On The Web![[search]](http://wwwcache.wral.com/presentation/v1/images/icons/16x12/search-form-icon.gif){kind=icon}
Site SearchFor over the past 200 years, the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and deforestation have caused the concentrations of heat-trapping "greenhouse gases" to increase significantly in our atmosphere. These gases prevent heat from escaping to space, somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse.
Greenhouse gases are necessary to life as we know it, because they keep the planet's surface warmer than it otherwise would be. But, as the concentrations of these gases continue to increase in the atmosphere, the Earth's temperature is climbing above past levels. According to NOAA and NASA data, the Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 1.2 to 1.4ºF in the last 100 years. Eleven of the last twelve years rank among the 12 warmest years on record (since 1850), with the warmest two years being 1998 and 2005. Most of the warming in recent decades is very likely the result of human activities. Other aspects of the climate are also changing such as rainfall patterns, snow and ice cover, and sea level.
If greenhouse gases continue to increase, climate models predict that the average temperature at the Earth's surface could increase from 3.2 to 7.2ºF above 1990 levels by the end of this century. Scientists are certain that human activities are changing the composition of the atmosphere, and that increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases will change the planet's climate. But they are not sure by how much it will change, at what rate it will change, or what the exact effects will be.
Why are greenhouse gases a problem?
News Alerts to your Email & Cell Phone0 Comments
-
- Wake County processes voter registrations
Updated at 10:12 a.m. |
- Thousands tour new RDU terminal
Updated Oct. 11 6:57 p.m. | - Attorney: Marine fighting extradition from Mexico
Updated at 6:44 a.m. - Fayetteville woman became kid's TV celebrity
Posted 26 minutes ago - Billy Graham released from hospital after fall
Updated at 8:16 a.m. |
- Wake County processes voter registrations
- Most Viewed Slideshows
- Halloween on Franklin Street
May. 20, 2008 - The week in entertainment
Posted 26 minutes ago - Viewer Submitted Halloween Photos
Nov 5, 2007
- Halloween on Franklin Street
STORIES
VIDEOS
SLIDESHOWS
IMAGES
BLOG POSTS-
10 questions with Greg FishelWRAL's chief meteorologist answers your questions about severe weather, snow and why he loves his job.
-
10 questions with a WRAL.com moderatorA WRAL.com moderator answers your questions about comments on stories, abuse reports and more.
-
10 questions with N.C. Secretary of Crime Control & Public SafetyBryan Beatty answers your questions about homeland security, gang prevention and illegal immigrants.
(14 votes) toddler, run over by lawnmower, dies
(4 votes) police respond to brawl in durham
(2 votes) thousands tour new rdu terminal
-
The week in entertainmentThe newsmakers in the entertainment world this week as seen through the lenses of Associated Press photographers' cameras.
-
Photos of the weekSee the major events of the week as caught in the lenses of Associated Press photographers.
-
Global financial meltdownA look at the global impact of the financial crisis, with market data and summaries of plans for several countries.
-
Compare attack adsThe Associated Press evaluates two negative ads getting attention in the presidential campaign.
-
Campaign Trail Photos of the WeekView photos from the past week on the campaign trail from AP photographers around the country.
-
The week in entertainment
The newsmakers in the entertainment world this week as seen through the lenses of Associated Press photographers' cameras.
-
Photos of the week
See the major events of the week as caught in the lenses of Associated Press photographers.
-
Global financial meltdown
A look at the global impact of the financial crisis, with market data and summaries of plans for several countries.
-
Compare attack ads
The Associated Press evaluates two negative ads getting attention in the presidential campaign.
-
Campaign Trail Photos of the Week
View photos from the past week on the campaign trail from AP photographers around the country.
Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.
You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.