Global Warming: Cooling Then Warming

Global Warming: Cooling Then Warming

  • Submitted By: sinner
  • Date Submitted: 12/05/2008 6:38 AM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 631
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 712

By definition, global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the atmosphere, oceans, and landmasses of the planet Earth. Since its existence, the planet has warmed and cooled various times. Presently, the Earth is going through a period of warming due to an increase in temperatures, which most scientists believe is global warming is a result of human actions. The main cause of warming is thought to be the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. And as the atmosphere becomes abundant in these chemicals, it retains more and more of the heat provided by the Sun and this causes temperatures to increase. The question that arises is whether this global warming is causing hurricanes or the hurricanes the global warming?
The fact that global warming is real can be easily proved because its effects can be seen all around the world. Its effects can be seen in North America with its disappearing ice, starving polar bears, and wayward whale migrations. Residents of towns from Latin America to Southeast Asia see it in lethal hurricanes, landslides, and floodwaters. It can be seen in Europe in its vanishing alpine glaciers, Mediterranean droughts, and freak storms Specifically, global warming is already affecting the weather, sea levels, and glacier
An environmental effect of global warming is the fact that higher temperatures will lead to a change in the water cycle. Some places may experience more rain. Warmer temperatures will cause a greater amount of evaporation from lakes, rivers, and oceans. In some areas this could be good, and in others it could be considered bad. In northern regions of the United States, an increase in the temperature and amount of rain could actually extend the growing season of crops. This would in turn mean more money for farmers in the northern region. It could also hurt some farmers. Too much rain is bad for some crops....

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