Global Warming - Rigorous

1. When radiation from the Sun passes through the Earth's atmosphere, it strikes the Earth's surface and bounces back into space.  If this radiation does not bounce back into space and instead becomes trapped by the Earth's atmosphere, it will become heat.  Human activity has increased the concentration of gases that trap the Sun's radiation.  These gases include carbon dioxide.  These trapped gases cause the effect.

2.  The United Nations established a panel to study climate change in 1988.  This panel concluded that during the 20th century, the Earth's temperature warmed by about degree(s) Fahrenheit.

3.  One hundred and eighty nations met in 2001 to consider options for reducing emissions into the Earth's atmosphere.  These nations signed the Treaty which states the countries must consider limiting deforestation, imposing a carbon tax, and relying more on alternative energies such as nuclear, wind, and solar.

4.  President William J. Clinton of the United States signed this treaty to reduce emissions but the U.S. Senate refused to it.

5.  Scientists believe that about 75% of the greenhouse gases come from the burning of fuels.