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SAVE THE WORLD: YOU CAN DO IT! THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT

The Greenhouse Effect is the way heat stays in the atmosphere of Earth. When heat reflects off Earth and towards space, greenhouse gases like Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ) and Methane (CH 4 ) absorb the heat and send it back to Earth. This is why there is still heat on Earth at night. Without this effect, we couldn’t survive because we would freeze at night, when there is no heat coming from the sun.

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/global-warming-4.gif

GLOBAL WARMING

THE BIG PICTURE

Global Warming is the release of these greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. When these gases are put into the atmosphere, heat that would have escaped the Earth is absorbed and sent back to Earth. Due to emissions of gases from factories, houses, cars, cows, and many other factors, our planet is slowly heating up. In the past century, we have caused the planet to heat up about 1.3ºF. In the next century, the planet is expected to heat up much more. Some experts predict the planet to heat up temperatures up to 11°F.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS Many things we do in the world today release greenhouse gases to warm the earth. Today, the leading emitter related to humans is landfills. They release large amounts of methane, which is 20 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in polluting the atmosphere. Landfills are accountable for 34% of methane releases. Another major factor is fossil fuel combustion. Fossil fuels burned for energy release large amounts of carbon dioxide. Finally, automobile emissions are a major factor of global warming. When gasoline is burned to make the car move, a lot of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide is released.

http://recycleraccoon.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/landfill.jpg All the trash in the world goes to landfills. These pollute the environment. Can you see all the things that can be recycled in this image?

LOCAL EFFECTS Living near Boston, a coastal city, we will experience many effects of global warming. The sea level is expected to rise up to 3 feet in the next 100 years. This rise will greatly increase the chance of flooding in Boston and Massachusetts. Flooding is expected to cause $26 billion more damage in Boston than without global warming. Parts of Interstate 93 and 95 could fill with water, making it very dangerous and inconvenient to travel to work. Many people living along the coast would have to move from their homes. By 2050, 1.6 million Bostonians will be living on the coast. They will all be at risk of flood damage if we can't stop global warming.

WHAT CAN WE DO DIFFERENTLY?

Many people talk about automobile emissions hurting the environment. Most people use a car or bus to commute to school, but walking or taking a train is much less costly and can help save the environment. Automobile emissions contribute to 32% of US household emissions. If we can remove automobile emissions, we can slow down global warming by 16%. While this seems like an unrealistic goal now, in future years it may be a possibility. For now, what we need to do is save money and the environment by not using cars as much. Commuting to school by car is very expensive, dangerous, and polluting. Living 2 miles from school with a car that gets 20 miles per gallon, you can save $108 a year on gas and 216 lbs. of CO2 walking or biking to school alone! If you multiply that by the number of years you go to school and by the number of students in your family, you can really make a difference. Living 15 miles from work and with a car that gets 20 miles per gallon, you can save $1,125 on gas and 2,250 lbs. of CO2 emissions by using public transportation. Driving to work costs a lot more than a train.

http://www.fwbcsavannah.com/images/148/bicycle_yellow.png A nice bicycle costs as little as $300 and will save you thousands in the long run.

SUMMARY

The greenhouse effect is necessary for our survival. However, like all good things, too much of it can hurt. A warmer planet changes the way we live in many ways. As Earth’s population increases, glaciers melting and taking away land will give us less space to live. Many creatures can die because they can’t adapt quickly enough. You, as one person, can help. You can drive less to release less carbon dioxide into the air. You can advocate this message to your friends and family. By starting a chain reaction of helping the environment, we can make this world a better place for all.  BIBLIOGRAPHY "Tallying Greenhouse Gases From Cars." __Environmental Defense Fund.__ 22 June 2006. 4 June 2009 > <[]> Milligan, Susan. "Study predicts city flood threat due to warming." __The Boston Globe__ 15 February 2005. 4 June 2009

"Report 5: How Do We Contribute To Global Warming?" __Hinkle Charitable Foundation.__ 4 June 2009

 "Transit Savings Calculator." __Public Transportation.__ 3 June 2009 > 

__Fuel Economy.__ 3 June 2009 