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Today's
Global Crisis
- The average surface temperature of the Earth is a
more hospitable 60 F. However, this may be further disturbed
when concentrations of Greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere continue to increase.
- Some of these Greenhouse gases occur naturally
in the atmosphere, while others result from human
activities.
- Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere
when solid waste, fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and
coal), and wood and wood products are burned.
- Methane is emitted during the production and transport
of coal, natural gas, and oil. Methane emissions
also result from the decomposition of organic wastes
in municipal solid waste landfills, and the raising
of livestock.
- Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and
industrial activities, as well as during combustion
of solid waste and fossil fuels.
- Very powerful greenhouse gases that are not naturally
occurring include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons
(PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which are generated
in a variety of industrial processes.
- Since the beginning of Industrial Revolution,
atmospheric concentrations of Carbon Dioxide have increased
by nearly 30%; Methane concentrations have more
than doubled; and Nitrous Oxide concentration have risen
by about 15%.
- Starting 1979, scientists have generally agreed
that a doubling of atmospheric Carbon Dioxide increases
the Earth's average surface temperature by 3 to 8 F
(1.5 to 4.5 C).
- More recent studies suggested that the warming, aggravated
by continued global population growth, massive deforestation,
fossil fuel combustion, and other human activities,
is likely to occur more rapidly in the years to come.
- As the global temperature continue to rise, sea
level has also risen worldwide. It is likely to
continue to rise by about 2 feet. Evaporation will also
increase which, in turn, will increase average global
precipitation.
- Soil moisture is likely to decline in many regions
in the world, and intense rainstorms are likely
to become more frequent.
- Global Warming poses real risks to mankind.
Though the exact nature of other risks it poses still
remain uncertain.
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