Summary

While there are several factors that contribute to global warming, such as natural changes in the Earth's inclination and revolution around the sun, by far the biggest factor is the emission of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, water vapor, and nitrous oxide are added at alarming rates to the atmosphere by daily human activity. Every person on Earth has a "carbon footprint"—a measure of greenhouse gas contributed to the atmosphere on a daily basis. Some people's footprints are much higher than others; for instance, those that live in developed countries such as the United States (the largest greenhouse gas emitter), emit much greater amounts than those living in undeveloped countries of the world. Various activities, such as agricultural and deforestation practices, also emit greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse Gases explores the very important role these gases play and their global impact on populations and ecosystems worldwide. The goal of this book is to provide readers with an understanding of the various sources of these gases, their interaction with the atmosphere, their effect on natural systems, and why controlling them is critical to the Earth's future climate. Other issues discussed in this new, full-color book include the role of the ozone and a newly discovered concept called "global dimming" and how it relates to global warming.

Chapters include:

• The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
• Carbon Sequestration
• Agriculture and Greenhouse Gases
• Deforestation and Greenhouse Gases
• Anthropogenic Causes and Effects
• The Fate of Natural Refuges
• Global Warming Around the World
• Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change.

Specifications

Full-color photographs and line illustrations. Index. Glossary. Chronology. Sidebars. Print and Web resources. Tables and charts.  

About the Author(s)

Julie Kerr Casper, Ph.D., has been an Earth scientist for the United States Bureau of Land Management for more than 30 years. She has a Ph.D. in Earth science from the University of Utah, specializing in satellite remote sensing, interpretation, and mapping of the Earth's natural environment. She is active in various environmental conservation organizations that focus on the healthy stewardship of the Earth's natural resources and has spent considerable time teaching elementary through high school students how to enjoy and take care of the environment.