Global warming and its implications on humans
Greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming, have increased by 31% since
preindustrial times. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere,
raising global temperatures. Although there are natural sources of carbon dioxide, such as
volcanic eruptions, human activities have caused an increase from 280 parts per million before
the development of industrialization to 390 parts per million now. Other greenhouse gases that
have contributed to a 0.6 degree Celsius increase in global air surface temperature in recent
decades include methane and nitrous oxide, both of which are produced by human activity.
Studies show that human activities are still likely to cause a 1.7 to 4.9 degree Celsius increase in
global temperatures by 2100.
Carbon Dioxide and Global Warming
Carbon dioxide regulates temperature by absorbing infrared radiation, which is carried by the air
molecules of carbon dioxide. Visible radiation from the sun can pass right through carbon dioxide
and other gases in the atmosphere without being seen. However, much of the energy in the
infrared spectrum is reradiated by the earth. These rays are strongest at wavelengths that are quite
near to the main absorption band of carbon dioxide's spectrum (13 to 17 microns). Carbon dioxide
concentrations over a certain threshold make even the weaker absorption bands more effective,
allowing for higher absorption of infrared radiation in the process. The stored radiation heats the
atmosphere because the carbon dioxide blanket prevents it from escaping into space.
Causes of Global Warming
Global warming looms large over humanity. Worldwide greenhouse gas emissions attributed to
human activities increased twenty six percent in last three decads. The rise in carbon dioxide
Greenhouse gases, which contribute to global warming, have increased by 31% since
preindustrial times. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere,
raising global temperatures. Although there are natural sources of carbon dioxide, such as
volcanic eruptions, human activities have caused an increase from 280 parts per million before
the development of industrialization to 390 parts per million now. Other greenhouse gases that
have contributed to a 0.6 degree Celsius increase in global air surface temperature in recent
decades include methane and nitrous oxide, both of which are produced by human activity.
Studies show that human activities are still likely to cause a 1.7 to 4.9 degree Celsius increase in
global temperatures by 2100.
Carbon Dioxide and Global Warming
Carbon dioxide regulates temperature by absorbing infrared radiation, which is carried by the air
molecules of carbon dioxide. Visible radiation from the sun can pass right through carbon dioxide
and other gases in the atmosphere without being seen. However, much of the energy in the
infrared spectrum is reradiated by the earth. These rays are strongest at wavelengths that are quite
near to the main absorption band of carbon dioxide's spectrum (13 to 17 microns). Carbon dioxide
concentrations over a certain threshold make even the weaker absorption bands more effective,
allowing for higher absorption of infrared radiation in the process. The stored radiation heats the
atmosphere because the carbon dioxide blanket prevents it from escaping into space.
Causes of Global Warming
Global warming looms large over humanity. Worldwide greenhouse gas emissions attributed to
human activities increased twenty six percent in last three decads. The rise in carbon dioxide
