From hurricanes to droughts to melting glacial ice, the signs are all around us: Our world is warming up. Global warming results from many factors. Gases in the atmosphere trap rays of heat and light, creating a greenhouse effect. Natural feedback processes, too, create cycles that contribute to global warming. If left unchecked, there could be devastating consequences for our world. Many plants and animals may not survive the change in climate, while diseases are likely to flourish in the warmer conditions. But with many governments and individuals taking steps to fight global warming, there is still hope that future generations will inherit a healthy environment.
