Artifact Five: Global Warming

"Natural Resources Defense Council." Natural Resources Defense Council 9 January 2006. http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/f101.asp 22 January 2006


Global Warming is caused by air pollution, mainly Carbon Dioxide collecting in the atmosphere. It acts as a "thickening blanket" to trap the sun's rays. This consequently causes the planet to get warmer. The largest source of U.S. Carbon Dioxide pollution is in coal burning power plants. They produce 2.5 billion tons per year. The second largest source of carbon dioxide pollution is automobiles. They create about 1.5 billion tons annually. Although the U.S. only has 4% of the worlds population, we produce 25% of the carbon dioxide pollution from fossil fuel burning. This is more than any other nation. "In fact, the United States emits more carbon dioxide than China, India, and Japan, combined."

Global warming is causing many bad things to happen. "In 2002, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon endured their worst wildfire seasons ever." Also in 2002, the droughts caused major dust storms in Montana, Colorado, and Kansas and major flooding in Texas, Montana, and North Dakota. Another effect of global warming is that since 1950 the snow accumulation has declined 60% and the winter season has shortened in many areas of the Cascade Range in Oregon and Washington. Global warming is also causing hurricanes to worsen. With the higher ocean temperatures, hurricanes can pick up more energy, which makes them much more powerful.

Global warming is a big deal. People need to know the consequences that will occur if they don't take action. Glaciers will melt and early snow melt will cause serious drought and water shortages in America's west. Rising sea levels will cause flooding on the Eastern seaboard in Florida and in many other areas such as the Gulf of Mexico. Imagine how many people could be become homeless. It would be a catastrophe. The warmer sea temperatures will cause more dangerous hurricanes in the southeastern Atlantic and Gulf coast. "Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests and more mosquito- borne diseases." Habitats will be disrupted and it will drive many plant and animal species to extinction.