There is a strong debate in our society about the threat level posed by climate change. Climate change is a real threat because there is a measurable trend that is already impacting our environment. Much of the discussion on television regarding global warming tends to focus on where to place blame: Are humans causing global warming or is global warming a natural process? While most scientists agree that Earth is becoming warmer, those who support global warming are still conflicted on the root causes. Atmospheric warming associated with climate change has the potential to increase ground-level ozone in many regions, which may present challenges for compliance with the ozone standards in the future. The impact of climate change on other air pollutants, such as particulate matter, is less …show more content…
Research has shown that the carbon dioxide level has risen above any measures compared to centuries before, our planet's surface temperature has risen about two degrees farenheit, most of the warming has occurred in the past 35 years according to NASA’s research. Climate change and air pollution are closely linked, although in scientific research and often in policy they have been largely separated. Many of the common air pollutants and greenhouse gases not only have common sources, but may also interact physically and chemically in the atmosphere, causing a variety of environmental impacts at global scales. The combined effects of climate change and air pollution factors may significantly differ from the sum of separate effects due to various interactions. CO2 absorbs heat reflected from the Earth’s surface heat that would otherwise pass freely into space. The CO2 then releases that heat, warming the Earth’s atmosphere. As CO2 levels increase, the pace of warming accelerates. Satellite measurements confirm that less heat is escaping the atmosphere today than 40 years ago.