Global warming is a concern to all people throughout the world (I). And it should be a concern. Not only are people affected by global warming, but there is new evidence that shows people have caused most of the warming changes over recent years. The earth and the people who live on it need greenhouse gas (II). Some, but not all, of greenhouse gas occurs naturally in the atmosphere. As the sun heats the earth responds by returning or radiating some of the sun's energy back into space (III). As the energy is returned, greenhouse gases in the atmosphere - water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane - retain some of the heat in the atmosphere and, as a result, make our earth have a warmer temperature than it would without the absorption (IV).

When greenhouse gas increases, the ability of the gas to trap heat increases and the earth surface temperature becomes warmer. Our earth’s surface temperature has been increasing over the past century, especially in the last couple of decades. Many attribute this change to often the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted into the atmosphere. Changes in emissions began to occur when the Industrial Revolution began in America. America is known as a fossil fuel country because of its use of that kind of fuel in heating homes, powering vehicles, and maintaining factories. Oil, coal, and natural gas are all considered fossil fuels and when these fuels are burned the carbon dioxide they emit is released into the air. The same is true when wood is burned. As carbon dioxide is trapped in the atmosphere, changes in temperature occur.

The causes of something are one matter, but effects are another. When the gasses are absorbed in the atmosphere, climate changes occur. Temperatures rise, evaporation increases, and precipitation also increases to an upward spiral. Sometimes the soil moisture declines and sometimes rainstorms become intense and sea levels rise. What has been observed is the melting of glaciers and decreased amounts of snow-fall in the colder regions of the earth.

Projecting actual changes and the effects of those changes over the next several centuries cannot be accomplished with exactness. Not only will the overall effects be difficult to predict, the real problem comes in predicting the effects on regions and specific localities. For example, the scientists know that if global warming makes the ocean temperatures warmer then the result can be hurricanes of more intensity and frequency. The causes of global warming are known but the exact results and the degrees of the results aren’t. Uncertainty as to the gravity and extent of global warming will continue until some certainty is extracted from factual, current, and objective data.

Although uncertainty is a serious concern, there are things people can do. If there is a “no ozone” day in your community, try to adhere to the guidelines set forth by government officials. Don’t burn leaves and don’t drive unless it is necessary. Carpooling is good not only on “no ozone” days, but all the time. Don’t continue to send unnecessary items to the landfills. Recycle. And plant trees—for shade and cooling—as well as for decorative purposes. A better environment can help everyone—now and in the future.