What is it?

Scientists believe that the earth appears to be facing a rapid increase in temperature. The primary causes of these are believed to be human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide and other substances into the atmosphere. These substances are called greenhouse gases. The accumulation of these gases on the earth's atmosphere causes a greenhouse effect (1).

Why is global warming called the greenhouse effect?

Although greenhouses are not so common in Africa, they are used in Western countries to grow vegetables during the winter. Greenhouses are made entirely of glasses. They are used to trap heat that passes through a glass so the inside of the house stays warm. The heat that the plants give off is reflected and cannot pass through the glass. It is re-radiated into the greenhouse and causes everything inside to remain warm.

The same process happens on the earth, where carbon dioxide blocks all the heat that is reflected from the earth's atmosphere. Usually, the average surface temperature of earth is about 15 degree Celsius. Because of the effect of global warming, however, the temperature of the earth is increasing. Over the last century, it has risen by 0.6 degree Celsius (1 Fahrenheit degree). Scientist predicts that this will increase by 1.4 to 5.8 degree Celsius (2.5 to 10.4 Fahrenheit) by the year 2100 (1).

Our opinions

Our own country, South Africa, contributes to this phenomenal both directly and indirectly. There are factories, power stations, cars, and organizations and individuals in our community that are burning fuels, coal, oil, natural gases and cutting down trees.