"People tend to focus on the here and now. The problem is that, once global warming is something that most people can feel in the course of their daily lives, it will be too late to prevent much larger, potentially catastrophic changes." (Kolbert, The New Yorker, 2005). .
What is Global Warming?.
Global warming is the result of humans releasing heat-trapping gases into our atmosphere to power our modern lives. These gases are called green-house gases, which levels are the highest in the past 650,000 years. This causes the Earth to get warmer and warmer, because the gases trap heat. It is like putting the Earth in a green house, because the gases let light in, but keep heat from escaping. .
The Effects of Global Warming.
The effects of global warming are devastating. The Earth is changing before our very eyes. Glaciers and sea ice are melting, which is rising the sea levels and ruining habitats. The oceans are getting warmer and more acidic, too. This has effected polar bears, whales, and sea plankton. Precipitation around the globe has increased, including stronger hurricanes and tropical storms. There has been extreme weather events such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and wild fires. This has been destructing both animal and human habitats. Animals and insect species are moving and changing survival methods, as well. (EPA, 2013). .
The effects could only get worse as time goes on. Sea levels are expected to rise between seven and 23 inches by the end of the century. Species that depends on each other could become out of sync. For example, flowers may bloom before the insects are active. (National Geographic News, 2007).
The Causes of Global Warming.
Humans are the main cause for global warming. Our lifestyles and activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Most of these come from burning nonrenewable fossil fuels like oil, coal, and fuel.