... cloud cover; and thereby alters the distribution of climate across the surface of the planet. An increase in average global temperature of 0.7 C has already been measured, and present rates of emission of greenhouse gases are committing the Earth to an additional warming of about 0.3 C per decade. We are also adding small particles and droplets called aerosols that reflect light back into space and tend ... to cause some areas to cool. It is because they trap heat like glass in a greenhouse that these gases received their name -- the greenhouse gases. They are vitally important for life....

• Word Count: 2775
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... and biodiesel. For energy production to continue at the most water sustaining rate, energy production needs to continue research in the areas of these natural gasses and coal gasification methods. Two of the researchers at the research center, Tamin Younos and Rachel Hill, conducted a study analyzing how many gallons of water are used from single light bulbs throughout the year. At 12 hours a day, a single incandescent bulb ... abilities. When a forest becomes disturbed, whether it is from exogenous disturbances (e.g. wildfires), or endogenous disturbances (e.g. tree infestation or dise...

• Word Count: 2430
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... various other significant climatic changes that cannot be predicted at this time. The greenhouse effect is also intensified by the process of deforestation, which is the conversion by humans of forest land to other uses (such as farming). Deforestation now takes place on a large scale in tropical areas of the world. When tropical forest is cleared for pasture land, there is an immediate loss of carbon ... to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. One current study indicates that as much of 25% of the current level of CO2 emissions can be attributed to deforestation and fires. Global ... is ...

• Word Count: 1531
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate