CO2 Emissions - Global Warming
There are several gases which contribute to global warming, but CO2 emissions
are the biggest culprit in the greenhouse effect. CO2 is released in great
quantities when fossil fuels are used for energy. It accumulates in the
atmosphere where it traps heat from the earth which would otherwise escape to
outer space.
Most scientists agree that human activity is the cause of global warming. Every
time we drive a car, heat our homes with a fossil fuel like natural gas, or use
electricity generated by a coal burning power plant, we are releasing CO2 into
the atmosphere. CO2 emissions are also caused by human activities like
deforestation -- especially in tropical areas.
CO2 is not the only gas which causes global warming. Methane is also produced in
great quantities by human activities such as farming and raising cattle. Since
the late 1800s, atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased by 30% and methane has
increased by 150%.
CO2 emissions affect everybody on the planet. As global temperatures continue to
rise, we are seeing an increase in disruptive climate conditions. There are more
floods, hurricanes, droughts, and heat waves than in previous generations.
Global warming may also affect sea levels putting coastal cities at risk of
flooding.
New technology is finding ways to limit CO2 emissions. Efficient designs for
burning fossil fuels have resulted in less pollution. CO2, however, still
continues to be produced at the same rate as before, but researchers are
exploring ways to capture it and store it.
Unfortunately, most of the world's economy depends on fossil fuels for producing
energy. Currently 80% of the total energy produced comes from fossil fuels, and
this number is not likely to change considerably in the next 20 or 30 years.
Learning to reduce CO2 emissions is a top priority for many industrialized
countries. Finding alternate energy sources is also an important way to reduce
CO2 emissions.
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