Bailey, Christine, Epiphany, and Justina

What is Global Warming? Global Warming is a natural increase in temperature each year caused by gases and also involving radiation. The natural increase is about 1 degree Fahrenheit a year, though lately it’s been increasing more rapidly. Ice caps are slowly melting away and water levels are slowly rising because of it. Humans are only making it worse.

What causes Global Warming? Gases absorb infra-red radiation in the atmosphere. This radiation passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, but not into space. This manages to keep the earth 60 degrees warmer than it would be without. In turn, this causes a change in climate.

The Greenhouses gases are: Carbon dioxide Water vapor Methane Nitrous oxide Ozone Hydro fluorocarbons Pere fluorocarbons Sulfur hexafluoride

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Greenhouse Gases Vs. Electricity The more energy we use from power plants, the more problems we have with the ozone layer. Household appliance, run on energy, emit gases. If more people would take advantage of solar energy and other energy alternatives, there would not be nearly as many gases in the air.

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How is today’s lifestyle affecting the environment? Many of the simple things we take for granted in life emit greenhouse gases such as:  Air conditioners and other household appliances  Power plants  Landfills  Cars  Aerosol spray cans  Cigarettes  The constant cutting down of trees- also known as deforestation.

Greenhouses in our Homes and Communities: The greenhouse gases present in our community include-  Methane from landfill buildup and livestock.  Fossil fuels from cars and factories.  Nitrous oxide from agricultural and industrial activities.  CFC’s, HFC’s and PFC’s from air conditioners, refrigerators and foam production.

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What is the Kyoto Protocol? An international agreement to decrease the rate at which carbon dioxide and five other gases are released into the atmosphere. 84 countries are joined, including the US. It was instated by the UN in December of 1997.

What can we do about Global Warming? Better Recycling Programs. Use energy alternatives such as solar energy. Conserve our forests and other natural resources. Reduce our use of harmful materials.

One Love. One Earth.