Hey, kids. Hate to bum you out but guess what? Global warming may be worse than we thought.

Here’s a call to all little scientists out there – we need to find a reasonable way to stop or slow the global warming trend occurring around the planet and today, that call just got a little louder. Scientists at Florida State University have found that global warming, believed to be caused by large quantities of “greenhouse gases” that have been released into the air, is getting increasingly worse because of, eh, global warming.

Researchers found that the warming of the planet is thawing out the permafrost, the soil in the polar areas that used to remain frozen all year long (before Mother Nature got mad and decided to fight back). Specifically, what they found was that as the permafrost thaws, the organic material (dead plants) inside the permafrost begins to decompose. And as it decomposes, you guessed it, it releases even more greenhouse gases.

The additional greenhouse gases that are released cause the planet to grow even warmer which makes more of the permafrost melt which releases more greenhouse gases which causes the planet to grow even warmer which makes more of the permafrost melt which, well, you get the picture. It’s like a merry-go-around that’s spinning too fast and you can’t jump off.

An easy-to-understand explanation of “global warming”

Global warming refers to the gradual increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature. This increase is primarily caused by the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, which would otherwise be reflected back into space, leading to an overall warming effect.

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are major contributors to the release of greenhouse gases. As these activities continue, the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere increases, leading to a more significant warming effect.

The effects of global warming can be seen in rising sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and more extreme weather events. It can also have significant impacts on ecosystems and human health.

To address global warming, it is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to cleaner energy sources and implementing other sustainable practices. Taking action now can help mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change and ensure a healthier planet for future generations.