Climate Change by Caitlin

            Earth’s climate has been fluctuating throughout history. For example, in just the last 650,000 years there has been nearly seven glacial advances and retreats. However recently, carbon dioxide levels have skyrocketed past any previous levels. This carbon dioxide and other harmful gases are having an extreme impact on our climate. 

The cause of the current global warming trend is believed by most climate scientists to be because of human action. Basically, we have been adding so much pollution to our air, that now, our atmosphere is releasing less of the sun's heat back into space. Industrial activities are adding gases like water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, and CFCs into the air, and these gases are especially good at trapping heat. The effects of this will increase over time. Global warming will lead to a longer frost-free season, a change in precipitation patterns, an increased number of droughts and heat waves, and a higher global sea level.

However, there are some things we can do about it on both the governmental level and on a personal level. There are many government organizations that are committed to helping stop global warming. One example is the Environmental Protection Agency. By changing small day-to-day activities, you can also help stop global warming. Things like taking a shorter shower or even walking to the store instead of driving can all eventually add up to make a difference. Taking action now is the only thing that will stop global warming.

Question:

What can you do personally to help stop climate change?

Interesting Facts

1.    Only 25 of the original 105 glaciers in the Montana Glacier National Park are left.

2.    The U.S. produces the second largest amount of carbon dioxide in the world.

3.    The average global sea level is estimated to rise 7-23 inches before the end of this century.