Scientists have been aware of the potential harmful effects of greenhouse gases since, as early as 1824, Joseph Fourier, a French mathematician and physicist determined through mathematical calculations that our planet would be a much colder place if the Earth were devoid of its atmosphere. Earth's atmospheric gases allow light to penetrate but capture heat and inhibit its release, a phenomenon known as the "greenhouse effect" or "climate change." In this article I will discuss the causes and effects of global warming and how the rapid acceleration of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere may be problematic as most of Earth's living beings and creatures may have difficulty coping or acclimating to these irregular and unstable temperature changes. Since its creation in 1824, the prevailing view of the scientific community has been that the escalation of greenhouse gases emitted into the Earth's atmosphere due to humanity's actions was attributed to the significant increase in global temperatures. The rate at which the Earth's population emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere has literally gone unchecked in its myriad forms, such as factory emissions, the burning of fossil fuels or the large-scale deforestation of natural forests, all of which have contributed to levels high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. , which has contributed to the warming of the Earth's surface. Unfortunately, this lack of balance generated by our own actions is already evident in the form of an increase in natural disasters, of a more violent nature, such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tsunamis and droughts. Overpopulation must be the most serious cause. A significant factor contributing to this global warming crisis... middle of paper... may serve to curb its effects. The more we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels coupled with tighter government-imposed restrictions on producers to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and global warming, the better our chances of making significant progress towards reversing of the harmful effects of global warming. In conclusion, I really enjoyed this assignment because at the end of my research I had a greater appreciation and understanding of the delicate nature of our atmosphere. I learned how our careless discharge of greenhouse gases has a negative effect on the climate and instead contributes to global warming. I also feel more educated about the actions I can take to do my part toward reversing it, and as a result of my newfound knowledge, I feel more comfortable educating others about this very important issue.