The cause of global warming

As part of the normal workings of nature, a certain amount of greenhouse gases in earth’s atmosphere traps heat in the earth’s atmosphere and keeps the temperature on earth’s surface within a comfortable range for human habitation.  But rapid economic developments by humans created an excessive amount of chemical and air pollution, particularly the disproportionate level of carbon dioxide produced as a result of burning fossil fuel.  Once these pollutants rise to the sky, they change the composition of the atmosphere, and increased the level of greenhouse gases, which traps in the long wave radiation released by the earth surface that would normally escape the atmosphere into space.  With more and more heat being trapped by the increasing greenhouse gases, the end result is the man made greenhouse effect that leads to the earth’s rising surface temperature.
Within the brief 150 years since the industrial revolution, the earth’s average surface temperature has increased by 0.8 degrees Celsius.  In fact, average temperature around the world within the last few decades of the 20th century was higher than any time within the last 400 years.  Many scientific data have also proven the true cause of global warming is indisputably tied to human development.

Where we are
 Global average temperature rose by 0.6 degrees Celsius in the last 100 years.
 Sea level has risen 15 to 25 centimeters globally, and it is still rising.
 By summer of 2007, the arctic ice cap has shrunk by one-third, the most severe in any year.
 The glacier on the European Alps has retracted by 40%, and is expected to disappear completely before 2050.
 Lake Chad, the largest lake in Africa, has shrunk by 90% over the last 40 years, which will leave 20 million people with no source of drinking water.
 Of the 25 African glaciers, 18 have completely disappeared within the last 30 years.

A global crisis
 By the end of 21st century, average global temperature will rise by another 2 to 4.5 degrees Celsius.
 Sea level around the globe will rise by another 18 to 58 centimeters.
 Climate change will be more dramatic, resulting in more droughts, floods and hurricanes.
 As much as 25% to 40% of living species on earth will disappear permanently
 More fatal bacteria and virus will cause more spread of infectious diseases, impacting global living environment and human health.

Strategies for global warming
 Start developing good habits that conserve natural resources and energy in everyday living.
 Diligently shut off lights, computer and appliances when not in use.
 Conserve water use, and recycle water whenever possible.
 Whenever possible, use public transportation, ride bicycle, or walk.
 If you must drive a car, carpool whenever possible.
 Choose energy conserving appliances, environmentally friendly products, and fuel-efficient transportation.
 Lower the use of air conditioning, and raise the preset temperature on AC, and lower the setting on heaters.
 Whenever possible, use natural lighting and natural ventilation, and reduce dependence on air conditioners.
 Use high illumination efficiency and low energy consumption lighting equipment.
 Plant more fast-growing trees and plants to absorb carbon dioxide.
 Set up as well as use more renewable energy, such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, wave energy, hydrogen energy, fuel cell batteries, so as to reduce dependency on fossil fuel.
 Design incentive programs for developing new energy conserving products.
 Become a vegetarian and help cut greenhouse gases and desertification caused by pastures.
 Educate others on the critical nature of global warming and the available strategies.
 Start carbon reduction campaigns, anyone can do it!