Global Warming

Terminology - The term global warming is a specific example of the broader term climate change, which can also refer to global cooling. In common usage the term refers to recent warming and implies a human influence. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change uses the term "climate change" for human-caused change, and "climate variability" for other changes. The term "anthropogenic climate change" is sometimes used when focusing on human-induced changes.

Causes - The climate system varies through natural, internal processes and in response to variations in external forcing factors including solar activity, volcanic emissions, variations in the earth's orbit and greenhouse gases. The detailed causes of the recent warming remain an active field of research, but the scientific consensus identifies increased levels of greenhouse gases due to human activity as the main influence. This attribution is clearest for the most recent 50 years, for which the most detailed data are available.

Solutions - We have the technology and ingenuity to reduce the threat of global warming today. Solutions are already available that will stimulate economy by creating jobs, saving consumers money, and protecting national security. By investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and increasing the efficiency of the cars we drive, for instance, we can take essential steps toward reducing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels that cause global warming.

These articles were taken from different websites as suggested by some of our students. Feel free to comment and make other suggestions. Send your e-mail to: portoalegre@berlitz.com.br

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