11 Facts About Global Warming

1. The primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming is carbon dioxide. The U.S. is responsible for 25% of the carbon dioxide emissions worldwide.
2. Since 1990, yearly emissions of carbon dioxide have gone up by about 6 billion metric tons worldwide, that's more than a 20% increase. Almost all of that increase is due to human activities.
3. Carbon dioxide takes 100 years to disperse in the atmosphere, meaning that even if emissions are stopped today, we will still feel the effects for years to come.
4. During the 20th century alone, the average surface temperature of the world has increased by 1.2 to 1.4°F.
5. The eight warmest years on record have all occurred since 1998, with the warmest year being 2005.
6. The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment has concluded that in the past 50 years, the average temperatures of Alaska, eastern Russia and western Canada have increased as much 7°F. This rise is almost twice the global average.
7. Glaciers worldwide lost an average of about 5 feet of ice in 2006, compared to just 1 foot of ice lost in 2005. Melting glaciers are a major factor in sea-level rise around the world
8. Sea levels have risen between 4-8 inches worldwide during the last century, and experts predict they could rise as much 2 feet in the next 100 years.
9. The World Health Organization blames 150,000 deaths per year on the effects of global warming including extreme weather, drought, heat waves, decreased food production and the increased spread of diseases like malaria.
10. At least 279 species of plants and animals are already responding to global warming, migrating north to escape rising temperatures.
11. Coral reefs are highly sensitive to small changes in water temperature. Scientists say if current CO2 emission trends continue, the world's coral reefs could be virtually destroyed by 2050.

Sources:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Un Do It!
Global Warming
National Geographic
World Health Organization