Global Warming

A widely debated subject in the last decade is global warming. Have humans really caused our planet to become warmer?

Scientists agree that global temperatures have risen by about one degree Fahrenheit over the last 150 years. In parts of the Arctic, the temperature has risen about two degrees. However, temperatures have fluctuated over that time span as well.

Due to limited data, scientists use several strategies to approximate temperature changes. Tree rings and sediment layers from oceans and lakes provide us with clues. Drilling cores through Earth’s polar ice sheets also gives us information regarding the past thousands of years.

However, some scientists question if such evidence is valid. Some argue the data and computer-enhanced climatic programs are too vague to make definite claims regarding global warming. They note major temperature fluctuations throughout history. These changes are unrelated to anything man-made and could be just another weather cycle.

As a result, the debate continues as to whether or not any global warming is caused by man and if anything can or should be done about it.

The term “greenhouse gases” refers to changes in the atmosphere caused by human activity. Regardless of such gases contributing to global warming or not, from an environmental perspective, reducing these gases is a wise course to follow. One way to do this is to find alternate sources of energy other than burning coal. Emissions from automobiles, industrial plants, and power facilities can be more strictly regulated. Individuals can help by recycling and using environmentally friendly methods of travel.

The potential threat and reality of global warming is being taken seriously by scientists worldwide.