming: Local Effects __

 Human activity causing changes in the environment is known as global warming. Scientist reports that 1998 was the warmest year in measured history, with 2005 coming in second place. Readings taking from the ice wars show that the greenhouses gases carbon dioxide and methane have reached their highest levels in the past 420,000 years. Arctic sea ice is melting, and has declined in the last 30 years. In the last century, the earth’s temperature has raised about 1.2-1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. . Researchers report that temperature will increase 10 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century. Hurricanes will become more frequent because of the warm weather. Rising sea levels can flood coastal areas. Severe droughts can become more common in dry areas, and species unable to adapt to the changing areas, would have to face extinction.  []  __ What Can You Do to Help? __

To help, you can save energy around the house by unplugging appliances you are not using, and changing regular bulbs to fluorescent light bulbs. You can drive fewer hours in your car each day and instead walk to near places that you can. Also, believe it or not, taking a shower instead of a bath can help save more water! If you recycle cans, bottles, cardboard, and paper materials that will save a lot of room in landfills. If you carry water around with you, refill it in a metal canteen so that we don’t have to use and make more plastic bottle. When you use the faucet, be sure not to leave it running. When washing your clothes, its better to hang them on an outside line to dry. This will save more energy using a dryer. To keep from running to the store all the time, you can grow fruits and vegetables, and go to the store for produce and other groceries. Another thing that can help stop global warming that we all love is flying the airplane. If you and your family took local trips, that could save a lot of oil, a popularly used nonrenewable source. If you plant trees that can majorly help the earth. Most trees now are getting cut down for paper so if we plant more if may come close to evening out. []

[] __ Try It! __

The main thing I want you to try out is saving more fuel. To do this, you can walk to places that are nearby. If you have friends with big vehicles, you can carpool. Some of us are very lazy, so if it’s easier, you could even ride your bike. Using less fuel can help the environment drastically. The atmosphere will be less polluted and you will be breathing less bad oxygen. Saving fuel will also save your parents lots of money that can be used on more important things. Don’t you want cleaner air to breathe? In this recession you can be saving money and helping the air. Try it!

__ Summary __ The greenhouse effect and global warming are big contributors as to why the earth is so rapidly changing. The greenhouse effect heats up the earth with the gases that are being radiated back onto earth, methane, and CO₂. Global warming has big contributors such as people not recycling, using too much energy, and using less to save energy. []

YouTube; Global Warming 101: <  [] >

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