"Global warming is not a conqueror to kneel before, but a challenge to be met. A challenge to which we must respond."-- Joe LiebermanINTRODUCTIONGlobal warming is a controversial environmental topic in today's society. Global warming occurs when greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane, chlorofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and nitrous oxide) act like a blanket that insulates the earth and prevents heat from escaping into space, which in turn causes an increase of global temperature. This “greenhouse effect” is a natural phenomenon; without it, the earth would be too cold for any life to inhabit it. However, due to the use of fossil fuels and other human activities, there is an excessive amount of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere. Even though there is significant evidence of global warming, there are still skeptics who believe that global warming is not happening. BASIC INFORMATION Global warming is an increase in the Earth's temperature due to the use of fossil fuels and some industrial and agricultural processes, which lead to an accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Fossil fuels are energy-rich substances that formed from long-buried plants and microorganisms. They provide most of the energy that powers modern society. Fossil fuels include oil, coal and natural gas. Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally occurring oily and bituminous liquid composed of various organic materials. Coal is a dark-colored solid fuel found in sedimentary rock deposits. It is burned for energy and is used to make steel. Natural gases are any combustible gaseous mixture used as fuel to produce energy for domestic or industrial use....... middle of paper... The reaction against global warming has begun." TheEconomist.“Examples of errors and prejudices in the theory of global warming.” Date accessed: 12 April 2000. “Still Waiting for the Greenhouse.” Date accessed: 12 April 2000. “Apocalypse Not.” Trends ". EPA Global Warming Site Climate.. Date accessed: 8 April 2000. "Vectorial and zoonotic diseases". .Date accessed: 7 April 2000. “What future climate changes can we expect.”. Date accessed: 12 April 2000 . Quote by Joe Lieberman http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/global_warming.html#H2fdTgav5l6VVGt8.99