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Threats from Climate Change

October 4 , 2006

greenhouse effect
 

As humans burn more and more fossil fuels, the amount of greenhouse gases–such as carbon dioxide–in the atmosphere rises. Most scientists agree: The added CO2 exaggerates the greenhouse effect, leading to a warmer world–and potentially big changes for the planet.

Greenhouse Effect

The sun’s rays pass through the atmosphere, hitting Earth’s surface. The planet radiates the heat as infrared rays. Some of this heat energy escapes into space. The rest is trapped by gases in the atmosphere only to heat the Earth’s surface again.

Rising Sea Levels

sea level map
 

As Earth heats, glaciers melt and seawater warms and expands. Result: Sea levels have already risen by 10 to 25 cm (4 to 10 in.). Scientists fear that’s just the beginning.

Shrinking Arctic Ice Cap

Like an ice cube melting in the summer heat, Earth’s polar ice caps have begun to shrink. Researchers predict more dramatic melting in the future.

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