The global warming controversy

Posted on April 23, 2007
Filed Under Environment | Leave a Comment

Global warming is the constant increase in average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere over a period of certain years. This can cause dramatic changes to the Earth, including mass extinction or other negative effects. Many people debate that the problem doesn’t exist, as there is little evidence. However, more recent evidence may suggest otherwise. Global warming has recently received much attention from the popular media reaching its apogee with Al Gore’s Oscar wining documentary, “An inconvenient truth.”

The cause of this global warming is attributed to greenhouse gases. These gases, such as methane or carbon dioxide, are released by common-day machines such as automobiles or air conditioning units. These gases will trap sunlight rays bouncing off of Earth’s surface, which effectively warms the Earth’s surface to a greater degree. However, many debate that greenhouse gases are necessary to human life, and aren’t out of control. Greenhouse gases warm the surface temperature of Earth enough to support even human life.

In the future, it is expected the temperature of Earth will gain anywhere from 2-11 degrees Fahrenheit. This may not seem like much, but this can lead to several disasters. For instance, the glaciers located in northern and southern hemispheres may melt, effectively flooding the Earth. The increase in temperature may make certain plant life and animals extinct, which can have a chain reaction, and in turn make other animals or plant life extinct. This can continue until there is a mass extinction.

However, many still claim that global warming is under control. Countries have taken many measures to circumvent the situation, and the United Nations have made many businesses or companies comply with certain standards that reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Aerosol spray cans have been reduced, and instead replaced with different spraying mechanisms- as aerosol contributes to ozone depletion. The ozone layer helps shield ultraviolet rays from reaching the Earth’s surface. This is important, because UV rays can damage the DNA of animals, including humans. This can lead to cancer or other serious afflictions, so it is important to keep the ozone layer intact.

Certain measures have been taken to help circumvent ozone loss, such as planting trees or regulating company waste products. Paired with global warming, the two effects could have profound effects on Earth. It isn’t too late to help prevent disasters that could come as a result, if they even do come. It depends on what side of the debate you are on, but generally more people are leaning towards global warming as being a real threat. The collaboration of nations around the world, and supporting “green” causes will slow the damage, but not completely stop it anytime soon. The debate is likely to unfold as new discoveries are made, and when scientists both prove the existence and find a solution to the irritating problem.

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