Global Warming

GLOBAL WARMING the meaning...

Global warming is the increase in the increase temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans in the recent decades and its projected continuation. Global Warming is caused by many things. The main cause is a release of methane gas from arctic tundra and wetlands. Methane is a greenhouse gas. A greenhouse gas is a gas that traps heat in the earth's atmosphere. Another natural cause is that the earth goes through a cycle of climate change. This climate change usually lasts about 40,000 years.
There are many man-made causes. Pollution is one of the biggest man-made problems. Pollution comes in many shapes and sizes. Burning fossil fuels is one thing that causes pollution. Fossil fuels are fuels made of organic matter such as coal, or oil. When fossil fuels are burned they give off a green house gas called CO2. Also mining coal and oil allows methane to escape. Methane is naturally in the ground. When coal or oil is mined you have to dig up the earth a little. When you dig up the fossil fuels you dig up the methane as well.
Another major man-made cause of Global Warming is population. More people means more food, and more methods of transportation, right? That means more methane because there will be more burning of fossil fuels, and more agriculture. Now your probably thinking, "Wait a minute, you said agriculture is going to be damaged by Global Warming, but now you're saying agriculture is going to help cause Global Warming?" Well, have you ever been in a barn filled with animals and you smell something terrible? You're smelling methane. Another source of methane is manure. Because more food is needed we have to raise food. Animals like cows are a source of food which means more manure and methane. Another problem with the increasing population is transportation. More people means more cars, and more cars means more pollution. Also, many people have more than one car.Since CO2 contributes to global warming, the increase in population makes the problem worse because we breathe out CO2. Also, the trees that convert our CO2 to oxygen are being demolished because we're using the land that we cut the trees down from as property for our homes and buildings. We are not replacing the trees (an important part of our eco system), so we are constantly taking advantage of our natural resources and giving nothing back in return.

EFFECTS

Plains
The plains will have a lot more fires than expected because of global warming. Global Warming will add extra heat to that region, in addition to the heat they already have there.

Coastal
The coastal regions will flood because of all the extra rain.
This will cause many inhabitants to leave their homes and flee.

Polar
A large portion of the Polar Ice Cap might melt making sea level
rise 16-20 feet. A rise of 20 feet in the sea level could cover most
of the state of Florida.

Forests
Some forests will dry up and becomedeserts by the middle of this new century. Also because of the increase in thunderstorms there could be more forest fires because of the lightning and the dry wood from the trees.

Mountains
The snow covered mountain peaks will probably melt causing floods and very dangerous mudslides.

Deserts
Most deserts will become much hotter than they usually are making it much harder to cross than it is today.

Fringe
A fringe land, which is the fertile area in between a desert, such as an oasis, will probably dry up.

RECREATION

As Global Warming hits, we may not be able to do some of the activities we used to. Of the big outdoor activities, swimming and fishing, they will be limited with water. If you have a favorite water-hole to fish and swim in, it could dry up. Some other problems are safety and health. We will have to wear sunscreen more often than we used to. Also, we will need to drink more water when we do physical activities outside. From gardening, to bike-riding or jogging, you should take a water bottle with you.If you are unprepared to go outside, you could get a sunburn or become dehydrated. Some people will probably stay indoors more often and some may love the extra heat and the sun shining more often. They may go outside more. If you are outside a lot you could risk getting skin cancer. This risk will most likely increase with the warming.

HEALTH

Malaria
Malaria is a disease that will increase during global warming. It is one of the earliest recorded human diseases, and is spread by the bite of a female mosquito. Mosquitoes breed in warm, wet places. With the increase of rain and warmth during global warming, the population of mosquitoes will increase, making the risk of getting this disease also increase. Malaria means "bad air" in Italian referring to the time when people thought that it was caused by gases around areas where mosquitoes thrive.When you are bitten by a infected mosquito, it sends parasites into your bloodstream. These parasites keep reproducing, making the disease more devastating. Symptoms are fever and chills that come and go, headache, weakness, and an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen could rupture, or require surgery to remove. People can live without a spleen, but not having one increases the risk of infections or other problems.

Hanta Virus
The Hanta Virus is a deadly respiratory disease carried by wild rodents. With Global Warming, the population of rodents will soar because there will be long periods of drought followed by warm, early spring, and rodents thrive in these climate conditions.If you come in contact with a rodent or if you breathe air that contains their waste you could get the virus. Dogs and cats are not known to carry the Hanta Virus. People most likely to get it are people who work in fields, or install and fix things in basements or attics where rodents can nest.Some symptoms may be flu-like symptoms with fever and chills, you may have a dry cough, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. You could experience fatigue and have a hard time breathing because your lungs could fill with fluid.

Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the main cancer concerns of the world when Global Warming hits. The skin cancer people get most is melanoma. Though melanoma is the most common, it is also the most curable and and can even be prevented. Early discovery is very important. If you have moles that are bothering you or are doing weird things such as changing size, shape, color, or if they bleed constantly, you should consult a doctor.To prevent skin cancer you should wear sunscreen and stay in the shade. You should also wear light color clothing and a hat so your head and body can stay safe. You should steer clear of tanning salons, their tanning beds have the same ultraviolet rays as the sun. Remember, stay safe so you can fun in the sun.