WORLD NEWS
June 8, 2001
A Global Warming Warning
Scientists tell President Bush he's got one hot problem on his hands
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A new report says human-caused pollution is making the world a warmer place. From steamy summers to rising sea levels, the world is getting hotter and scientists believe humans are partly responsible. Every time we burn gasoline to operate our cars or coal to generate electricity in power plants, carbon dioxide and other gases are released into the atmosphere. These gases form a hazy blanket around the earth that trap heat into the atmosphere, causing temperatures to rise.
|  Many scientists say pollution from cars is causing global warming. |
In many ways, a warmer world would mean big trouble in the future. Global warming would cause some ice at the North and South Poles to melt. Oceans would rise, possibly putting some parts of Florida and Louisiana underwater.
Not a New Problem
Although these scientific findings are not new, they are making headlines this week because President Bush is expected to discuss global warming with 15 European leaders next week. The President asked a group of 11 top climate scientists to prepare the report before his trip. Many European leaders want President Bush to support a special 1997 agreement called The Kyoto Protocol. The agreement limits the amount of harmful gases that countries may release into the atmosphere. President Bush recently rejected this treaty, saying it may be too harmful to America’s businesses. He has also insisted that any treaty apply to not only big polluters like the United States but also smaller developing countries.
|  President Bush will talk about global warming during meetings in Sweden on June 14-15. |
The Global Warming Report
In the just released report, the National Academy of Sciences found that by the year 2100, temperatures are expected to increase between 2.5 degrees and 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit above those of 1990. The report also says there has been a steady rise in temperatures over the past 20 years. Scientists who wrote the report agree humans should do more to stop the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere. These gases come from everything from the tailpipes of our cars to the smokestacks in our power plants.
What Next?
A spokesman for President Bush said the President now has “a basis of sound science on which decisions can be made” on global warming. During his meeting with European leaders, experts believe the President will probably recommend voluntary ways to reduce the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere instead of requiring a reduction. Democrats think the President should require a reduction. They believe a reduction in the release of carbon dioxide and other gases is best not only for the U.S. but also for the entire world.
