Put a lid on global warming

What effect will global warming have on my children and future generations of our planet? That's a question I have asked myself many times. Scientists have been trying to find ways to cut down the CO2 levels in the atmosphere but have not yet successfully accomplished this goal.

The exact definition of global warming, according to the Encyclopedia Americana, is: "the trapping by the Earth's atmosphere of heat energy radiated from the sun." This trapping of radiant heat is a direct correlation of the pollution we have become so accustomed to living with.If we don't stop polluting, it will only get worse. Right now, power plants and other industries are giving out about one-half ton of carbon dioxide every day. Scientists estimate by the year 2050 the global temperatures will have risen by up to 10 degrees. The increase in temperature will create greater melting of our ice caps, thus raising our oceans.

Scientists also expect by the year 2050 that the oceans of the world will rise one meter as a result of these ice caps melting. Another problem to consider is the number of people who will die from heat-stroke and diseases spread by mosquitoes and other water-borne insects. Unfortunately, if we don't do something about the global warming, these numbers could multiply by the millions.

What can we do about this? We can join forces with others and car pool when it is necessary to take a motor vehicle; we can conserve the energy we use in our homes, schools and workplaces; we can take the few extra minutes to recycle instead of thoughtlessly throwing away everything we use; we can join forces in persuading our power plants and other major industries to clean up their processing procedures; but most importantly, we must realize that there is hope for the future of our planet, but it is up to us to make the difference.

Megan Marzo

Salt Lake City