Global Warming
Scientists now know that there are many causes of climate changes, and most of these are natural. However, perhaps the most well-known cause, at least amongst the public, is the man-made pollution of the air that may be contributing to global warming.
Air naturally contains greenhouse gases which trap heat in the atmosphere and keep the Earth warmer than it should be, and suitable for life. This is called the natural greenhouse effect. In the last 200 years, mankind has increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. This is trapping more heat, which may be causing a change in the Earth's climate.
Since the beginning of the 20th century the Earth has warmed up by over 0.5°C. This does not sound like much, but during the last Ice Age, the Earth was on average only 5°C colder than today. Global warming, as it is known, is predicted to continue in the 21st century unless we take action to reduce air pollution. By 2100, the Earth may be another 2 or 3°C warmer.
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