While a little healthy skepticism is rarely a bad thing, I often wonder about the many individuals who continually doubt the existence and dangers of planetary global warming. The concept is very real and there is plenty of supporting science to prove this.
Consider first that our global temperature has been found to be increasing at an alarming rate. According the NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies, average world temperatures have shot up 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degree Celsius) since 1880. And the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported that 11 of the past 12 years are among the dozen warmest since 1850. The temperature increase has been largely caused by collected carbon dioxide and air pollution which is retained in our atmosphere. Serving much like that extra blanket you throw on your bed during the winter, this pollution keeps the heat in.
One of the side effects of increased temperatures is the further risk of wildfires. Trees dry up and can flare up with a single spark. A second fact is that 2002 saw a substantial rise in wildfires in Colorado, Arizona and Oregon. These three US states, in fact, suffered from their worst wildfire seasons ever that year.
When the warmer temperatures of spring arrive, the winter snow melts. On a much grander scale, the world’s most impressive glaciers are also receding. As a third fact and just one example, Montana’s Glacier National Park once boasted 150 magnificent glaciers in 1910. This number has now dwindled to 27 … where has all this snow disappeared to?
Question the existence of global warming if you will; however, you will serve a much better purpose by questioning what you, and your family, can do to solve the problem. You do not have to accept entire blame; however, Mother Earth needs your help to cure her - a "get well" card will not suffice.
