Global climate change

The use of fossil fuels (oil and coal) increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This gas acts like a greenhouse around the Earth. Light and heat enter the lower atmosphere, but can't escape. Other gases released into the atmosphere by human activity (methane and nitrous oxide) also accumulate in the lower atmosphere and contribute to the effect, which is often called the greenhouse effect. Climates have been affected as temperatures on Earth have risen.

Climate change alters environments and can affect the species that live in those environments. Some may die out. Others, however, may flourish and expand their ranges. This may also have an adverse effect on the environment.

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