Over the last 100 years or so, the average temperature on Earth has gone up by 0.3-0.6 ºC, and scientists expect it to continue to rise: this is called global warming. These experts think global warming will have an effect on the climate, causing sea levels to rise and leading to more extreme weather, such as storms and floods. The European Union has chosen climate change as an area for special attention.
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Without the normal greenhouse effect, the Earth would be about 33 ºC cooler than it is now and we would not be able to survive. So the greenhouse effect is important.
The abnormal greenhouse effect
Over the last 100 years, increased industrial activity has led to an abnormal greenhouse effect which is causing the average temperature on Earth to rise: this is called global warming.
People are worried about global warming. It is difficult to predict what could happen but scientists have several theories.
Reducing global warming and preventing climate change depends on finding ways to reduce the harmful gases that escape into the air and cause the abnormal greenhouse effect.
