Global Warming The earth's atmosphere is a very thin layer of gases, like the skin of an apple is to its fruit. 99% of the atmosphere is made up of only two gases: nitrogen (79%) and oxygen (20%). Carbon dioxide makes up only about .036%, yet its concentration, and that of water vapor are vital to the earth's health. Learn About Global Warming What can you do? What is the Greenhouse Effect
Learn About Global Warming: Start with the 1999 film "A Perfect Balance" from the Earth Communications Office Go to www.oneearth.org click on Communications, then Campaigns, then 1999. Leonardo DiCaprio's Eco-Site has a great introductory video clip. Follow the link below, and select "A message from Leonardo DiCaprio." http://www.leonardodicaprio.org U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's official site on Global Warming: Global Warming and a great introduction for kids: Global Warming for Kids "The Premier Climate Change Portal" includes Climate Change Overview and Vital Climate Graphics: ClimateArk.org
	What can you do? Here are 20 steps that you can take to mitigate global warming today: Global Warming- Undoit Find out how much carbon dioxide you emit in your daily life: Carboncounter.org
Greenhouse Effect How the greenhouse effect works: - Most of the sun's directed energy reaches the earth - About 30% of the energy is reflected back into space - Ozone layer shields the earth from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation - Burning of fossil fuels and deforestation increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere - Added to this are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs - manmade gases used in spray cans, refrigerants, and insulations), and methane (from landfills, farming, and swamps) - Together these gases form a 'blanket' which traps energy, thus warming the earth