Strategy to combat the climate crisis IntroductionHuman activities are contributing to global warming by injecting large quantities of heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. Our use of fossil fuels is the main source of these gases. Every time we drive a car, use electricity from coal-fired power plants, or heat our homes with oil or natural gas, we release carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the air. The second largest addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere is linked to deforestation, especially in the tropics, as well as other changes in land use. Global Warming and Its Effects The science behind global warming is often described as extremely complex, but some of it is quite simple. It begins with a beam of light, shot into space from the bewildering inferno of our sun. That ray of sunshine provides energy to the earth, giving us light, heat and life. As some of this energy radiates out into space as heat, some is absorbed by a delicate balance of heat-trapping (or "greenhouse") gases in the atmosphere that create an insulating layer. The most abundant of the greenhouse gases is water vapor. . Additionally, there are other potent greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide. Each of these is a natural part of the endless cycle of life, death and decay on Earth. But since the start of the industrial revolution, humans have continued to produce more and more of these and other greenhouse gases. As a result of the accumulation of gases, the temperature is starting to rise. Effects of rising temperatures: • Rising sea levels, leading to increased coastal erosion, flooding during storms and permanent flooding • Increased drought and increased incidence of fires. .... middle of paper ...... the climate crisis is one option.• Minimize our impact – We can learn how to save money and reduce our contribution to global warming by making climate-friendly choices every day. There has been a lack of full global leadership and political will to implement these solutions, as if our future depended on it. But now we must insist that businesses and governments around the world join individuals in taking the steps necessary to get the job done. We need to help citizens around the world understand how the choices they make in their daily lives can make a real difference, and we need to provide incentives for all of us to make better choices. The climate forces we have unleashed are truly great. But the world we will build as we move forward to meet this challenge will be a sight to behold. This is our opportunity to come together to make a real difference.