CFCs are a class of compounds of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine. They are harmful to the ozone layer and exposes the Earth to ultraviolet radiation. 2010, marked the hottest decade recorded by NASA. Human activities that release carbon dioxide and other heat trapping greenhouse gases contribute to climate change. The largest known contribution comes from the burning of fossil fuels- coal, oil, and natural gases for energy, and agriculture. Power stations emit 21.3% harmful gases into the atmosphere. A typical coal plant emits 3.5 million tons of CO2 per year. Coal plants in the US are also the leading source of sulfur dioxide. Burning coal causes smog, acid rain, and toxic rain. This acid rain damages crops, forests, and soils, and acidifies lakes and streams. Coal plants also emits 10,300 tons of nitrogen oxides per year which causes smog and makes or causes people to have chronic …show more content…
NASA has stated that the global surface temperature has warmed since 1880. Their measurements have shown since the 1970s with the 20 warmest years have occurred since 1981. If something is not done the long live greenhouse gases such as CO2 will continue to amplify global warming for centuries to come. If we do not cut carbon emissions extreme events will occur such as storm surges adding to rising sea levels and threatening coastal cities. There is a possibility for a more intense El Nino will set in. Governments and individuals need to adopt sustainable non-carbon energy sources and choose renewable power. Many studies show that we can reduce, reuse, and recycle so that we can save the planet