Global warming refers to the increase in the average temperature of the air near the Earth’s surface and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation. According to a study done by NASA’s Goddard Institute, the Earth’s temperature has risen more than 1 degree Fahrenheit over the past 30 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The IPCC concludes "most of the observed increase in globally averaged temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations" via the greenhouse effect.


The science of how the Earth is warmed is relatively straight-forward. Energy and light from sun go through the Earth's atmosphere and strike its surface, which warms the planet. The Earth emits the energy, but it is trapped in the atmosphere by naturally occurring greenhouse gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane which help maintain a warm, comfortable temperature for life to exist.

The earth's temperature is generally about 60 degrees Fahrenheit (about 16 degrees Celsius). Without the naturally occurring greenhouse gases, the temperature would plunge to about 0 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 18 degrees Celsius).

The greenhouse effect is important. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth would not be warm enough for humans to live. But if the greenhouse effect becomes stronger, it could make the Earth warmer than usual. Even a little extra warming may cause problems for humans, plants, and animals.

Sources: US Environmental Protection Agency