Carbon monoxide emissions from automobile related to the greenhouse Essay

Carbon monoxide emissions from automobile related to the greenhouse effect and how it negatively affects the US economy - Essay Example This discussion will examine the role automobile emissions play in global warming, briefly explain the phenomenon, its effects on the environment and the economic consequences to the U.S. The rising levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere are becoming increasingly disconcerting. Worldwide, â€Å"carbon dioxide emissions are increasing by four percent a year† (Miller, 1990: 450). Eighty percent of the world’s population accounts for just 35 percent of CO2 emissions while the United States is responsible for generating nearly half. Automobiles are the main cause of air pollution with toxins emitted from stacks at coal-burning electric power plants running a close second (Breuer, 1980: 70). In addition to CO2 emissions, vehicles emit carbon monoxides (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), all of which contribute to global warming (Energy Information Administration, 2004). As the balance between the CO2 levels in the ocean and atmosphere is disturbed by interjecting increasing amounts of CO2, the oceans continually absorb higher concentrations than it does naturally. The subsequent warming ocean waters are less effective in their ability to absorb CO2. At increased temperatures, the atmospheric water vapor and resulting precipitation will be proportionately higher. (Schroeder, 2007) The more rapid water recycling rate due to the greenhouse effect will result in heavier rainfall amounts and the number of extreme rainfall events. Higher rainfall rates will cause increased tropical storm intensity in addition to the warmer temperatures. Hurricanes may be even more frequent and intense than presently predicted. Scientists universally forecast that global warming will melt glaciers causing a rise of sea-levels which will hasten erosion resulting in the loss of vast areas of land. The change will bring about elevated storm