Now more than ever we can see the effects of global warming. On the news today t
ID: 539109 • Letter: N
Question
Now more than ever we can see the effects of global warming. On the news today there was a story about the temperatures reaching so high that it is melting plastic products, such as recycling bins, mailbox posts, and fences. The sea levels as well as temperatures are rising at a rate now faster than ever before. According to the NASA website, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere had never been above 300 parts per million until the 1900s, and reaching above the 400 parts per million mark today. While there have always been recorded periods of the Earth's average temperatures being higher and lower, causing Ice Ages and major droughts, it seems to me as though it will not improve into a cycle of Ice Age again, as we have pushed the planet too far. The carbon dioxide causes the heat to be trapped in Earth's atmosphere, therefore the rising amount of CO2 in the atmosphere will prevent the Earth from cooling once again. It is inevitable that the larger our population gets the more likely global warming with continue to harshly affect our environment. Scientific studies show that cars take to top position to emitting the most greenhouse gases: although we are making advancements in car production to "go green, " Research says that global warming has been prominent since the 1950s. The influences we make on climate change must change because climate change could be a killer to more and more natural systems or lives.Explanation / Answer
Carbon dioxide levels are increasing in the Atmosphere. Detailed measurements of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels have been taken continuously for more than 50 years. The data show that CO2 levels have steadily increased every year. Today they are 25 percent higher than in 1957.
What's more, scientists have detailed records of past CO2 levels from ice core studies, which show that CO2 levels are higher today than at any point since our distant ancestors began migrating out of Africa 800,000 years ago.
CO2 absorbs heat reflected from the Earth’s surface — heat that would otherwise pass freely into space. The CO2 then releases that heat, warming the Earth’s atmosphere.
As CO2 levels increase, the pace of warming accelerates. Satellite measurements confirm that less heat is escaping the atmosphere today than 40 years ago. Though other heat-trapping gases also play a role, CO2 is the primary contributor to global warming.
Related Questions
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.