Our planet is surrounded by a layer of greenhouse gases that regulate and keep the Earth’s temperature warm enough to support plant and animal life. The most significant human-induced greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2) - a vital gas because it transmits visible light but absorbs strongly in the infrared spectrum. CO2 is produced by all living things, with a sizeable portion stored beneath the ground when plants and animals die.           With the advent of industry in the last 200 years, man has discharged so much CO2 and other greenhouse gases that a thick belt around the atmosphere prevents reflected sunlight and heat from escaping the Earth – making global temperatures hotter.           As we continue to discharge more of these greenhouse gases, we continue to increase planetary temperature, resulting in the alteration of climate patterns or climate change. Sea level rise, plant and animal extinction and extreme weather conditions will be some of the most visible effects. With diminishing land areas and an ever-increasing global population, water and food shortages will be the norm. Carrier insects that thrive in warmer climates will also penetrate further into temperate regions, breeding a host of epidemics.           If we continue with business as usual, we will turn our planet into an extremely hostile place to live in.