Global Warming

A gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere

the trapping of the sun’s warmth in a planet’s lower atmosphere

a highly reactive gas composed of three oxygen atoms (O3)

The main gases responsible for the greenhouse effect include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor (which all occur naturally), and fluorinated gases (which are synthetic)

A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.

The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance or thing that has harmful or poisonous effects.

Volcanic Activity Changes in Naturally Occurring Carbon Dioxide Concentrations Changes in the Earth’s Reflectivity (surface color) Variations in Solar Activity Changes in the Earth’s Orbit and Rotation

Burning fossil fuels (cars, planes, factories) Production and buildup of greenhouse gases