Read this chapter and watch “An Inconvenient Truth” before answering these questions.

1 Explain the greenhouse effect. What are the most important greenhouse gases?

2. What calamities do scientists predict may result from global warming? Name at least three possible consequences to human health.

3. Go to a newspaper website (e.g., www.denverpost.com or www.nytimes.com) and search for a story on global warming. Paraphrase the article in a few sentences. Be sure and correctly cite your source. “According to an article published in the Denver Post February 2, 2007, a group of leading climate scientists proclaimed that human activities have warmed the climate. Furthermore, it may be too late to stop this processs…” Then include a reference citation that contains authors name (date), article title in quotation marks, date your retrieved the story, and the Web address.

4. Many scientists view global warming as one of the most pressing concerns facing humanity (and a much bigger threat than terrorism). What steps can individuals take to reduce greenhouse gases? (Both your text and the end of “Inconvenient Truth” provide ideas. See if you can personalize those suggestions, and maybe come up with some of your own. Be as specific as you can. Also, suggest changes that you can actually do – replacing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents vs. buying a hybrid gas-electric car. )