Sarah Bakke

4.3 Vocabulary Assignment

Paragraph #1: Global warming + greenhouse effect + Kyoto Protocol Recent studies have revealed that the Earth is facing a dangerous and difficult environmental problem: global warming. This is the term used to describe the gradual rise in the Earths temperature, due to greenhouse gas emissions, strong radiation from the sun, and a depleting ozone layer. The greenhouse effect is a major cause of global warming, one that must be addressed as soon as possible, or else our world will change drastically in ways that are irreversible. The increased levels of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere are causing the ozone layer to thin, letting more and more UV radiation enter our atmosphere. This causes whole continents of ice to shrink, water levels to rise, and ecosystems to be destroyed. Scientists now know the full extent of the problem, and what we as residents of this earth can do to help fix it. Thats where the Kyoto Protocol comes in. This protocol joins several nations together in achieving a common goal; to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as of 1990 b 6 percent, by the year 2012. Hopefully this commitment will be honoured by all countries participating, and this planets health will be saved.

Paragraph #2: Ozone depletion + chlorofluorocarbons + Montreal Protocol The planet we live on has several unique ways of supporting life. One of the more important factors is the ozone layer. The ozone layer acts sort of like a force field, and a filter, shielding the Earth from harmful levels of UV rays, while still allowing for the necessary amount to pass through and sustain life. In recent years however, the ozone layer has been depleting significantly. This is extremely harmful to our environment. Low ozone levels lead to intense radiation from the Sun, contributing to global warming, natural disasters, and health problems. Scientists have attributed this depletion to compounds called chlorofluorocarbons, which are made up of carbon, fluoride, and chlorine. These chemicals have been used in products such as coolants for things like refrigerators and air conditioning systems, and in insulation. Many countries have recognized this environment threat, and are stopping production of chlorofluorocarbons, but the issue is that these chemicals are still stored in things made years ago, and wont be replaced for awhile. Therefore, the Montreal Protocol was created, in order to monitor levels of ozone depletion and keep countries aware of the consequences. Nations who have agreed to this protocol are fully aware of their part in preventing further ozone depletion, and have been working to lower the levels of harmful chemicals

in the atmosphere. This is a long process however, but thankfully we have recognized the need for change and are taking action.