The Republican Study Committee held a forum in the U.S. Capitol to discuss the issue of global warming and the Earth’s environment. In the forum entitled, “Global Warming: Revealing the Truth,” scientists and politicians spoke on the media’s coverage of environmental issues and scientific evidence for global warming, known as the “greenhouse effect.” Global warming theoretically occurs when a buildup of carbon dioxide, from the destruction of plant life and industrial emissions, traps the sun’s heat within the atmosphere, leading to higher temperatures on Earth and drastic environmental change. The panelists at the forum claimed the “greenhouse effect” was one of several “myths and misconceptions” sold to the American people by the media.