[img]2012q2/ct_etoefm_etoefspeakc_0447_20124[/img] [originaltext] The "greenh

The "greenhouse effect" is a term used to describe the warming of the earth due to the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a gas produced every time a fuel such as coal, oil or natural gas is burned. This carbon dioxide increases the heat of the atmosphere, and thus warms the planet.
    According to scientists, the "greenhouse effect" is the most serious problem our planet has ever faced. First of all, the level of the ocean could rise, because ocean water expands as it grows warmer. Melting polar icecaps could also contribute to an increase in the level of the ocean. People living on coastlines might lose their homes, and cities like New Orleans might be completely submerged.
    Parts of the world that are already hot might become hotter. Hot weather doesn’t mean that people feel uncomfortable. It means a huge increase in the use of air conditioning which uses energy, costs money and creates pollution.
    Some part of the world might become much drier. Already many parts of Africa have suffered from several droughts. Other parts of the world might become wetter. Too much rain in some regions could kill crops traditionally grown there, and lead to hunger.
    What can be done to limit the "greenhouse effect"? Many scientists suggest that people need to learn to conserve fuel, since burning fuel is one of the main causes of the "greenhouse effect". Government should protect forests, since trees can help reduce the "greenhouse effect" Chemicals which increase the effect can be banned or strictly controlled. Nations should work together to prevent a global disaster, while ordinary citizens must do their part too.