Global Warming and the Polar bear

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                                                                                                                                 Bouchouar,         

                

Global Warming and the Polar bear

It was realized that in 1988 that mankind was transforming the atmosphere of our planet (Pearce, 1). Global Warming is a big concern to scientists aside from pollution and is certainly under way. According to the National Academy of Sciences, the Earth's surface temperature has risen by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past century, with accelerated warming during the past two decades. Global warming has risen within the last 50 years because of the result of humans activities. These activities have distorted the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide (EPA, The Climate).  What is the cause of global warming and if it serious what is being done to end it. What will be the effects on earth if global warming continues, and last but not least what is occurring around us at this very moment from global warming? Many of these questions are being asked by scientist and are being researched to find more plausible answers and predictions for us.

Global warming is found to be caused by the greenhouse effect.  The greenhouse effect has been described, by the US Vice President Al Gore, as the potentially most dangerous environmental problem facing mankind, with consequences second only to nuclear war (CS, What is the Greenhouse Effect?). The Green house effect is the process in which gases build up thermal energy in the atmosphere by absorbing infrared radiation (NS, p625).  This process is naturally occurring, it has kept the earth warm enough for the humans to keep living. The earth is about 60% warmer than it would be without the greenhouse effect. If greenhouse gasses were not present it would make the earth’s temperature much cooler because fewer rays would be absorbed. If there is an effect when there are no greenhouse gasses present, there is an effect if there are too many present as well. When too many rays absorbed it causes the earth to warm up leading to global warming. The current problem with the green house effect is that the process has been even more improved. Technology has played a great role over the past 200 years, it has increased emissions of greenhouse gases over the past 200 years. Examples of this would be factories, automobiles, the burning of fossil fuels, cutting down forests and pilling garbage in dumps. Between now and before there were industries, there has been a rise of 30% concentration of carbon dioxide in some regions. These human practices have already changed the chemical make up of the atmosphere. With so many different gasses in the atmosphere, it is starting to have an impact on the weather.  Humans are the leading cause for this phenomenon and our behavior is leading to many problems that are affecting the environment in which we live. If this is what is said could be causing global warming then what is there for the human race to expect in the future?

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Scientist are trying to discover how the changes in the atmosphere will affect the weather. Warming has occurred in both the northern and southern hemispheres, and over the oceans. Confirmation of 20th-century global warming is further substantiated by melting glaciers, decreased snow cover in the northern hemisphere and even warming below ground (EPA, uncertainties). Rising global temperatures are expected to have a big impact on our planet. There will be a change in local climate conditions. Changing regional climate could alter forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It could also affect human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Mosquitoes ...

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