What is Global Warming?
Global warming, or more correctly, global climate change is the name given to the rise in average temperatures around the world over the past few hundred years. Although the causes and effects of global warming are still a matter of debate, most scientists conclude that it is because of a substantial increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. They believe this stems from the burning of fossil fuels* such as oil and coal for energy and predict massive changes to the world’s climate.
Previously, energy needs were much less, but the invention of the car around 130 years ago changed everything. Fossil fuels are needed both to make cars and to run them. Thus, as cars became popular all over the world, there was a growing need for these fuels. The pace of growth in energy needs and in car production continues today. Some of the biggest companies in the world either make cars or produce oil.
.
Some people still believe that the change in global temperatures is not caused by humans. They believe there are natural explanations and that there is no significant problem. They argue that environmentalists are trying to scare voters away from governments that support big business. One thing is certain: the future holds many problems we will need to tackle.
*fossil fuel: a fuel such as gas and oil made in the earth from plants and animals