Global
warming is a serious issue, and one of the few that will have a negative impact
across the entire globe. As time progresses, global warming will cause us more
and more problems. From extreme weather patterns to rising sea levels, global
warming is an unavoidable issue that we will have to face as a species. However,
because humans have been contributing so much to the climate change, there are
ways that we can help our planet from this tragedy.
Scientists
believe that the warming of our climate will cause more extreme weather
patterns. This would mean more hurricanes and drought and longer spells of dry
heat or intense rain. A biological oceanographer at Harvard University noted
that the world’s oceans are 27 degrees warmer than usual during the summertime.
Thus increasing the occurrence of major storms. “When water reaches such
temperatures, more of it evaporates, priming hurricane or cyclone formation.
Once born, a hurricane needs only warm water to build and maintain its strength
and intensity.” (Shah, 2015)
One effect of global warming that has been
becoming increasingly prominent is the rising sea level. Research has shown
that over the past 20 years the average speed of rising has doubled compared to
the past 80 years. This increase can be attributed to several factors. For one,
water molecules expand when they are heated, and exponentially more heat has
been trapped in the atmosphere. Also, masses of ice such as glaciers are more
rapidly weakening, breaking apart, and melting. Although rising sea level can
seem insignificant, over time it could dramatically affect the planet. It would
eventually cause cities and wildlife habitats along coastlines to flood,
forcing animals and residents to relocate.
Despite
the evident effects global warming has presented, there are countless things we
can do to combat it. Simple solutions around the house can be as easy as replacing
a lightbulb with a compact fluorescent lightbulb or unplugging appliances to
save electricity. Another quick change is to turn your thermostat down 2
degrees in the winter and up 2 degrees in the summer. Reducing electricity use
is just one of many things to help counteract global warming.
Many
people might make the argument that a change in climate has occurred
previously, so what do we have to do with it? John Cook, writer of the
Skeptical Science blog, shares with us the “10 Indicators of a Human
Fingerprint on Climate Change”: Less heat escaping to space, shrinking
atmosphere, rising tropopause, cooling stratosphere, less oxygen in the air,
more fossil fuel carbon in the air, more heat returning to Earth, nights
warming faster than days, and the 30 billion tons of carbon dioxide being
produced per year.
Global
warming is a pressing issue that the planet is currently facing. Although some
people may not believe humans are global warming’s source, it is scientifically
proven to be an undeniable problem. It will cause the earth to face new challenges
ranging from drastic changes in weather to rising sea levels. If we work
together as a species, we can better understand all aspects of global warming
and overcome its impending doom.
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