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In the last decade of the twentieth century, emissions of greenhouse gases in the United States from the combustion of fossil fuels rose 11% (EPA 2001).  It was also the warmest decade on record (NCDC 1999).  Is there a connection between fossil fuels and warmer temperatures?  Although some scientists disagree about the magnitude of human-induced global warming, there is consensus that burning of fossil fuels since the industrial revolution has changed the composition of Earth’s atmosphere and has enhanced the greenhouse effect (Taylor and Hannan 1999).	introduces the topic of global warming connects global warming to fossil fuels	introduces the topic captures interest justifies the topic
The naturally occurring greenhouse effect is essential to life on earth.  Greenhouse gasses trap long-wave radiation in the earth’s atmosphere, making the planet warm enough to inhabit.  The atmosphere naturally contains greenhouse gasses (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide), however, we’ve been adding these and non-natural gasses (hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride) to the atmosphere as we burn fossil fuels, thereby enhancing the greenhouse effect.  Anthropogenic addition of greenhouse gases may cause earth’s temperatures to rise; indeed they may have already begun this process.  The impacts of global warming would be far-reaching, are difficult to predict, and would probably be irreversible.	explains the greenhouse effect explains the role of fossil fuels in global warming	justifies the topic
The primary source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions is the combustion of fossil fuels, like natural gas, oil, gasoline, and coal, for use in transportation, electric energy, and space heating. Today’s consumption of fossil fuels is inherently unsustainable not just because of an enhanced greenhouse effect, but also because of the limited fossil fuel resources, which we consume more rapidly than they are produced.  This paper will first address the environmental problems associated with extracting and burning fossil fuels.  Second, alternative sources of energy will be examined.  Last, this paper will explore the actions that humanity needs to take, as communities and individuals, to curb the unsustainable use of fossil fuels.	use of fossil fuels isn't sustainable this paper will look at fossil fuels and alternatives	provides a general thesis statement (bold) outlines where the paper will go