Greenhouse Gases
Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere. They keep some of the Sun's energy from escaping into space. Greenhouse gases keep Earth warm enough for life to exist. Some of the most powerful and plentiful greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone. The gases occur naturally, and some are created by human activities. Many people are concerned about the greenhouse gases we create, especially carbon dioxide.
Fuel for Thought
Fossil fuels contain high levels of carbon. We release carbon dioxide when we burn coal, oil, and gasoline made from oil.
Fuel for Thought
Trucking, shipping, and flying food from farm to table adds to our carbon dioxide problem. Buying locally grown and raised foods helps reduce greenhouse gases.
For millions of years greenhouse gases remained somewhat constant. When there was a rise or fall in gas levels, time naturally balanced them. Now, we have high levels of carbon dioxide because of all the fossil fuels we burn. Natural processes do not have time to balance the carbon dioxide we release into the atmosphere.
Many researchers agree that high levels of carbon dioxide contribute to global warming. Global warming is the increase of the Earth's average temperature. Replacing some of our fossil fuel energy with green energy can reduce carbon dioxide levels.