ASSIGNMENT ON

GLOBAL WARMING IMPACT IN BANGLADESH

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................... - 4 WHAT CAUSES GLOBAL WARMING.........................................................................- 5 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING................................................................................- 7 IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING IN BANGLADESH................................................- 11 RESPONSES TO CHANGE......................................................................................- 13 SOME STATISTICAL EVIDENCE..............................................................................- 15 CONCLUSION...........................................................................................................- 16 REFERENCES..........................................................................................................- 17 -

INTRODUCTION

Global Warming assumption of climate change attributed to greenhouse effects. It is one of the
major environmental issues facing the world today. Its importance lies in the fact that the chemical
composition of the earth's atmosphere is already quite different from what it was a century ago
and the fact that these changes are not reversible in the foreseeable future with the present level
of technical know-how. Average global temperature is now about 0.6C higher than it was 100
years ago. Computer models of climatic change are predicting that by the end of the 21st century
the global temperature may rise by an additional 2.5 to 5.5C. As a result, there may be a
substantial change in the Sea level caused by thermal expansion of the earth's surface water, and
from a rapid melting of alpine and polar glaciers and ice caps.
Two million years ago, the earth's temperature was substantially higher. Since then the earth had
experienced alternative glacial-interglacial cycles. The oscillations between glacial-interglacial
cycles during the Pleistocene period were due to variations in the earth's orbit around the sun as
well as due to changes in the earth's tilt in relation to the sun. This swing from glacial to
interglacial cycles occurr approximately every 100,000 years. During the glacial periods the
earth's temperature was 4 to 5C less than the interglacial period. About 10,000 years ago, the
latest ice age ended and the continental glaciers retreated. During the last 10,000 years, global
temperature fluctuated by not more than 2C.
Recent global warming has been attributed to the increased presence of certain greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere. These atmospheric gases allow the shortwave solar radiation to reach
the earth but prevent the long wave infrared radiation from the earth to escape into outer space,
thus warming up the earth's surface. The increased amounts of gases, which have induced global
warming are carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbon and water vapour in the
atmosphere. Industrialisation, agricultural extension, specially wet rice cultivation, growth in the
number of individual automobiles and deforestation have all made significant contributions to the
emission of first four gases.

WHAT CAUSES GLOBAL WARMING

1. Natural and Amplified Warming
A. Natural Warming
The greenhouse effect is a natural warming process. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and certain other
gases are always present in the atmosphere. These gases create a warming effect that has some
similarity to the warming inside a greenhouse, hence the name greenhouse effect. Scientists
have determined that a number of human activities are contributing to global warming by adding
excessive amounts of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as carbon
dioxide accumulated in the atmosphere and trap heat that normally would exit into outer space.

Sunlight brings energy into the climate

system; most of it is absorbed by the oceans
and land.
THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT:
Heat (infrared energy) radiates outward from
the warmed surface of the Earth.
Some of the infrared energy is absorbed by
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which
re-emit the energy in all directions.
Some of the infrared energy further warms the
Earth.
Some of the infrared energy is emitted into
space.

AMPLIFIED GREENHOUSE EFFECT:

Higher concentrations of CO2 and other
"greenhouse" gases trap more infrared energy
in the atmosphere than occurs naturally. The
additional heat further warms the atmosphere
and Earths surface.

B. Amplified Warming
Increasing the amount of greenhouse gases intensifies the greenhouse effect. Higher
concentrations of CO2 and other greenhouse gases trap more infrared energy in the atmosphere
than occurs naturally. The additional heat further warms the atmosphere and Earths surface.
2. Imbalance Earth's Carbon Cycle

The Earth maintains a natural carbon balance. When concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) are
upset, the system gradually returns to its natural state. This natural readjustment works slowly,
compared to the rapid rate at which humans are moving carbon into the atmosphere by burning
fossil fuels. Natural carbon removal can't keep pace, so the concentration of CO2 in the
atmosphere increases. Like all other animals, humans participate in the natural carbon cycle, but
there are also important differences. By burning coal, oil, and natural gas, humans are adding
carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere much faster than the carbon in rocks is released through
natural processes. And clearing and burning forests to create agricultural land converts organic
carbon to carbon dioxide gas. The oceans and land plants are absorbing a portion, but not nearly
all of the CO2 added to the atmosphere by human activities.
HUMAN IMPACT ON THE CARBON CYCLE

The red arrow, representing rapid fossil fuel burning, OCEAN UPTAKE - Dissolving of CO2 gas into the
indicates the main way in which humans affect the
oceans and inflow of carbon carried from land by
natural carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide (CO2) levels are rivers.
increasing because the natural system cannot keep OCEAN RELEASE - Return of carbon in the oceans
pace with this new emission source. The natural
directly back to the atmosphere as CO2 gas.
processes that permanently remove this additional
SEDIMENTATION - Slow burial of plant and animal
carbon - ocean uptake and sedimentation - work
matter on land and on the ocean floor, which
extremely slowly.
eventually becomes limestone, coal, gas, and oil.
RESPIRATION - Slow combustion of carbon
compounds, producing energy within organisms and
releasing CO2.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS - Conversion of CO2 into
energy-rich carbon compounds by plants.

IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING

1. Impacts Of Sea Level Rise On Humans:
The impacts of global warming will be felt across the globe. These are a few of the many
examples of the impacts of sea level rise on humans.
A. Urban Flooding
Thirteen of the worlds fifteen largest cities are on coastal plains. Many smaller cities, such as
Alexandria, Egypts ancient center of learning, also face a severe risk of inundation with a 39-inch
(1m) rise in sea level. Parts of San Jose and Long Beach, California, are about three feet below
sea level and New Orleans is about eight feet below sea level today. Cities at risk cover a wide
range of economic circumstances, yet many will require extensive infrastructure development to
minimize the potential impacts of flooding, particularly from storm surge.
B. Adapting to Rising Seas
Rising sea level requires many different local responses. Urban areas on the U.S. coastline could
be surrounded by rising sea water. Cities may require extensive infrastructure development to
assure fresh water supplies, secure transportation, and protect people from flooding and storm
surge. Sea walls can be built to protect cities and roads from rising seas. More robust building
construction may also be required to withstand the increasingly intense storms that are likely to
result from global warming. Fresh water supply is a concern as sea water penetrates ground
water aquifers, which become brackish and less usable further inland.
C. Regional Challenges
The United States could lose 10,000 square miles of dry land if sea level rises two feet (0.6m).
But the impacts of rising sea level vary from one region to another. These maps identify areas
along the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic Coasts that are vulnerable to a 510 feet (1.53m) rise in sea
level. The U.S. Pacific Coast is far less vulnerable to coastal flooding because the land rises
more abruptly from the sea.
D. Ecological Tradeoffs
Building sea walls is an effective way to protect roads and cities from rising sea level. Sea walls
literally prevent sea water from encroaching inland and provide a buffer against storm surges.
Unfortunately, sea walls disrupt coastal ecosystems. The abrupt transition between sea water and
concrete eliminates the beaches and tidal areas that support life along the coasts. This may be
particularly problematic in barrier island ecosystems, such as along the southeastern coast of the
United States.
2. Impacts of Sea Level Rise on Nature
The impacts of global warming will be felt across the globe. These are a few of the many
examples of the impacts of sea level rise on nature.
A. Disappearing Wetlands
Coastal wetlands are especially vulnerable because they are within a few feet of sea level. In the
United States, a sea level rise of one foot (0.3m) could eliminate 1743% of todays wetlands,

with more than half the loss in Louisiana. As sea level rises, new wetlands will form further inland,
but the total area will probably be reduced. In developed areas, dikes and other structures will
prevent new wetlands from forming.
B. Coral Bleaching
Corals weakened by a variety of stresses are susceptible to bleaching. This occurs when the
microscopic algae that give corals their brilliant color die. In 1997 and 1998, a large El Nio event
contributed to bleaching in tropical corals around the world. Over the next century, warming of the
oceans, in combination with other stressors such as sea level rise and water pollution, could lead
to an increase in bleaching events.
C. Coastal Erosion
Over the past century, approximately 70% of the worlds shorelines have been retreating due to
sea level rise and increased erosion. Over the next century, increased erosion is likely as sea
level rises. Erosion will increase along different types of unprotected shoreline, including the lowlying barrier dunes of the southern U.S. Atlantic Coast and the soft cliff coasts of California.
D. Flooding In Eastern Maryland
Climate models project rising sea level during the 21st century due to greenhouse warming. Sea
level is not expected to rise as much as shown here by the year 2100, but it will likely be rising for
centuries to come, especially as polar ice melts. Much of eastern Maryland is low-lying, leaving
vast areas vulnerable to flooding.
3. Water Resources
The impacts of global warming will be felt across the globe. These are a few of the many
examples of the impacts of climate change on water resources.
A. Disappearing Glaciers
Glaciers are complex, and a short-lived advance or retreat of one or a few glaciers could have
many causes. But almost all of the mountain glaciers on Earth have shrunk over the last century.
The temperature increase needed to explain the rate of glacier disappearance agrees with
warming estimated from thermometers.
4. Traditional Cultures
The impacts of global warming will be felt across the globe. These are a few of the many
examples of the impacts of climate change on traditional cultures.
A. Disappearing Ice Packs
Wildlife in the arctic regions will be seriously affected as warmer temperatures affect the ocean
ice cover. Polar bears rely on sea ice to hunt seals, which use the ice for rearing their weng. The
native peoples also rely on the ice to hunt these species and walruses. Observations of walrus in
1996-99 showed them to be thin and in poor condition, partly due to receding sea ice.
B. Livestock Farming
Over the past several thousand years, traditional livestock farmers in Africa have developed a
variety of ways to cope with large climate variations. These coping mechanisms include keeping
diverse species of livestock, moving temporarily to more lush grasslands, maintaining economic

diversity, and distributing drought-induced hunger across the stronger members of the community.
Coping with climate changes over the next century will be increasingly difficult as human
populations increase and available grazing land decreases.
C. Limited Resources
Many indigenous peoples live in harsh climatic environments to which they have adapted.
However, when climate changes occur rapidly, populations with limited resources can be the first
to suffer from famine and disease. Adaptation techniques include altering crop mixes and water
infrastructure to deal with drought, and improving public healthcare systems to reduce the harm
caused by climate-related disease outbreaks.
5. Health And Disease
The impacts of global warming will be felt across the globe. These are a few of the many
examples of the impacts of climate changes on health and disease.
A. Infectious Diseases
Cold winter weather reduces the spread of infectious diseases by killing infectious organisms and
carrier species, such as mosquitoes. Warmer, wetter weather could increase the spread of
malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever. The possible increase in flooding and damage to water
and sewage infrastructure can further encourage the spread of disease.
B. Increased Air Pollution
Three out of four of the worlds highest-density cities are in rapidly developing countries, where
vehicle pollution is high. In Central Europe alone, 21,000 deaths are tied to air pollution each
year. The concentration of photochemical pollutants, such as ozone, tends to increase with
warmer temperatures. Ozone damages lung tissue and is especially harmful to people with
asthma and other lung conditions.
6. Hotter Summers & Warmer Winters
A 1995 heat wave killed more than 500 people in the Chicago area, and heat intensity is likely to
rise in the future. Statistical studies estimate that a temperature rise of 2F could double or triple
the number of heat-related deaths in Atlanta, in part because the heat index will increase
exponentially as temperature rises. But warmer weather may save lives in the winter by reducing
hypothermia and driving-related fatalities.
7. Agriculture
The impacts of global warming will be felt across the globe. These are a few of the many
examples of the impacts of climate change on agriculture.
A. American Crops
Agriculture in the United States is relatively well positioned to adapt to climate change, due in part
to the advanced technologies available to U.S. farmers. The overall system is regionally diverse
and has already adapted to a wide range of growing conditions. On the whole, U.S. crop
production could increase, unless warming becomes great or the frequency of extreme weather
increases.

8. Ecosytems
The impacts of global warming will be felt across the globe. These are a few of the many
examples of the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
A. American Ecosystems
Earlier spring A study observing 36 species in the central U.S. documented advances in
flowering dates by an average of 7.3 days from 1936 to 1998.
Northward Shift A study projecting responses to a doubling of atmospheric CO2 found that tree
habitats in the eastern U.S. may migrate northward more than 50 miles on average. However, the
ability of trees to shift might be limited in regions where forests are only found in isolated patches.
B. Shifting Penguin Populations
Penguin populations decreased 22% during the last 25 years, while Chinstrap penguins
increased by 400%. The two species depend on different habitats for survival: Adlies inhabit the
winter ice pack, whereas Chinstraps remain in close association with open water. A 79F rise in
midwinter temperatures on the western Antarctic Peninsula during the past 50 years, and
associated receding sea-ice pack, is reflected in their changing populations.

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IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING IN BANGLADESH

Three major impact of global warming on Bangladesh may be categorised as: climate change,
sea level change, and changes in the pattern of distribution and density of population. Climatic
change Using general circulation models (GCMs) of the climate system, scientists had predicted
a global change in temperature in the range of 1.5C to 4.5C with the doubling of carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere.
Over the past 100 years, temperature has increased by 0.5C, but in the next 50 years, that is, by
2050 AD the temperature in Bangladesh is expected to rise by 1.5-2.0C. As temperature
increases on a global scale, the hydrologic cycle will intensify and the rate of evaporation is
expected to increase by 12%. This, in turn, will increase the level of precipitation globally. There
may be regional variations in the amount of precipitation, but Bangladesh will experience an
increase in rainfall. Climate models developed by IPCC indicate that Bangladesh may experience
10 to 15 percent more rainfall by 2030 AD. Bangladesh is visited by devastating floods quite
frequently. In the past two decades, extensive flooding had occurred in 1987, 1988 and 1998
leading to colossal damages to infrastructures and the destruction of standing crops. An increase
in rainfall will only worsen the situation.
Scientists also predict that global warming will increase the frequency and intensity of tropical
storms. A high surface temperature of over 27C of the sea helps in the formation of cyclones.
Global warming will raise the sea surface temperature more than what it is now, thus increasing
the possibility of cyclone occurrences. Bangladesh has already been experiencing catastrophic
cyclones. The one that hit Bangladesh in 1991 claimed 150,000 lives and caused staggering
losses to livestock and property. A warmer climate, by increasing the frequency of natural hazards
such as floods and cyclones, will further aggravate such situations and negate the development
efforts of the country.
1. Sea level change
The sea level changes constantly in every locality due to changes in tides, atmospheric pressure
and wind velocity. But long-term sea level changes occur only due to changes in the global
climate. Global warming will cause a thermal expansion of the seawater. A rise in temperature will
also melt the polar and alpine ice sheets. Since Bangladesh is deltaic, vast areas of the country
will be submerged with the rise of the sea level. How much of the country will be lost to the sea
will depend on the relative change in the sea level. As Bangladesh is part of an active delta a
huge load of sediments is brought down and deposited by the great river systems of the Ganges,
Brahmaputra and Meghan. This leads to elevation of land. However, the weight of the huge load
of sediment results in compaction of the soil and land subsidence. The sea floor is also rising
because of deposition of sediments brought down by the rivers. Subsidence and uplift of land
may also occur from tectonic processes. A Taskforce report predicts that for one metre rise in the
sea level will lead to loss of about 22,889 sq km of land, which is about 15.8% of the total area of
Bangladesh.
2. Flooding
One of the poorest nations in the world is projected to lose 17.5% of its land if sea level rises
about 40 inches (1 m). Tens of thousands of people are likely to be displaced, and the countrys
agricultural system will be adversely affected. Coastal flooding will threaten animals, plants, and
fresh water supplies. The current danger posed by storm surges when cyclones hit Bangladesh is
likely to increase.

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3. Climate Change
The climate changes caused by global warming may lead to more rainfall, massive floods, great
cyclones and droughts. However, conservation of the environment and sustainable development
strategies will definitely protect the earth and its environment and will particularly save countries
like Bangladesh from the catastrophe which can be induced by global warming.
It is predicted that the surface temperature of the earth could rise by about 1.8 to 6.3C by 2100.
This could lead to a rise in sea levels by 0.5m and could threaten with inundation heavily
populated coastal and deltaic areas from Mississippi to Bangladesh. Climatic disasters such as
hurricanes, cyclones and droughts could become more frequent and severe. Tropical diseases
such as malaria and cholera may move north and south of the equatorial region due to global
warming.
4. Changes in the pattern of distribution and density of population
Being a low-lying and densely populated country Bangladesh would be worst hit by any rise in the
sea level. Coastal areas will experience erosion and inundation due to intensification of tidal
action. A rise in seawater will enable saline water to intrude further inland during high tides.
Destruction of agricultural land and loss of sweet water fauna and flora could also occur. The
shoreline will retreat inland, causing changes in the coastal boundary and coastal configuration.
The process will also shrink the land area of Bangladesh.
5. Tiger Losses
It is estimated that only about 3,000 4,500 Bengal tigers remain in the wild. The number in
Bangladesh is projected to decrease as a result of rising sea levels. For tigers and the many
other species that inhabit the forested wetlands of Bangladesh, migration to higher ground
probably would be blocked by human habitation of adjacent lands.

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RESPONSES TO CHANGE
Scientist have reveled some possible responses to global warming both at a personal and
national level.
Such as1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Buying products with minimal packaging will help to reduce waste and recycle paper, plastic,
newspaper, glass and aluminum cans. If there isnt t a recycling program at our workplace,
school, or in our community, think about starting one. By recycling half of our household waste,
we can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
2. Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning
Adding insulation to our walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors
and windows can lower our heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of
energy we need to heat and cool our home.
Turn down the heat while we are sleeping at night or away during the day, and keep temperatures
moderate at all times. Setting our thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and higher in summer
could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide each year.
3. Change a Light Bulb
Wherever practical, replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs.
Replacing just one 60-watt incandescent light bulb with a CFL will save we $30 over the life of the
bulb. CFLs also last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and
give off 70 percent less heat.
Statistics tells If every U.S. family replaced one regular light bulb with a CFL, it would eliminate 90
billion pounds of greenhouse gases, the same as taking 7.5 million cars off the road.
4. Drive Less and Drive Smart
Less driving means fewer emissions. Besides saving gasoline, walking and biking are great forms
of exercise. Explore our communitys mass transit system, and check out options for carpooling
to work or school. When we do drive, make sure our car is running efficiently. For example,
keeping our tires properly inflated can improve our gas mileage by more than 3 percent. Every
gallon of gas we save not only helps our budget, it also keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of
the atmosphere.
5. Buy Energy-Efficient Products
When it is time to buy a new car, choose one that offers good gas mileage. Home appliances now
come in a range of energy-efficient models, and compact florescent bulbs are designed to provide
more natural-looking light while using far less energy than standard light bulbs. Avoid products
that come with excess packaging, especially molded plastic and other packaging that can't be
recycled. If we reduce our household garbage by 10 percent, we can save 1,200 pounds of
carbon dioxide annually.
6. Use Less Hot Water
Set our water heater at 120 degrees to save energy, and wrap it in an insulating blanket if it is
more than 5 years old. Buy low-flow showerheads to save hot water and about 350 pounds of

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carbon dioxide yearly. Wash our clothes in warm or cold water to reduce our use of hot water and
the energy required to produce it. That change alone can save at least 500 pounds of carbon
dioxide annually in most households. Use the energy-saving settings on our dishwasher and let
the dishes air-dry.
7. Use the "Off" Switch
Save electricity and reduce global warming by turning off lights when we leave a room, and using
only as much light as we need. And remember to turn off our television, video player, stereo and
computer when we're not using them. It is also a good idea to turn off the water when we are not
using it. While brushing our teeth, shampooing the dog or washing our car, turn off the water until
we actually need it for rinsing. We will reduce our water bill and help to conserve a vital resource.
8. Plant a Tree
If we have the means to plant a tree, start digging. During photosynthesis, trees and other plants
absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. They are an integral part of the natural atmospheric
exchange cycle here on Earth, but there are too few of them to fully counter the increases in
carbon dioxide caused by automobile traffic, manufacturing and other human activities. A single
tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.
9. Get a Report Card from Our Utility Company
Many utility companies provide free home energy audits to help consumers identify areas in their
homes that may not be energy efficient. In addition, many utility companies offer rebate programs
to help pay for the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.
10. Encourage Others to Conserve
Share information about recycling and energy conservation with our friends, neighbors and coworkers, and take opportunities to encourage public officials to establish programs and policies
that are good for the environment.

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SOME STATISTICAL EVIDENCE

Scientists are working on the global warming issue from long days. Sometimes they comes up
with some solution whican can reduce global warming. In recent research they came up with
some excellent truth. Like

Increase household vehicle efficiency by 10 miles per gallon reduces CO2 emissions by
5.45%.

Drive 100 fewer miles per week reduces CO2 emissions by 4.11%

Fly 3000 fewer miles per year reduces CO2 emissions by 1.03%

Turn thermostat down by 2 degrees in the winter reduces CO2 emissions by 0.62%

Replace 10 incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents reduces CO2 emissions
by 1.06%

Plant 10 trees a year reduces CO2 emissions by 0.18%

Improve airplane fuel efficiency by 20% reduces CO2 emissions by 0.77%

Improve commercial transportation efficiency by 20% reduces CO2 emissions by 1.80%

Increase the use of biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, wind and solar energy sources to
25% of total U.S. production reduces CO2 emissions by 19.00%

Increase industrial energy efficiency by 10% reduces CO2 emissions by 2.85%

Improve commercial building efficiency by 25% reduces CO2 emissions by 4.35%

Collect 60% of the gas emitted from landfills and use it to generate electricity reduces
CO2 emissions by 1.75%

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CONCLUSION

On Feb. 2, 2007, the United Nations scientific panel studying climate change declared that the
evidence of a warming trend is "unequivocal," and that human activity has "very likely" been the
driving force in that change over the last 50 years. The last report by the group, the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, in 2001, had found that humanity had "likely"
played a role.
The addition of that single word "very" did more than reflect mounting scientific evidence that the
release of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases from smokestacks, tailpipes and burning
forests has played a central role in raising the average surface temperature of the earth by more
than 1 degree Fahrenheit since 1900. It also added new momentum to a debate that now seems
centered less over whether humans are warming the planet, but instead over what to do about it.
In recent months, business groups have banded together to make unprecedented calls for federal
regulation of greenhouse gases. The subject had a red-carpet moment when former Vice
President Al Gore's documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth," was awarded an Oscar; and the
Supreme Court made its first global warming-related decision, ruling 5 to 4 that the Environmental
Protection Agency had not justified its position that it was not authorized to regulate carbon
dioxide. The latest report from the climate panel predicted that the global climate is likely to rise
between 3.5 and 8 degrees Fahrenheit if the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere
reaches twice the level of 1750. By 2100, sea levels are likely to rise between 7 to 23 inches, it
said, and the changes now underway will continue for centuries to come.
Every report regarding global warming indicated bad impact to our world. So we should work
together and take the initiative step so that we can reduce the global warming and save one and
only earth of this universe.

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REFERENCES

1. An Convenient Truth Directed by Davis Guggenheim

2. http://news.nationalgeographic.com
3. http://www.koshland-science-museum.org
4. http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/science/topics
5. www.globalwarming.org
6. www.climatecrisis.net
7. www.worldviewofglobalwarming.org
8. www.banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/G_0137.htm
9. www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/special_report/1997/sci/tech/global_warming

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