Environment+consequences

Brittney Journal # 4 November 1, 2007

The Environmental Consequences

The burning of oil had been shown contribute to global warming, air pollution and acid rain. Global warming is the theory that average temperatures around the world have begun to rise, and will continue to rise, due to an increase of certain gases, called greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The atmospheric increase of one particular greenhouse gas- Carbon dioxide- is believed to be the primary reason for global warming. Carbon Dioxide is produced by the burning of fossil fuels (gasoline). It is emitted by automobiles and smokestacks.

If the currents predictions of global warming come true, within the next century the world may reach its warmest point in the history of civilization. This could produce drought in some parts of the world, leading to lower crop yields. It is possible that altered rainfall patterns will lead to the extinction of numerous species of plants and animals. Global warming may also lead to a rise in worldwide ocean level, primarily because the increase in temperature would cause the sea water to expand.

Hawkes, Nigel. New technology: Energy. New York: Twenty-First Century Books,1990. Pg 28-29