Global Warming

Global warming, as used in the popular context, is a scientifically controversial phenomenon that attributes an increase in the average annual surface temperature of Earth to increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other gases. Global warming describes only one of several components involved in climate change and specifically refers to a warming of Earth's surface outside of the range of normal fluctuations that have occurred throughout Earth's history. One problem in reaching a scientific consensus regarding global warming is that the data used in many models is neither global nor a result of high-reliance systematic scientific measurement (i.e., that it generally neglects oceans and vast uninhabited areas). Other problems involve forming an accurate articulation of the interplay of global surface warming phenomena that include thermal conduction, greenhouse radiation, and convective currents. Most scientists agree, however, that an enhanced greenhouse effect will result in some degree of global warming. -- About Global Warming