NASA | Vital signs of the Planet
Updated: Jan 19, 2018
We live in a Greenhouse
Life on Earth depends on energy coming from the sun. About half the light reaching Earth's atmosphere passes through the air and clouds to the surface, where it is absorbed and then radiated upward in the form of infrared heat. About 90 percent of this heat is then absorbed by the greenhouse gases and radiated back toward the surface, which is warmed to a life-supporting average of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
Most climate scientists agree the main cause of the current global warming trend is human expansion of the "greenhouse effect" — warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space. NASA - Read full article
Each of the past 3 decades has been warmer than any preceding decade since records began in 1850. - NASA
An increase in 2ºC compared to the temps in pre-industrial times is seen by scientists as the threshold beyond which there is a much higher risk that dangerous and possibly catastrophic changes in the global environment will occur. For this reason, the international community has recognized the need to keep warming below 2ºC.
If the warming were caused by a more active sun, then scientists would expect to see warmer temperatures in all layers of the atmosphere. Instead, they have observed a cooling in the upper atmosphere, and a warming at the surface and in the lower parts of the atmosphere. That's because greenhouse gases are trapping heat in the lower atmosphere. NASA - Read full article
HOW CAN I HELP?
Take action right away. Research ways you can reduce the carbon footprint and make an action plan to follow through or raise awareness in your community.
Here are a few ways you can take action / learn right now!