What You Need to Know About Global Warming

Global warming is an environmental issue that affects everyone in the world. Rising temperatures and changing climate patterns have reached every corner of the world and without a dedicated effort they will continue to affect every nook and cranny of the Earth and everyone that lives in them. Sadly few people truly understand climate change and global warming, so few people are able to act efficiently to stop it. Don't be one of the uneducated - find out answers to frequently asked questions about global warming right now.

What is Global Warming?

Global warming is a phenomenon by which temperatures are rising all over the world. In fact, the ten hottest years ever recorded have all occurred since 1990, and experts predict that in the next century average temperatures around the world will continue to rise. These rising temperatures are the result of a more general climate change, or literally the changes in the climate of a given area including changes in its average temperatures, wind patterns and amounts of rainfall. Taken together, climate change and global warming are the ingredients for an environmental disaster the likes of which the world has never seen.

What Causes Global Warming?

Though some people may still debate the causes of global warming, scientists are now confident that greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane which released into the atmosphere heavily contribute to the problem. The United Nations has attempted to limit these harmful greenhouse gases with the Kyoto Protocol, a set of guidelines that asks countries to meet a target to reduce greenhouse gases to a level that will not interfere with the climate or cause further damage. Since signing the Kyoto Protocol, the UK's greenhouse gas emissions have indeed been reduced, but unfortunately there is still a long way to go.

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How Does Global Warming Affect the UK?

The UK is relatively well protected from the effects of climate change and global warming, but we have been and will continue to experience warmer year round temperatures, more rainfall in the winter and less in the summer, less snow in the winter, and higher surrounding sea levels that could lead to flooding in the coastal areas. This may not seem like a rosy picture, but as compared to the many areas of the world which remain vulnerable to effects such as floods and droughts, the UK is actually in a rather enviable position regarding the effects of climate change and global warming.

How Can You Help Stop Global Warming?

In order to truly make a dent in global warming the UK must still cut their greenhouse gas emissions and reduce their carbon footprint to lower levels, so calling or writing to your MP and stating your support for such a reduction is a great start to fighting climate change and global warming. While you are contacting your MP, be sure to urge him/her to back a law that will also require greenhouse gas reductions each year - just for good measure.

On a smaller scale, you can also fight climate change and global warming in your own home. Lower your own carbon footprint. Be sure to turn off lights and unplug electrical equipment when not in use as well as reduce the number of spray products you use for personal care. Recycling as many items as you can everyday is another important step towards fighting global warming, as is using trains, boats or efficient cars when travelling rather than flying in order to limit carbon emissions from planes. Even with small steps such as these you will be fighting the good fight and limiting your own carbon footprint, thus fighting global warming each and every day. No one could ask for more than that!

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