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Our climate has changed many times during the planet’s history, with events ranging from ice ages to long periods of warmth. Historically, natural factors such as volcanic eruptions, changes in the Earth’s orbit, and the amount of energy released from the Sun have affected the planet’s climate. Beginning late in the 18th century, human activities associated with the Industrial Revolution have also changed the composition of the atmosphere and therefore very likely are influencing the Earth’s climate.
Greenhouse gases are necessary to life as we know it, because they keep the planet’s surface warmer than it otherwise would be. But, as the concentrations of these gases continue to increase in the atmosphere, the Earth’s temperature is climbing above past levels.The eight warmest years on record (since 1850) have all occurred since 1998, with the warmest year being 2005. Most of the warming in recent decades is very likely the result of human activities.
Scientists have observed that some changes are already occurring. Observed effects include sea level rise, shrinking glaciers, changes in the range and distribution of plants and animals, trees blooming earlier, lengthening of growing seasons, ice on rivers and lakes freezing later and breaking up earlier, and thawing of permafrost. Another key issue being studied is how societies and the Earth’s environment will adapt to or cope with climate change.
In the United States, scientists believe that most areas will to continue to warm, although some will likely warm more than others. It remains very difficult to predict which parts of the country will become wetter or drier, but scientists generally expect increased precipitation and evaporation, and drier soil in the middle parts of the country. Northern regions such as Alaska are expected to experience the most warming. In fact, Alaska has been experiencing significant changes in climate in recent years that may be at least partly related to human caused global climate change.
Human health can be affected directly and indirectly by climate change in part through extreme periods of heat and cold, storms, and climate-sensitive diseases such as malaria, and smog episodes.
Climate Change is one of the most serious environmental problems facing the Planet Earth. Many are seeking ways to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions contributing to this problem. Some people are looking for simple, everyday steps. Other are ready to try new things and new ideas.Together, we will find the best way to fight the Global Warming and make our Planet a better place to live!
There are quite a few things that can be done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.That will help with the improvement of the current ecological situation and will save some money too.
1. Change the bulbs.Use the bulbs that have an ENERGY STAR and you will help the environment and save money on the electric bills.
2. Look for ENERGY STAR products: these products are safer to use, spend less energy, made from environmentally safe materials.
3.Recycle your newspapers, beverage containers, paper and other goods.
4.Reduce the water usage.It is simple: Be smart when irrigating your lawn or landscape; only water when needed and do it during the coolest part of the day, early morning is best. Turn the water off while shaving or brushing teeth. Do not use your toilet as a waste basket – water is wasted with each flush.
5.Convince your family and friends to do the same.
6. When buying a vehicle, find out information about the emissions and fuel economy performance, because the burning of fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and contributes to climate change, but these emissions can be reduced by improving your car’s fuel efficiency.To do so and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, go easy on the brakes and gas pedal, avoid hard accelerations, reduce time spent idling and unload unnecessary items in your trunk to reduce weight.