Can you explain to me in simple language my questions about global warming?

Question

1.) What caused the global warming?
2.) What can the government do to slow it down?
3.) What can the individual do to slow it down?
4.) Should we be afraid of it, or will it not get that bad in our lifetime?

I will give 10 pts. to person who addresses all of the questions in easy to understand language.

Thanks!

Answer 1

1.) Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As solar radiation enters the atmosphere, it has very high energy, which is how it gets through the atmosphere. However, as the sun's rays strike the earth's surface some of their energy is absorbed by the earth. With this loss of energy, the reflected rays are no longer able to escape earth's atmosphere and become trapped in the atmosphere. The problem is carbon dioxide and other fossil fuel emmissions which thicken the atmosphere and trap even more of the sun's reflected rays, which causes warming. The other thing to consider is the polar ice caps. The ice caps are very good at reflecting alot of the sun's rays back into space, but as they melt all of that enery is staying here on earth, which causes more warming, which causes the ice caps to melt faster.

2.) The government can help the problem by leading the way. First, Americans need to urge the US government to sign the Kyoto treaty, which is a pledge to drastically reduce emmissions of greenhouse gases. The government also should create incentives for people to live more sustainably. For example, they should give more tax breaks for individuals and businesses who buy efficient cars or renewable energy like solar and wind power, instead of giving tax breaks to energy companies that try to conceal global warming. Government vehicles should operate on alternative fuel too. Lastly, everyone should urge thier city leaders to implement the Natural Step method, which is a set of guidelines describing how individuals, businesses, and communities can live a more sustainable lifestyle (learn about the Natural Step at www.naturalstep.org).

3.) Judging by how long it is taking for governments to take control of climate change, it is obvious that individuals are the ones who need to take charge and make changes. First, replace icandescent bulbs with efficient flourecent bulbs. Drive less, and when you do drive, use an efficient vehicle. If you can afford a hybrid car that is the best way to go, but even if you don't have a hybrid, there are steps you can take. Keep your car tuned-up, because a well maintained car is more efficient. Also, change your driving habits; follow the speed limit, accelerate slowly, and do no drive faster than 65mph. You can also make your home more energy efficient by adding insulation. Also, buy organic food if you know where to find it. Organic food is grown without any fertilizer, and fertilizer requires alot of energy to make and pollutes the ground water. And also strive to get governments to make changes. I know I already said that, but it is very important. Also, urge others to make changes. Finally, learn as much as possible about global warming. Never stop learning more.

4.) Yes, we should be very afraid of it, because it is amazing how many people think we shouldn't be afraid, which is why the issue keeps getting brushed aside. A recent study has shown that if drastic changes aren't made immediatly, the polar ice caps will no longer have any summer ice by the year 2040. We also need to remember that our children will have to deal with it if we don't, and by then it may be too late.

How to learn more:
Watch "An Inconvenient Truth"-This movie will change the way you think about climate change.
Visit these sites:
www.naturalstep.org
www.climatecrisis.net
www.undoit.org

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

1. Mostly, if not totally, radiation from the sun. The sun is the source of almost all the Earth's heat. Greenhouse gases insulate the Earth. Water vapor makes up about 95% of greenhouse gases. The total human contribution is about 0.28%, including transportation, and energy. The 1.5 billion cattle in the world contribute far more to greenhouse gas emissions than humans.

Also, consider that the Earth is always either warming or cooling, and has been cycling between warming and cooling, for millions of years.

2. The government cannot do anything to significantly slow down greenhouse gas emissions, much less global warming.

3. Even less.

4. It will not be noticeable in our lifetime. Additionally, we should not be afraid of it to the point that we take costly and futile measures to try to affect it. We do not have any significant control over it.

Answer 3

1)Global warming is a natural cycle of the earth.

2)The Government could control emissions to slow down the cycle thus slowing down the nation's economy and putting people out of work.

3)An individial is best to live a normal life and not worry about it because its a normal cycle.

4)We should be afraid of an ice age once we stop polluting the atmosphere.

Answer 4

1) Global warming is caused by many sources. Volcanic activity, methane released from many sources, and the one that most of us know about is humans, ie. burning fossil fuels, spraying ozone depleting agents into the atmosphere (CFCs).
2) The government can help by providing more money to research and development of alternative energy sources (ex. solar, wind power). Also by rewarding companies that are environmentally friendly and stiffer fines on the ones that are not.
3) Plain and simply -Reduce, use less plastics, paper products, gas, electricity, etc. - Reuse, - Recycle.... Three words to live by.
4)Yes you should be afraid, more for your grandchildren. We are currently seeing the effects of our grandfathers and look at all the chaos it has brought us.

Answer 5

1) a layer that helps sheild the earth from the sun is starting to dissolve and its causing the earth to get hotter
2)the government can stop using some of the things that they use to do mass transportation of things (whatever they might do, im not sure, im not too knowledgeable about government business)
3) stop using cars and things that use gas (the smoke causes the zone to dissolve faster than what it should be
4) we shouldn't be afraid of it, but we should be afraid for our kids. its definateley will be a problem for them

I hope thats simple enough for you :)