The consequences of global warming have by now come to the attention of the majority of the population of the United States of America. The gradual warming of the earth's atmosphere is due to an increased amount of carbon dioxide released into it. The burning of fossil fuels, oil, coal, and natural gas are the main activities that release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Americans add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere every time they drive their car, use a chainsaw, or use electricity produced at a fossil fuel power plant. The increased temperature due to the effects of global warming can be disastrous. Low lying areas and islands are in danger of being overcome by increased water levels in the ocean. The oceans water levels are rising because of the temperature increase, which in turn increases the rate at which the polar ice caps melt into the ocean.
             What the majority of American's may not realize is that we as a country are expelling 25% of the harmful gasses that contribute to the greenhouse effect on the earth's atmosphere. This figure would be reasonable if the population represented 25% of the population on earth, but in reality the United States contains only 4% of the earth's population. It is not fair to other countries or ours to add so much to the greenhouse problem without doing anything to try and stop it. Our actions as a country make a big impact on the lives of billions of other human beings. It is imperative that as a country we make a concerted effort to reduce the amount of harmful greenhouse gases we emit. It is however also important that we encourage other nations both industrialized, and developing to protect the earth that we all inhabit. The United States cannot bear the environmental burden alone; it will require a joint effort.
             The world has seen the levels of carbon dioxide jump 30% since the pre-industrial age. This evidence suggests that humans have signifi
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