Global Warming

Unimaginable Destruction Global warming is not a sci-fi creation, but a harsh reality that may one day lead to the extinction of many species including mankind if preventative measures are not taken. Like most diseases humans face, early detection is key to treating and preventing the problem from escalating out of control. If measures to combat global warming are not taken immediately the earth may become uninhabitable and ruined forever. Although the earth has gone through natural climate changes throughout its life span; the latest global warming may be the most destructive to life on earth. The Earth has cycled through many phases of warming and cooling over its billions of years of existence due to the greenhouse effect. There are two types of greenhouse effects on earth the “natural” and the “man-made”. The “natural” greenhouse effect has kept the Earth’s climate warm and habitable, therefore, allowing living organism to thrive in the perfect living conditions. On the other hand, there is the “man-made” greenhouse effect, which are greenhouse gasses added by humans. The added greenhouse gasses come from burning fossil fuels (mainly coal, petroleum, and natural gas). The greenhouse effect traps some infrared radiation within the earth’s atmosphere from escaping back into space; therefore, keeping the earth warm. By adding more greenhouse gasses we are trapping more radiation, therefore, allowing more heat to be stored within the planet causing temperatures to rise. The gas most affected by human life is CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) .According to Anthony Barnosky, “since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the CO2 concentration has increased by 36 percent”. As third world countries continue to become more industrialized the amount of CO2 produced will continue to grow. Larger more developed countries must lead by example in implementing stricter emissions laws. Those countries must also continue to fund research to find alternative fuels to be used by