GLOBAL WARMING EXISTS?

Global warming is defined as an increase in the average
temperature of the earth's atmosphere. This trend
began in the middle of the 20th century and is one of
the major environmental concerns of scientists and
governmental officials worldwide. The changes in
temperature result mostly from the effect of increased
concentrations of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
These gasses, which include carbon dioxide and
methane, are mostly produced through human activity.
Global Warming Debate Controversy
The global warming debate has quickly become a source
of controversy. People disagree on how to address the
problem and some simply do not believe that global
warming is even occurring at all. Global warming is an
internationally recognized problem and many nations are
on board with addressing the issue in the most effective
manner possible. The Kyoto Agreement was called for a
reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and, as of
November 2009, was signed by 187 nations. Since
1750, there has been an overall increase of 90-250
percent in the release of carbon dioxide.
Climate Change
If global warming continues at the rate it is right now,
scientists warn against a large number of ill effects.
Decreases in the amounts of ice and snow in some
regions have already endangered many species and
continue to do so. Further global warming will also
result in a melting of the polar ice caps, which is
already occurring. This will lead not only to loss of
habitats, but also to a rise in the level of the ocean. A
rise in ocean levels could bury some of the coastal cities
and islands under miles of water and greatly reduce the
amount of land available for human life.
Climate change already impacts a large number of
species. For example, coral reefs and mangrove trees
have declined in numbers. There is also significant
evidence to support changes in forestry over the last
100 years. As global warming has sped up, there have
been a number of responses, both innate and planned.
Many animal species have responded by migrating to
cooler climates. Others have adapted and some are
simply close to extinction.
Political & Scientific Reaction
As far as politics go, the responses are just as varied.
Mitigation is common and calls for a reduction of
emissions and less reliance on fossil fuels. Coal burning
power plants are now replaced with hydraulic power
plants and electrical cars are replacing some gasoline
efficient cars. Many people, however, feel that this is
not enough. These "environmental radicals" want to see
a complete overhaul of the system and severe reduction
of any reliance on factories or machines that produce
greenhouse gasses. Some environmental radicals have
proposed a system called geo-engineering. This would
involve engineering the climate of the earth artificially
through removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
or blocking incoming sunlight. These techniques would
be particularly costly to develop, so they are strongly
opposed by supporters of mediation and simple policy
change.
When it comes down to it, most politicians and
scientists agree that the power to stop global warming
lies mostly with the people. Whether a supporter of
simple mediation and reduction of use or a believer in
dramatic overhauls such as geo-engineering, most
scientists agree that the more people who are on board,
the better. One survey found that over one-third of
people were completely unaware of global warming and
its effects. A great first step toward changing the
environment would be to educate these people.