Global Warming - How Serious is It?

Global Warming Background
Temperature is directly related to many natural disasters, including hurricanes. The intensity of hurricanes has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. MIT professor Kerry Emanuel suggests that ocean temperatures are rising more that atmospheric temperature. Emmanuel doesn't claim that rise in ocean temperatures are directly linked to global warming, but he is open to the possibility. Hurricanes have many variables; therefore it is difficult to tate what is the root cause for their intensity. Climate change clearly has an impact on hurricanes, even though they don't cause them. Hurricane Katrina may have not been as deadly if ocean temperatures were not as warm.

Climate is changing, this is a fact. The oceans have warmed ten times as much as other past of the earth in the last fifty years. The amount of floating ice has also decreased. Ice at high altitude areas, such as Kilimanjaro in Africa, has been decreasing. Human behavior is not the sole cause of these events. There are natural causes to global warming, like volcanic eruptions and solar radiation.

The causes and effects of global warming

Global warming is caused by air pollution that traps the heat of the sun. This is what makes the earth warmer. Automobiles and coal-burning power plants contribute to this air pollution. Air pollution has increased rapidly over the last 100 years because of the growth of Industry. Human beings have a difficult time excepting the fact that we have had a negative impact on earth, and may have contributed to hazardous natural disasters. Global warming as caused many more problems though and human beings have clearly been part of the cause.

It is very easy to complain about global warming. However, a lot of people don't know the actual consequences of it. They hear people talking about it on television, but often times the importance of the issue is realized. Living things have already been affected. Many bird reproduce much earlier now because of global warming. Flowers also bloom earlier. On the negative side, coral reefs are becoming destroyed because the water temperatures are too high.

Things the average Person can do

There are many things people can do to stop global warming. We have to start by using less natural resources. We also have to use materials that are less harmful to the environment. The biggest way for individuals to help could b to release as little carbon-dioxide into the atmosphere as possible. This can be done by conserving energy every day. People should by cars that are energy efficient. Gas guzzling Chevy Suburbans are unnecessary. Expecting individuals to count how much carbon dioxide they are emitting each day is ridiculous, however people should hold themselves accountable for the impact that they have on earth.

People can cut back in so many ways. Energy efficient light bulbs should be used. Individuals should take advantage of public transportation that is available in order to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted. Car pools are also a plus. This benefit's the individual as well because they are saving money by cutting back on gas.

Beyond the People

Government and industry also have to contribute to the fight against global warming. Politicians should make a greater effort to educate the American public about global warming. Geosciences should be covered more in public schools. Politicians should also make a greater effort to stop global warming. National security and the economy are covered much more by politicians then global warming is. Politicians need to realize that climate change is going to continue to become a bigger issue. It is not going away anytime soon. The legislature should also pass laws that create minimum gas mileage standards; in order to hold companies responsibility. Corporate America has a social responsibility. When they make decisions about the environment, they affect shareholders, consumers, and themselves. Companies like Toyota should familiarize themselves with issues like global warming. In the long run, it is in their best interest.

The United States should be at the forefront of this issue. According to the documentary, the U.S. contributes 25% of the atmosphere's carbon dioxide. This is a lot considering countries like China and India have more people. In the documentary, Al Gore suggests that the government should pass laws that require a reduction in toxic emissions. The Bush administration has virtually ignored the issue of global warming though.

Climate change is going to affect animals, plants, and human beings more dramatically, in the near future. Climate change may also have a negative impact on the world economy as well. Companies should have an obligation to the public. They should try to use energy sources that don't have as much carbon dioxide. They should also work on developing other energy sources. It is completely unrealistic for companies to completely abandon many of the hazardous energy sources, but they definitely need to use the less. Oil and coal contribute to pollution and they will not be around forever. It is in the best interest for companies to address how they are going to cope with global warming now.

Conclusion

Global warming is one of the biggest issues the world faces today. It can only be ignored for so much longer. Inconvenient Truth, a brilliant documentary staring Al Gore, does an excellent job of showing this. The impacts of global warming are going to continue as the world's population grows. World leaders and ordinary people need to do their part to stop this. It is clear that changes need to be made on both the micro and macro levels. People should not expect their government to fix the problem, and the government should not burden the people with sole responsibility.