by Alex Kiss

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The Earth’s surface is heated primarily by sunlight

It radiates long wavelength photons of
Infrared (IR)

Certain “greenhouse” gases trap some escaping radiation, exciting them to vibrate and rotate, effectively heating the air. Examples: CO
2
, CH
4
, N
2
O, O
3
, H
2
O

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Without this natural “greenhouse effect” acting as a blanket, temperatures near the surface would be around -18°C (0°F)
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Instead the average is 15°C (59°F), which is warm enough to assure a liquid ocean and conditions suitable for life

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
Since the Industrial Revolution, atmospheric concentrations of naturally occurring greenhouse gases:
– Carbon dioxide has increased by 30%
– Methane has more than doubled
– Nitrous oxide has risen by more than 15%
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons
(PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF
6
), are unnatural and highly effective greenhouse gases generated in a variety of industrial processes.

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

Combustion of fossil fuels to run cars and trucks, heat homes and businesses, and power factories contributes to:
– 98% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions
– 24% of methane emissions
– 18% of nitrous oxide emissions
Methane is emitted during the production and transport of coal, natural gas, and oil, from the decomposition of organic wastes in landfills, and from the raising of livestock.
Nitrous oxide is emitted during industrial and agricultural activities as well as the combustion of solid wastes and fossil fuels.

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Average global surface temperature has increased 0.5-1.0% since the end of the 19 th century.
The 20 th century’s 10 warmest years occurred in the last 15 years of the century, 1998 being the warmest.
Snow cover in the northern hemisphere and floating ice in the Arctic Ocean have decreased.
Globally, sea level has risen 4-8 inches over the last century

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
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Increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases are likely to accelerate the rate of climate change.
Scientists believe average global surface temperatures could rise by 2.2-10°F in the next century.
Evaporation will increase in the next century, increasing average global precipitation. Also,
Intense rainstorms are likely to become more frequent.
Sea level is likely to rise two feet along most of the U.S coast.