Reduce Causes of Global Warming by Making Simple Lifestyle Changes

During the past century, carbon dioxide buildup in our atmosphere and subsequent global warming has caused the earth’s average temperature to rise a full degree. This may not seem like much, but such a rapid change in temperature has not occurred in thousands of years. If the causes of global warming aren’t addressed soon, temperatures could rise much more during this century, causing devastating changes in the earth’s already fragile ecosystem. 

Global warming, although only recently recognized as a major ecological issue, probably began near the end of the nineteenth century when carbon dioxide emissions from burning coal, gas, and oil were spewing into our atmosphere at ever-increasing rates. The carbon, which remains in the atmosphere for 100 years or more, traps more and more heat from the sun, creating a “greenhouse effect.” Subsequently, the earth’s temperatures rise, directly resulting in serious changes to our environment .

Already the effects of global warming on wildlife are alarming. Climate changes are sharply felt in arctic regions as ice floes melt away, reducing hunting options for polar bears, and bringing grisly bears further northward. Creatures in all regions of the earth are affected as their habitats are altered by rising temperatures. 

Warmer ocean temperatures have already caused catastrophic shifts in weather patterns causing more category 4 and 5 hurricanes, drought, and increased coastal flooding. Future consequences of the greenhouse effect could include considerable environmental destruction and major health risks.