What is Global Warming? Author : yosemite.epa.gov

Global warming is a term used to describe a gradual increase in the earth’s average
ground and atmospheric temperatures across the whole planet. Measurements
indicate that the global temperature has increased by about 1 degree Fahrenheit
in the past century.
This warming trend appeared during a period when human activities were
beginning to increase the carbon dioxide (CO
2
) and other greenhouse gases in
the atmosphere.
Although most scientists believe that a rise in carbon dioxide emissions will lead to
further global warming, uncertainties remain about the timing and severity of resulting
climatic change. Nevertheless, many are convinced that human activities are partly
responsible for the long-term warming of the past century and that climatic changes
caused by greenhouse gas increases will be a continuing part of our future.
They believe there is enough evidence to warrant a sensible approach toward
minimizing the potential consequences of global warming.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a panel of 2,000 scientists con-
vened by the United Nations’ Environment Programme and the World Meteorological
Organization, determined that even if we take steps now to reduce our emissions of
greenhouse gases, the globe could warm up at a rate faster than it has in the past
10,000 years.