Global Warming

The Earth needs naturally-occurring greenhouse gases to maintain heat necessary for life; however, chlorofluorocarbons do not occur naturally. Some greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane occur in nature, but excessive amounts released by humans may have devastating effects on the Earth's environment, including the oceans. The one gas that has more influence on the greenhouse effect than any other gas is water vapor, yet humans have no control over the amount present in the atmosphere.

Humans can reduce their influence on the unnatural release of greenhouse gases by controlling their use of fossil fuels, using alternative forms of energy, and conserving energy. Doing so may help avoid or prolong what some scientists believe are the effects of global warming on the ocean, including the melting of polar ice, the rising of sea levels, the deterioration of coral reefs, and an increase in storms and hurricanes.