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Global Warming : The Persistent Rise Of Air And Sea Temperatures

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Global warming refers to the persistent rise of air and sea temperatures. Global temperatures in the 20th century have increased by 0.8 °C (Weart, 2003). There has been a substantial rise of temperatures in the last few decades raising major concerns globally. If the current trends persist, it may be difficult for the earth to sustain life in the next 200 years. Global warming emanates from both human and natural causes. The current state of global warming is mostly related to human causes, as natural causes are rare. Natural causes include volcanic eruptions, changes in solar output, and variation of the earth’s position altering its distance from the sun (Singer & Avery, 2007). Volcanic eruptions do not always cause global warming. In most cases, eruptions cause a cooling effect in the surrounding areas. A volcanic eruption produces and injects sulfate aerosols, as well as, SO2 into the atmosphere. The reaction of these sulphur compounds leads to the formation of gaseous sulfuric acid layer covering the earth’s surface. This acid layers hinders penetration of solar energy. Major concerns should be on human activities that cause global warming since they can be controlled. According to various researches on global warming, production of greenhouse gasses is the major cause of global warming. Greenhouse gasses include water vapor, methane (CH4) carbon dioxide (CO2), chlorofluorocarbons and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gasses absorb heat; thus, causing global warming. Methane

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