According to many scientists, our planet is warming rapidly. Some studies show that the average surface temperature is 1 degree Fahrenheit warmer than it was in the year 1900. This did not seem like a big change to me at first. However, many experts agree that the effect of the surface being 1 degree warmer has been significant.

Here are some climatic, physical and ecological changes scientists have observed and that the Union of Concerned Scientists say, may be proof that global warming is happening now.

• Decrease In Snow Cover, Sea Ice Extent and the Retreat of Mountain Glaciers
• Rise in Average Global Sea Level and Increase in Average Sea Temperature
• Likely increase in Average Precipitation over the Middle and High Latitudes over the Northern Hemisphere and Tropical Land Areas
• Increase in Extreme Precipitation Events in some Regions of the World
• Thawing of the Permafrost
• Lengthening of the Growing Season at the Middle and High Latitudes
• Poleward and Upward Shift of Plant and Animal Species
• Decline of some Plant and Animal Species
• Early Flowering of Trees
• Early Emergence of Insects
• Early Egg-Laying in Birds

Global Warming is caused by Greenhouse Gases. Greenhouse Gases are any of the atmospheric gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation produced by solar warming of the Earth's surface. They include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (NO₂), and water vapor. These gases all occur naturally in Earth's atmosphere. These gases are what make it possible for us to live comfortably here on Earth. For example, without enough carbon dioxide in the atmosphere our planet would be frozen like Mars. If there is to much carbon dioxide our planet would be as hot as Venus.

If these gases occur naturally, what is the problem? While still debatable, the census of many scientist today, is that we are the problem. According to many scientists, we have accelerated this natural occurrence through our burning of fossil fuels, vehicle emissions and deforestation. Think about this.

• Coal Burning Plants produce 2.5 Billion Tons of (CO₂) annually
• Automobiles produce 1.5 Billion Tons of (CO₂) annually
• At our current rate of deforestation, the Rain Forest will be gone in 100 years.

An article by the History Channel on Global Warming was quoted as saying, "That since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution (CO₂) concentrations have increased by one third. Scientists now estimate that if we do not reduce our emissions, the concentration of atmospheric greenhouse gases will double by the year 2035." If what scientists believe is true and we do nothing, we will undoubtedly increase the average surface temperature by 2-3 degrees Fahrenheit. An increase in the average surface temperature such as this, would have devastating results. However, many experts agree that their is still time to reverse this process.

Even though there is time to reverse Global Warming, there is not a lot of time to do so, according to the experts. Due to this fact, it is very important that each one of us do what we can to help. Americans produce more (CO₂) emissions per person than any other country in the world. Here are a few examples of things that you can do to help lower America's (CO₂) emissions.

1. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
2. Purchase Household Items that have the Energy Efficient Star
3. Plant a Tree
4. Purchase Compact Florescent Bulbs rather than Incandescent Bulbs
5. Purchase a Fuel Efficient Vehicle
6. Conserve Water Consumption
7. Walk when You can
8. Purchase Organic Foods
9. Stop Junk Mail
10. Eat less Red Meat

These are just a few of the many simple things that we can all do to help stop Global Warming. Unfortunately, our planet is being changed, by our current way of living. As Americans, we have become accustom to wasting things because we have so much. We must change the way we view ourselves, and the planet we live on, if we are to survive. It is vital, that each and every one of us take a hard long look at we can do to help stop the constant pollution of our Earth. There is no question in my mind, as to whether or not the Earth will survive. The real question is, will the Human Race survive?