Is Global Warming A Reality?

Scientists, celebrities, and everyday people have been trying to understand the nature of global warming. Controversy is rampant and there is intense debate around the world on the subject. Since conclusions drawn could affect you profoundly, you may want to know some basic facts about the topic of global warming.

The most obvious thing that can be said about global warming is that the earth is getting warmer. Specifically, the temperatures near the surface of the earth and the temperatures in the ocean are rising. Since 1990, there have been 10 years that have been hotter than any others in recorded history.

The greenhouse effect is said to be responsible for global warming. The greenhouse effect causes certain vapors and gases to form a sort of blanket that covers and warms the earth. Water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, and several other trace gases make up this blanket.

The greenhouse effect itself is not disputed.

No controversy exists on this point because the greenhouse effect is recognized as an inherently beneficial process. If all the energy that struck the earth was reflected right back into space, no one could live on earth. This is what would happen without this blanket that is caused by acceptable levels of global warming.

However, global warming is not all good. It can cause the earth's covering to increase in density. With a denser blanket over the earth, less of the heat is reflected back into space. This upsets the delicate balance between heat and cold that is usually maintained on earth. It traps more heat inside the earth's atmosphere.

Although there are people who argue against it, there seems to be a change in the climate in recent years. Climate change to a warmer climate is the result of excessive global warming.

There has been an overall rise in temperature of a little over one degree Fahrenheit during the last century. The figure for this century is expected to be more like seven degrees. It is this type of global warming that can lead to dire consequences if left unchecked.

People, their activities, and their industries have caused global warming to reach the levels it has today. Burning fossil fuels, powering electrical plants with coal, and irresponsible land use can all contribute to global warming. Carbon dioxide is produced by these activities, and global warming is perpetuated.

Global warming could result in rising sea levels and flooding. There could be more powerful storms. Heat waves could become intense. Droughts could severely damage the world's crops and cause shortages of drinkable water. Extinction of species could become a problem because of changing habitats and the suitability of the climate for the animal.

The good news about global warming is that there are ways to slow the process down. Each person can take responsibility for doing their part in protecting the earth's environment. With everyone helping, emissions of greenhouse gases can be cut drastically. This will give the earth a chance to begin to regain its balance of temperature. Knowing about global warming can make you a better citizen of the world.

Global Warming - Myths and Reality

Monsoons, drastic change in climatic condition, acid rains, rapid melting of polar ice burgs, increase in sea level and frequent droughts are some grave consequences which we are facing today due to global warming. The sad part of this story is that; we could not still find a workable solution to fix this irreversible effect and our technology is not yet ripened enough to provide such solutions to our environmental problems.

Industrial revolution, discovery of crude oil and black coal might have improved our human living and supported our energy requirements, but these fossil fuels are one of the root causes for the present global warming and environmental impacts.

Our great home - the earth, has its own environmental system balanced by natural eco-cycles to keep this planet an ideal place for living beings. The greenhouse gases helps in protecting our environment from harmful radiations and cosmic rays emerging from sun and rest of the universe.

These gases are perfectly balanced by earth's eco system and keep our planet green and healthy. Due to our adverse energy campaigns and burning of fossil fuels we have increased the greenhouse gases to record high levels in earth's atmosphere, leading us to an environmental disaster and global warming. We failed to understand the earth's natural cycles and broken the eco-links to an irreversible state. Excessive deforestation, industrial emissions and burning of fossil fuels [crude oil, coal & natural gas] are the prime causes for green house effect.

The governments and people are now forced to think and act, beyond their budget, economy and business to overcome these environmental effects and global warming.

Our mother earth now needs care and attention from all of us. Every citizen of this world has to make some significant contribution towards saving our planet. By following some simple and adaptable measures, we can cultivate the habit of Eco-Friendly Living and contribute towards reducing the effects of global warming. Initiatives like recycling, renewable energy sources, water recycling, and aggressive afforestation are some efforts that we can do towards reducing the impacts of global warming. Our collective and sincere efforts will soon make our planet a heaven for living.