Greenhouse Gases and Global Warming

Описание: Fossil fuels, such as gas, oil, and coal, are nonrenewable resources that are used to produce the majority of our world's energy. Since fossil fuels are carbon-based compounds, burning them releases carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that is naturally found in our atmosphere. It is an essential gas- plants need it to perform photosynthesis, and the CO2 in our atmosphere maintains our planet's temperature. Without carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, temperatures would be well below zero at night time- too cold and too extreme to support most life!

Greenhouses gases help to trap heat- just like a blanket. But, since the Industrial Revolution, our massive consumption of fossil fuels has added a considerable amount of CO2 to the atmosphere. This increase in CO2 has resulted in an increase of average temperature- called global warming. Some species are not suited for this environmental change. Global warming threatens biodiversity.

How can we decrease global warming? By decreasing our fossil fuel consumption, we can decrease our carbon footprint. Driving less and investing in renewable sources of energy can help.

We can also plant more trees and reduce deforestation! Trees are large plants that perform photosynthesis and TAKE IN carbon dioxide! Preserving trees can help to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.