Combating Global Warming

More and more often, global warming reports warn that our days will grow warmer and warmer due to the thinning of the ozone layer. Many don't realize the far-reaching ramifications of global warming and how it affects more than just the weather. How do we stop such a threat to biodiversity? Is it too late?

Global warming is caused by what are called 'greenhouse gases' that are created by carbon dioxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons, more commonly known as pollution. Atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases have risen to staggering levels. But the effect does more than just heat us up. Irreversible climate changes are occurring; polar ice caps are melting. As evaporation increases so does rainfall around the globe, and flooding is already becoming commonplace in many locations around the world.

Fossil fuels that release nitrogen oxides continue to contribute to global warming and acid rain. Coal burning plants and factories around the world continue to belch sulfur dioxides and our cars burn gas and oil. These oxides fall either as dry acid or in moist air as nitric acid that creates components of acid rain. Studies have shown that rain falling in much of eastern North America is 30 to 40 times more acidic than in was 30 years ago.

Fine, nearly invisible particles of carbon black, metallic fumes and smog hover in the air and can contribute to respiratory disorders and lung cancers.

Today, the forests of Eastern Europe receive more than ten times normal levels of nitrogen caused by pollution. Abnormal nitrogen balance in aquatic ecosystems is also disrupting the balance of life in lakes, rivers and swamplands. One fact is certain: the task of preventing accelerated global warming, every country will need to work together.