Guided Notes on the Human Factor Chapter 14, Section 4

1. The retention of heat by the atmosphere results in the greenhouse effect, which is the natural heating of Earth’s surface caused by certain atmospheric gases called greenhouse gases.

2. Scientists theorize that it is possible to increase or decrease the greenhouse effect by changing the amount of atmospheric greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide. This can lead to a rise in global temperatures, known as global warming.

3. If the current trend of rising global temperatures continues, polar ice caps might melt, sea level might rise and flood coastal cities, deserts could spread into fertile regions, and the frequency of storms could increase.

4. Scientists still disagree about what is causing global warming. However, mounting evidence indicates that the warming trend is a result of increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide.

5. Automobile exhaust is a prime source of atmospheric CO2. Almost any process that involves the burning of fossil fuels results in the release of carbon dioxide.

6. Deforestation, the mass removal of trees, plays a role in increasing levels of atmospheric CO2 because vegetation removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

7. Individuals can combat global warming by conserving energy, which reduces consumption of fossil fuels.