What is Global Warming?

Since the late 1800s carbon dioxide levles in the atmosphere have been increasing (top graph), this has been closely follwed by an increase in global temperatures (lower graph). (Robert Simmon/NASA)

Global warming is an increase in the Earth's temperature caused by an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases make up the blanket surrounding the planet that keeps it habitable. These gases allow sunlight to pass through the blanket and hit the Earth. Some of this heat from the sun is absorbed by the Earth and is then radiated back to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases absorb some of this radiated heat, warming the atmosphere to a comfortable temperature for life. Human produced greenhouse gases are acellerating this process causing the planet to warm more than it should.

Carbon Dioxide and other global warming pollutants that we are releasing are collecting like a thickening blanket in the atmosphere and causing the Earth to warm. The more carbon dioxide we release, the warmer the planet will become.

Like the human body the planet needs to stay within a small temperature range for life to exist comfortably. A small increase in our body temperature can make us feel ill while an increase of just a few degrees can result in our organs failing and perhaps even death. Similarly, small changes in the global temperature can result in huge and sometimes devastating consequences for the Earth.

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Heavy Extinction Risk for King Penguins

Climate change strikes again - this time, King Penguins.  With temperatures projected to increase in the Antarctic by 0.4ºC over the next two decades, King Penguins' chances of survival have dropped by 15%.  King Penguins feed on small fish and squid, which subsequently are declining because of warming in the Southern Ocean.  These penguins inhabit islands to the north of Antarctica, but warming temperatures are diminishing their food supply and forcing them to travel further in search for something to eat.  This extra effort, in turn, is taking its toll on their overall health and ability to survive.  Temperature increases jeopardize the future wellbeing of this species, and only time will tell if the King Penguin will be able to cope with the stresses of climate change. To find out more, read an article from the Telegraph or the scientific report from The National Academy of Sciences.

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