Global Warming & Climate Change

GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE

I support the "idea" of global warming. There is endless scientific evidence that proves its

existence. It is impossible to deny that the climate is warming up. It is also obvious that human interference is the main cause of this world-wide disaster. The burning of coal, oil, and natural gases releases carbon dioxide gas into the air. With so much carbon dioxide being released, it is warming the Earth and change the climate. Another human influence on global warming is the cutting down of trees, forests, and rainforests, growing rice, and raising cattle.

The average world temperature is increasing. It has in fact been increasing for years, which brings into play the argument that the recent increase in global temperature is just a natural cycle. Since 1500, the average world temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius. Now even though this does not sound like a lot, over the entire world it really is. And the difference between the years is the key to showing human influence. Between 1500 and 1700, the average world temperature increased from 0.1 to 0.2 degrees Celsius. Then from 1700 to 1900, it increased from 0.3 to 0.4 degrees Celsius. From 1900 to 2000 was the greatest jump though, 0.5 to 0.6 degrees Celsius. The rise in temperature is growing as the world population increases.

The world-wide increase in temperatures.

The increase in world population.

After looking at this scientific evidence, I don't see how anyone can deny the occurrence of global warming and climate change.

The Kyoto Protocol was when over 160 nations met in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, to negotiate limitations on emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, hyfroflourocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulferhexaflouride. The emissions of each country must be measured relative to the 1990 (or in some cases the 1995) emissions. There are 84 countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol, and 122 that have ratified it. Among these nations, some of the major ones that have signed it are: Canada, China, members of the European Union, the United Kingdom, India, and Russia. The United States and Australia both signed the Kyoto Protocol, but refuse to ratify it.

There are so many effects of global warming, most of them disastrous. Many of these affects are already occurring, too. The glaciers are melting, and many animals are losing their habitats. The number of severe storms (such as hurricanes) and droughts are increasing. The even scarier part is what could happened in years to come if global warming is allowed to continue and human behaviour is not changed. In just 25 years, human deaths might double. Since the glaciers in Greenland and Antartica are melting, the global sea level will rise by 20 feet, which will devastate coastal areas. There will be more frequent and intense heat waves, and droughts and wildfires will occur more and more often. By 2050, the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free, and more than a million species could be extinct. These effects are startling, but a reality, and people need to face them.

The effects of global warming are not inevitable though. There are things one can do to reduce his or her energy consumption. You can use a better light bulb. This simple change can save so much energy, and is a better alternative for more efficient technology. Green power is also a great alternative because these clean energy sources emit little to no carbon dioxide. There are so many actions you can take at home to reduce your energy consumption. Simple things, like unpluging appliances and chargers when not in use, using smaller, more efficient appliances and power strips, turn off lights (use natural light), use energy-saver modes on washing machine and dishwasher and only run them when full. Additionally, only wash clothes in cold or warm water, never hot. There are endless things you can do to do your part in helping to reduce the effects of global warming on the world.

There are many new technologies that can change the energy use patterns of people and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. The main and, I think, most useful new technology is green power!!!

Sources:

1) http://www.climatecrisis.net/thescience/

2) http://www.fightglobalwarming.com/index.cfm?source=search_fgwadc

3) http://www.gcrio.org/gwcc/index.htm

4) http://www.globalissues.org/EnvIssues/GlobalWarming.asp

5) http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/kyoto/kyotorpt.html

6) http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/kyoto.htm

7) http://www.mala.bc.ca/~earles/boreholeT-feb00.htm

8) http://members.aol.com/trajcom/private/popco2.htm