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.