Carbon dioxide and methane (as well as other gases) in the atmosphere trap heat from the Sun close to the Earth's surface, warming the atmosphere. Combustion of fossil fuels is the largest anthropogenic, or manmade, source of carbon dioxide. From 1860-1994, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rose from 280 to more than 350 parts per million. A network of scientists organized by the United Nations predicts that by 2100, if emissions are not reduced, global temperatures and sea levels will increase, islands and shorelines could be inundated, climate zones could shift, and weather could grow more turbulent. To address the issue of climate change, countries from around the world met in Kyoto, Japan in 1997 to develop a binding agreement to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from industrialized countries.
What is the greenhouse effect, and how does it work?
Are global warming and the greenhouse effect the same?
What are the main greenhouse gases, and what are the natural and anthropogenic sources of these gasses?
What is the present level of atmospheric carbon dioxide? Why has carbon dioxide concentration risen since 1860?
What are some predicted environmental damages if carbon dioxide emissions are not reduced?
Based on scholarly research, how certain do you need to be about future predictions before acting on this problem? Discuss computer models or another form of predictive research.