Global warming

• Global warming


  The increase in the average temperature of the Earth's surface
• Over the last 100 years, the average temperature of the Earth has been increasing
• The current increase in temperature is caused by human activities
• Humans have released huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, mainly due to burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil
• The levels of methane in the atmosphere have also increased, produced by bacteria in paddy fields and released by cows
• Greenhouse gases


  Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide and methane
• Greenhouse gases are leading to global warming
• Peer review


  The process of checking scientific papers by other scientists before publication to detect false claims and ensure validity
• Reports in the popular media are not subject to peer review, so they can be oversimplified, inaccurate or biased
• Consequences of global warming

  • Loss of habitats
  • Spread of mosquito-borne diseases to new areas
  • Changes in migration patterns of animals
  • Earlier flowering of plants in spring
• As global temperatures rise

  Animals and plants may extend their range towards cooler conditions
• As temperatures increase


  It may be possible to grow crops such as grapes in parts of the UK where it was not possible before
• As temperatures increase in other parts of the world

  It may be too hot to grow the crops that they need