7. Global Warming  (Greenhouse Effect)
 
Definition:
 
Global Warming is an increase in the average temperature of the Earth's surface, which occurs following an increase in greenhouse gases.  These gases are any of several dozen heat-trapping (radioactively active) trace gases in the earth's atmosphere, which absorb infrared Radiation. The two major greenhouse gases are water vapor and Carbon Dioxide; lesser greenhouse gases include Methane, ozone (O3), CFCs, and nitrogen oxides.  United States Geological Survey
 
What are some of the problems related to this issue?
 
Human activities are causing some greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, to build up in the atmosphere. Whenever we burn fossil fuels (gasoline, oil, coal or natural gas), more carbon dioxide is emitted to the atmosphere. Forest destruction and agriculture also release greenhouse gases. Green Networld, 2004
 
Global warming blamed for Ukrainian flooding. Flooding in the Ukraine, Hungary and Romania killed seven people and left 50,000 people homeless. Across Russia, some 52,000 people lost their homes in the floods. The Ukrainian Environment Minister blamed global warming for the severity of the flooding in the region. ABC News March15, 2001, Moscow Times May 17 2001
 
Auto and truck emissions contribute 20 to 30 percent of the U.S. global greenhouse gases. New Transportation Vision
 

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