To accurately solve a problem that will affect the entire globe, it is necessary to define the predicament and explain its causes.  Although it is virtually accepted that humans are expediting the path to a warmer planet, there is sufficient evidence that states the earth's predisposition towards fluctuating temperature.  Over the past 4.7 billion years, Earth's climate has shifted due to volcanoes, changes in solar input, shifting of tectonic plates, strikes by large meteors and other factors (Miller 462).  Therefore, the earth's rise in temperature may seem like a simple pattern.  But the trouble lies in the fact that although earth's climate has always changed, it has rarely changed this fast ("Hot Planet").  In fact, according to Hot Planet, "At the current pace, most climatologists agree that we'll be about two degrees Celsius hotter in fifty years and three degrees hotter by the end of the century".  In Naomi Oreskes' scientific journal, the IPCC states that most of the observed warming over the past 50 years is most likely due to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions (1686). This augmentation is due to the increased reliance on carbon emitting activities which include the burning of fossil fuels, clearing and burning of forests and grasslands, and the use of inorganic fertilizers (Miller 465).  Although the burning of fossil fuels has made for easier transportation and an overall higher standard of living, it has caused the release of carbon dioxide and methane. Additionally, the burning of forests in order to build cities and make room for crops and livestock release enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide (Miller 465).  Unfortunately, the rise in global temperature has caused many scientists to have fairly grim predictions in terms of the future. 

        There are a number of disastrous effects that may occur if global warming is not slowed or halted in the near future.  Fortunately, there are a number of steps being taken by various organizations and countries to do so.  The Maldives (a series of over 1,000 small islands south of India) is taking various steps in order to become carbon neutral by 2020 by implementing wind turbines, giant solar panels, and biomass plant-burning projects (Jones).  This nation is working towards a greener style of living through its actions and plans for the future.  Despite the country's hard work, it may be one of the first to disappear due to the rising sea levels, which is a result of global warming (Jones).  However, the countries emitting the most greenhouse gases are not as proactive as the Maldives in terms of working towards a strong plan to curb the effects of global warming.  According to G. Tyler Miller, President of Earth Education and Research, America produces about 24 percent of the annual global emissions, despite the fact that only 4.6 percent of the world's populations resides in the United States (466).  In order to effectively change the course of nature, America has to be the forerunner in trying to curb the release of carbon dioxide.  Fortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) is attempting to do just this.  According to John Broder of the New York Times, the E.P.A. "proposed a stricter standard for smog-causing pollutants that would bring substantial health benefits to millions of Americans while imposing large costs on industry and local governments" (Broder).  Although somewhat vague and ambiguous, the E.P.A.'s plan shows that the government is taking a step in the right direction.  The new ruling will benefit both the environment and human health, as it will force smog filled cities to cut their emitted pollution (Broder).  As more people become aware and educated about the causes of global warming and the detrimental effects  it will have on all of humanity, the more they want to become part of the movement.