Air

2 of 4 from collection: Art in Our Surroundings

Materials Used:
Plastic Bags, Styrofoam, Beer Caps, Cardboard, Netting, Dryer Lint, Glue Gun Leftovers

Air Statement

The global surface temperature on Earth has been increasing at an escalating rate due to the growing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide. The human population has contributed to increased carbon dioxide mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels. This includes emissions from power plants, cars, airplanes, and deforestation. It is estimated that the burning of fossil fuels has produced three-quarters of the CO2 increase over the past 20 years. Scientists have determined that the atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide have increased by about 31% from when the industrial revolution began. If we continue to add trace gases into the atmosphere for the next 65 years, the current effects could possibly double or even quadruple; this would cause the temperature to rise by at least 1 degree Celsius and possibly by more than 5 degrees Celsius. It is estimated that by the year 2100, sea levels will rise between 7 and 23 inches. The temperature increase of Earth poses major threats. Its effects include, increased rainfall, droughts, acidity in seawater, melting of glaciers, and sea surface warming. This has been impacting coastal communities, wetlands and coral reefs. Many species of plants and animals are in danger of extinction. Climate change continues to occur resulting in a grim future for the earth, unless something is done to stop it.