What
is the greenhouse effect?
To understand
global warming you first need to know about the greenhouse
effect. The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that
controls the balance of heat within the earth's atmosphere.
It is the process whereby the natural layer of gases in
our atmosphere trap a small percentage of the sun's radiation
reflected from the earth's surface. Without the greenhouse
effect, the average surface temperature would be about -18
degrees Celsius.
What
is global warming?
Global
warming is the worldwide warming of the atmosphere.
What
causes global warming?
Global
warming is caused by the increases in the amount of carbon
dioxide and other gases being released into the atmosphere
by the burning of fossil fuels. These gases add to the natural
greenhouse effect. Causing global temperatures to rise.
What
problems are caused by global warming?
- Sea
levels will rise due to the melting of the ice caps. This
will cause flooding in many low-lying area of the world.
These areas include Bangladesh, East Anglia (England)
and The Netherlands.
What
are the benefits of global warming?
- Heating
bills will reduce in some areas of the world.