Climate Change is Real - Learn the Basic Facts

Much good has come from widespread availability of information characteristic of our current society. Unfortunately, this abundance of information also makes it very easy to be mislead or confused and there are many parties in whose best interest it is to for you to be confused. Global warming is possibly the most significant event humans will face - don't be fooled! Read on to learn about the basic facts of the possible climate catastrophe our earth is facing.

Myth #1: Within the scientific community, debate persists as to whether or not anthropogenic (human-caused) gases are the primary cause of global warming.

Fact: Worldwide, climate scientists are united in agreement that the current rise in greenhouse gases and global temperatures are directly correlated to human-related causes. There is virtually no disagreement about the fact that global temperatures are rising. The vast majority of climate scientists-the people intimately studying atmospheric changes who are experts in their field-agree that global warming has increased significantly since the Industrial Revolution and that those changes correspond with increased burning of fossil fuels and other human activities. Whatever debate exists does so in the popular media and political arenas. Skeptics are often spokespeople or "scientists" hired by industries that have a stake in new emission-cutting regulations or changes in consumer buying patterns that would curb global warming.

Myth #2: The current warming trend is just part of the natural cycle of rising and falling climate variation. A small shift in degrees is not a big deal.

Fact: While climate change does follow a natural cycle of fluctuation in global and regional temperatures over time, we are experiencing a major increase in the rate at which climate change is occurring that does not fall within the normal boundaries of global climate cycles. While some animals and plants were able to adapt to slow changes over time, many will become extinct as a result of faster climate changes. Evolution requires time to change any given species-successful changes are made over thousands (or millions) of years. In contrast, scientists predict that the average global temperature will increase anywhere from 2.5 to 10.4 degrees F in the 21st century alone. Although this may seem insignificant, such a shift across the entire globe will dramatically effect the more delicate ecosystems which are, in turn, connected to the function of each other system. The last Ice Age was only 5-9 degrees colder than today's temperatures.

Myth #3: Global warming is a good thing; an extended warm season would be more comfortable and extend the growing season, thus increasing global food supplies.

Fact: While a small amount of warming might benefit some select regions, the negative effects of global warming will far outweigh any positives. Among the many expected results of global warming are: drought, flooding rainstorms, forest fire, and species extinctions. Many of the extreme weather events will occur in areas that are already experiencing trouble producing their own food because of resource depletion, specifically in the developing world where hunger is already prevalent. Additionally, rising sea levels are predicted to displace 13 to 88 million people each year, placing a greater strain on agricultural lands. Finally, warmer winters and an increased growing season will extend the range of many invasive plant and animal species, which may crowd out natives. Insects that pose threats to the well-being of humans will experience an evolutionary advantage as a result of larger areas being hospitable to them for longer periods.

Myth #4: Like examples of the past, humans can easily adapt to the effects of global climate change, especially with current and future technologies.

Fact: Although humans can adapt to new climatic situations quite rapidly, there are several notable historical examples of major population decreases as a result of climate change. If the global warming trend continues without action, the rate of increase and the degree of warming will exceed anything experienced since the beginning of human civilization. The effects of global warming will be felt across the global economy, influencing the ability of governments, industries, and individuals to deal with the various changes. If industrialized nations are able to fufill the prophecy spoken by so many media pundits and invent their way out of this crisis with technology, those countries lacking the resources to do the same will be left high and dry. Environmental refugees will affect both developed and developing countries. Additionally, conflict over food and water will likely have a ripple effect across the globe.

It is clear that the need to act on global, industrial, political, and individual levels is imperative to address one of the biggest environmental challenge humans as a species has ever seen. Education is the first step; action is the next. The future is in our hands.

Sources:

Wang, James, PhD. and Michael Oppenheimer, PhD. "The Latest Myths and Facts on Global Warming." Environmental Defense, 2005. [PDF]

"Myth Manners Thinks Abrupt Climate Change Would Be Rude." Grinning Planet. June 21, 2005.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

All are welcome to reprint this article if this resource box is included. ACoolerClimate.com furnished this article about global warming. To read more and learn what you can do to help spread a grassroots movement, visit www.acoolerclimate.com Related Global Warming Article: Science Study Reveals Global Warming Is The Top Current Environmental Issue

If You want to use this article on your website then select COPY THIS ARTICLE in the Menu on the right side!

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated