In
the wake of hurricane Sandy scientists are predicting that the warming
climate may make storm worse. As sea temperatures increase, so do the
intensities of storms. Scientists are speculating that global
temperatures could rise three to eight degrees. Increasing temperature
of this magnitude could make New York City feel more like a city from
the upper to mid south. Scientists believe greenhouse gases are to blame
for the increasing temperatures. Greenhouse gases trap energy in the
form of heat between the earth’s atmosphere and surface. Two major
carbon dioxide contributors are energy production and transportation.
Studies have estimated that 40% of carbon dioxide emissions are related
to the production of electricity. Much of the energy production in the
U.S. is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal and
natural gas. It is estimated that for every kilowatt of power two pounds
of carbon dioxide is produced. The U.S. alone is responsible for about
18 percent for the world carbon dioxide emissions. China is the number
one contributor of emissions with 24% of the world’s total. Trends of
carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. have been steadily increasing for
several years. Sustaining temperatures throughout the world will require
cooperation from several countries. Alternative methods to energy
production and transportation will need to be explored in order to limit
carbon dioxide emissions. Climate change trends will continue to
increase if carbon dioxide emissions are not limited.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/11/121108-climate-change-clouds-science-model-relative-humidity/
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/ghgemissions/gases/co2.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_carbon_dioxide_emissions
No comments:
Post a Comment