Global Warming: the Extent of Its Threat to Humanity

Melting of the Alaska ice glaciers are worrying climatologists now as a result of global warming. They are saying that the glaciers are melting six times faster than it was in the 1850's. Should this go on, at such an alarming rate, it could lead to serious climate changes causing tornadoes or killer heat waves; rise of sea levels causing floods, tidal waves, etc. Is it true that human activity is the main cause for this threatening occurrence? Scientists are saying that there is a ninety percent chance caused by humans with their usage of fossil fuels especially in emerging economies. This has been a meme that never died even if it was debunked years ago. If this has been as issue years ago, how is it that it never made the headlines enough for it to make a wake up call in the whole world? Where are the findings of scientists on this matter? Two thousand scientists in Paris are now attesting to this but the thing is they can not predict the effects of global warming as of now. Well that's just great! So what is the human population supposed to do now?

The first thing to do is to know what global warming is. What is its history, what causes it and what are its attributed and expected effects. 'The Free Encyclopedia" describes global warming as: the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans in recent decades, and its projected continuation. The term "global warming" is a specific case of the more general term " climate change" (which can also refer to "global cooling," such as occurs during icea ages). In principle, "global warming" is neutral as to the period or causes, but in common usage, "global warming" generally refers to recent warming, and implies a human influence." This may be a lot to chew at once specially for the ordinary individuals. So basically what they are saying is that global warming is the observed changes in the atmospheric temperature that causes changes in global climate that may or may not be beneficial for all of mankind.

An article posted by the American Geophysical Union on May, 2 1995, written by Eric Barron, discusses on the assessment of global change researchers on climate change was very interesting and informative. It stated that participating climate researchers have made a consensus of conclusions of which they are virtually certain. This being that: "atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, and chlorofluorocarbons- the greenhouse gases - have increased significantly above pre-industrial levels, and the increase is due to anthropogenic activities" or aka human activities.

Carbon dioxide concentration, at that time, has already risen to thirty percent above pre-industrial levels of which is mainly contributed by fossil fuel consumption and land-use change.

Methane has become one hundred percent above pre-industrial levels consistent with the increase in carbon emissions.

Nitrous oxide concentration in the atmosphere was then ten percent above pre-industrial levels with the anthropogenic influence being consistent with its increase in atmospheric concentration.

Chlorofluorocarbons' pre-industrial concentration was zero. "The observed increases in atmospheric concentrations are due solely to human activities. Anthropogenic sources are large, and natural removal processes for most CFCs have a time constant of about a century."

Concentrations of chemically active gases such as carbon oxide, nitrogen oxides, and non-methane hydrocarbons were then higher than pre-industrial values over the larger regions. Should these gases pass through a series of chemical reactions, they can start changes in the lifespan and concentrations of "radiatively active gases, including ozone and methane. Because of their infrared absorption, increased concentrations of greenhouse gases exert a global warming influence."

Judging from all these facts and if you do intensive reading on this subject matter perhaps it is correct to assume that humans are largely to blame for global warming and the effects it has brought with it. As individuals we have the responsibility to ease global warming in any little way we can.

There are suggestions made to cut fuel consumption by buying fuel-efficient vehicles and changing your driving habits. Ease off on the gas pedal by letting the car roll on neutral when approaching stop sign or when you are about to make a full stop; almost always run on high gears; and increase tire pressure a little over the limit set by manufacturers. Stop using aerosols like hairsprays that puts a hole on the ozone layer. Conserve energy consumption! Unplug the charger off the wall when you are done charging your cellular phones. Use technology to find ways and solutions for this rapid environment change. Use solar panels.

As a community, press for legislatures to control global warming pollution. Make policies that promote carbon-less energy systems and curb carbon emissions from vehicles and power plants. Use modern technologies and fight for stronger laws that press businesses to use less energy and build more efficient products. NRDC, or the Natural Resources Defense Council, calls for "shifting the perception of global warming from abstract threat to pressing reality, and promote online activism."

It is up to us now to save our world. Be the judge on whether global change is a threat to humanity's very existence or not. As the saying goes, "what goes around comes around."