The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency definition of global warming:
“Global warming is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth’s surface and in the troposphere, which can contribute to changes in global climate patterns. Global warming can occur from a variety of causes, both natural and human induced. In common usage, “global warming” often refers to the warming that can occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities.”
The origins of the term global warming are traced back to a 1975 scientific paper titled, “Are we on the brink of a pronounced global warming?” It was later made famous, and “stop global warming” became the slogan of a generation, after the testimony of NASA climate scientist James Hansen in front of the U.S. Senate in 1988.
Global warming refers to a slight but noticeable increase in temperature at the planetary scale. The results are not just merely warmer weather, but an erratic climate that if left unchecked could cause pervasive natural disasters and species extinction.
The concern is that global warming is increasing. The greenhouse gas emissions that cause the warming trend are likely to continue into the future. The projection is that the warming will increase by six to ten degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century.
While the international scientific community is in agreement about the reality of global warming, segments of the general public, particularly in the United States, are still skeptical.
Besides the development of clean technology, alternative energy sources, and carbon markets that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, education about the science behind global warming , the politics, and lifestyle choices that influence the trend will be crucial to curtailing future emissions. Teachers at all levels are now implementing Climate Change lessons into the general curriculum and college courses in environmental science, political studies, and environmental law are more widely offered.