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Fossil fuels, such as gasoline, methane, and propane, contain carbon. When fossil fuels are burned they react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide. Due to the increase in consumption of fossil fuels, the amount of carbon dioxide in the air is increasing. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lets light energy in, but less heat energy out, thus producing a 'greenhouse effect'.
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MaxineCarbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere. When levels of CO2 in the atmosphere increase due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, it enhances the natural greenhouse effect, leading to an overall warming of the planet known as global warming.
Fossil fuels such as gasoline, methane and propane contain mostly carbon. When these fuels are burned, they react with oxygen and produce carbon dioxide.
Because of our heavy use of fossil fuels, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has been increasing since the industrial revolution. The destruction of forests which use carbon dioxide also contributes to the increase in carbon dioxide.
Most of the light energy from the sun is emitted in wavelengths shorter than 4,000 nanometers (.000004 meters). The heat energy released from the earth, however, is released in wavelengths longer than 4,000 nanometers. Carbon dioxide doesn't absorb the energy from the sun, but it does absorb some of the heat energy released from the earth. When a molecule of carbon dioxide absorbs heat energy, it goes into an excited unstable state. It can become stable again by releasing the energy it absorbed. Some of the released energy will go back to the earth and some will go out into space. So in effect, carbon dioxide lets the light energy in, but doesn't let all of the heat energy out, similar to a greenhouse.
Currently, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is increasing at the rate of about one part per million per year. If this continues, some meteorologists expect that the average temperature of the earth will increase by about 2.5 degrees Celsius. This doesn't sound like much, but it could be enough to cause glaciers to melt, which would cause coastal flooding.
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Does the scientific consensus support the claim that CO2 does not cause global warming?
No, the scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports the claim that CO2 does cause global warming.
Does the scientific consensus support the claim that CO2 doesn't cause global warming?
No, the scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports the claim that CO2 does cause global warming.
How could people cause global warming?
People can contribute to global warming by burning fossil fuels for energy, which releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Deforestation, agriculture, and industrial processes also release greenhouse gases. As these gases trap heat in the atmosphere, they cause temperatures to rise and contribute to global warming.
What are two human activities that contribute to global worming?
Burning fossil fuels for energy production and transportation releases greenhouse gases like CO2, which trap heat in the atmosphere and cause global warming. Deforestation reduces the planet's ability to absorb CO2, leading to an increase in greenhouse gases and contributing to global warming.
What environmental problem is caused by excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?
Excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to global warming and climate change. This can result in rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruption of ecosystems, impacting both human populations and wildlife.
