But other factors such as solar variability and natural climatic variability make it difficult to attribute all or part of the warming to one exact cause. Over the next century, scientists project that the temperature will rise 2 to 6 o F as a result of rising concentrations of greenhouse gases. Scientists also state this rate of global warming would be unprecedented compared to the past 10,000 years. This threatens our health, agriculture, water resources, forests, wildlife and coastal areas. Methane sources include landfills, coal mines, agriculture, and oil and natural gas production.
Nitrous oxide is emitted from fertilizers and some industrial sources.
HFCs are primarily used as replacements for chlorofluorocarbons, the now banned ozone-depleting substances. PFCs and SF 6 are associated with aluminum smelting, semiconductor manufacturing, electric power transmission and distribution and magnesium casting. Energy used in our everyday activities turning on electrical appliances, driving cars, and heating and cooling our homes is responsible for air pollution that contributes to climate change. Technologies are available today that can cut this energy use significantly and, at the same time, improve our quality of life. The EPA has launched a wide range of Programs to help businesses and individuals save energy, thereby reducing energy bills and protecting the climate.