Global warming has become a common household term in the last few years, but what exactly is it? Is it for real?
According to many climate change scientists, there is no question that global warming is real. It is caused by carbon dioxide and other harmful gases forming a blanket over the atmosphere. This so-called blanket traps heat from the sun causing the temperature on earth to rise. Over the past 50 years, temperatures have been reported to have risen more than ever before in recorded history. And, some say, the warmest years ever recorded have occurred since 1990.
What exactly does that mean for the average occupant of this planet? While most people think warmer temperatures sound ideal, the reality is that climate change is wreaking havoc all over the world. Some of the devastating effects of climate change include:
• Heat waves in Europe and India in 2003 resulting in over 36,000 deaths
• Water shortages caused by droughts
• Flooding due to sea levels rising from ice caps and glaciers melting
• Stronger storms caused by warmer ocean temperatures, such as Hurricane Katrinia in 2005
• Extinction of plants and animals due to disruption of natural habitats.
The two biggest causes of CO2 pollution in North America are coal-burning generators and automobiles. It is estimated that combined these sources emit over 5 billion tons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere annually.
As overwhelming as these statistics are, climate change scientists, along with Al Gore, say there is hope. If we care enough to change our personal habits and improve our carbon imprint, we can drastically cut CO2 emissions. Look into car pooling, biking, walking or taking the bus to work. Hybrid electric vehicles are an option that should not be overlooked as gas prices continue to rise. Together we need to demand that government and industry make greener technologies available, such as wind and solar energy. If everyone cared enough to make changes in their own lifestyle, we could make the world a greener, cooler place to live.
Source: video, An Inconvenient Truth
