What Are The Main Facts And Myths About The Causes of Global Warming And The Future Effects On Humans, Animals and The Earth?
With the influx of information available
on the Internet and
all the hype in the media, it is often difficult to discern
scientifically
accepted facts about global warming from the distorted myths. This
article will
provide a brief overview of the main facts and myths about the causes
of global warming and
the effects on humans, animals, and the earth. For even more information, see Global
Warming
Myths and Facts from Environmental Defense.
Myth #1:
There is scientific debate over whether or not the current increasee in global
warming is caused by human activities.
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 global warming trend is just part of the earth's 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 the earth's 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. While this may
seem like a small fluctuation on a regional scale, on a global scale it is
significant. 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 for humans and would also
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.
Some of the predicted future effects of global warming include: 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.
Harmful insects that eat crops or harbor disease will have expanded
geographical and seasonal ranges.
Myth
#4: Like
examples of the past, humans can easily adapt to the effects of global
warming, especially with current and future technologies.
Fact: While it is
true that humans as a species have survived through the earth's climate variations
in the past, it has been the cause of civilization collapse in many proven
cases.
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.
Furthermore, even if developed countries
were able to come up with technology to ease the effects of global warming,
poorer countries will likely not have the resources to adapt. 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.
Cassie Phillips
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.
--------------------------
This article may be reprinted
freely as long as this resource box is
included.
Cassie Phillips is a
writer for ACoolerClimate.com, a website devoted to creating a
revolutionary movement by showing people
how
to help prevent global warming.
You can sign up to join and help spread the movement:
http://www.acoolerclimate.com
--------------------------
Related Global Warming Article: How Can We Help Stop Global Warming Article: Using Recycled Paper Instead of Virgin Paper
Related Global Warming Article: Three Ways To Decrease Your Carbon FootPrint - A Global Warming Article On How To Reduce Your CO2 Emissions
Related Global Warming Article: The Simplest Solution To Help Stop Global Warming: A Major Fact For You To Face
|
