Causes

Global warming is caused by a process called the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect works like this:

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- Sunlight reaches Earth

- Some energy reflects back into space

- Some absorbs and is re-radiated as heat

- Most heat is absorbed by greenhouse gases and reflected in all directions, warming Earth

 

Some greenhouse gases are:

• water vapor

• carbon dioxide

• methane

• nitrous oxide

• chlorofluorocarbon

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            Another cause is deforestation. You're probably thinking,"What does deforestation have to do with global warming?" Well, it has a LOT to do with global warming! You probably know that plants take in carbon dioxide, letting out oxygen. When we cut or burn these trees, all the carbon dioxide they took in is released back into the air!​

When fossil fuels are burned, the carbon dioxide levels rise, and since carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, it increases the greenhouse effect, causing the Earth to heat up even more!

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            The greenhouse effect is essential , but too much is harmful! Without it, the Earth's surface would be about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, or 33 degrees Celsius cooler. If we release too many greenhouse gases, the planet could begin to show serious effects! Click here to read about the effects of global warming.

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