global warming

• the temperature of the earth is a balance between the energy it gets from the sun and the energy it radiates back into space
• gases in the atmosphere act as an insulating layer. they absorb most of the energy that would normally be radiated out., and re-radiate it in all directions, increasing earth's temperature
• carbon dioxide and methane levels are rising quickly, they are trapping too much energy from the sun in the atmosphere
• higher temperature causes seawater to expand and ice to melt. leading to flooding and destruction of habitats
• the distribution of wild animals and plant species may change as temperatures increase.
• there may be a change in migration patterns
• biodiversity can reduce as species will be unable to survive and go extinct