May 04 2008

Global Warming 101 Posted by Angela Baker in global warming, environmental protection agency

 

We hear about global warming all the time.  It is a highly debated topic, and one that has sparked action regarding renewable energy sources, environmentally friendly products, and a whole host of other things.  But what is it? 

E.ON UK defines global warming as "A rise in the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere due to the increase in certain gases in the atmosphere."  Gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and others, cause a gradual warming of the atmosphere, resulting in rising sea levels and an expansion of desert regions throughout the Earth.

In the United States, policies have been made to reduce the affects of these gases on our environment.  The Environmental Protection Agency vigilantly works to safeguard us from the adverse results that could potentially ensue if our atmosphere continues to deteriorate.  Steps, such as vehicle emissions testing, have been put in place to regulate the harmful gases being emitted into the air through means of transportation. 

Regulatory agencies can only do so much, however, without the help of the people partaking of the environment.  As each person takes an active stance to protect the Earth, we can minimize the negative effects and do our part in curbing the hazardous materials emitted in order to diminish the currently rising temperatures.