4 Surprising Facts about Climate Change

4 SUPRISING FACTS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE METHANE MATTERS Methane, the main compound in natural gas, is a huge contributor to global warming. Although it makes up only 9% of human-made greenhouse gases, it can do a lot more damage. In the first 20 years after it is released in the atmosphere, methane traps 86 times more heat than carbon dioxide. H GOODBYE, GOLDEN TOAD H-CH increasing temperatures change weather and vegetation patterns. This forces animal species to migrate to cooler areas in order to survive. Rapidly changing climates, however, can exceed species' ability to migrate or adapt and lead to extinction. The very first extinction attributed to climate change happened in 1999–never again will you see a golden toad on this planet. HOT AND HEAVY BREATHING In extreme heat, pollen and other allergen levels are increased. These allergens can trigger asthma attacks, which affect about 300 million people worldwide. As earth's temperature increases each year, so will this breathing burden. OCEANS OF ACID Oceans act like a giant sponge, absorbing 27% of CO, in the atmosphere. Co, mixed with seawater creates carbonic acid, which is steadily increasing the acidity of oceans. This threatens marine life and the well being of humans who depend on food from the sea. REACTIONS EVERYDAY CHEMISTRY facebook.com/acsreactions youtube.com/acsreactions @acsreactions http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/urgentissues/global-warming-climate-change/threats-impacts/human-health.xml http://cen.acs.org/articles/92/i27/Methanes-Role-Climate-Change.html?h=-1898752047 http://cen.acs.org/articles/92/129/Research-Opportunities-Arise-Oceans-Sour.html?h=-2132983578 http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/urgentissues/global-warming-climate-change/threats-impacts/wildlife-at-risk.xml http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/climate_change/facts/en/