Why is Global Warming Happening?
Global Warming is being caused by the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. Since the start of the 20th century Earth's average surface temperature has risen by about 0.8°C. This is eight times faster than coming out of previous ice ages. Rising levels of CO2 in Earth's atmosphere is causing the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is when the greenhouse gases, such as CO2, are in the Earth's atmosphere creating a layer of gas, like a blanket around the Earth, trapping in the sun's heat. This means that when the sun's rays shine in through the atmosphere they won't be able to get out. Therefore there is more heat energy in Earth's atmosphere, leading to an increase in Earth's average surface temperature.