Global Warming

Global warming is the gradual rise of the earths surface temperature caused by the emission of gases that trap the sun's heat in the earth's atmosphere. Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, chlorofluorocarbons and halocarbons contribute to global warming. The greenhouse effect acts to warm the planet and increase average global temperatures. This is seen as a major environmental hazard as average temperatures rise, leading to a possible change in weather patterns and agricultural output. This also may lead to melting of the polar ice-cap and a corresponding rise in sea levels.