Global Warming Is Man Made, Essay Example

Many people have heard the term global warming and some point in their lives and wonder if its real. Donald Trump famously argued that this enviornmental theory is myth because our winters are getting colder instead of warmer. However, global warming as a theory states that weather is getting warmer over time. Thus, it is important for us to consider the temperatures of our winters as well as our summers as a part of this definition. Scientists have shown that, based on this understanding, global warming is a real effect and it is becoming worse over time. The increase of technology and factory production that humans engage in directly contribute to pollution, which adds to this effect. While global warming would occur naturally without human intervention, we are speeding up thos process significantly (Heinrichs et al. 1217). Therefore, it is important for all people to understand that global warming effects are made worse due to human intervention and it is necessary to take actions to contribute to the reversal of these effects before too drastic changes are seen.

Global warming is an effect that is observed when greenhouse gasses are trapped in the atmosphere. When carbon dioxide, in particular, is trapped in oceans and in the air, global temperatures rise (Kenneth et al.). While a weather change may not necessarily sound problematic for some people, it is important to consider what weather changes mean for the Earth. First, scientists predict that sea levels will rise significantly in the next 20 years, to the point that some coastal regions will no longer exist. In particular, countries in Southeast Asia are concerned because their homes are already disappearing due to the altering coast lines, an effect seen because their land is close to sea level. Next, this warming is damaging the polar ice caps, which is completely altering the homes of many aninals that rely on arctic enviornments for food and shelter. Scientists and animal rights activists are concerned that a depleting arctic enviornment will cause the polar bear and other animals to become extinct. Thus, it is apparent that human action is speeding up global warming to the extent that we are not just damaging ourselves, we are altering the sustainability of the planet as a whole.

Even though many people claim that global warming is not real, 97% of people agree that it is a fact about what is happening to our enviornment (Good et al. 14). Unfortunately, the 3% of people that do not believe in global warming or publicly claim not to have investments or relationships that would allow them to benefit from the increased sale of hydrocarbons and other chemicals that contribute to the enviornmental problem. These individuals have special interests that have worked to confuse investors and other individuals about the facts of global warming to try to create dissent with regards to this theory. Because of this dissent, we are unable to act upon the problems that we currently have at hand and effectively slow down the process. It is important for all politicans to recognize and understand the science between climate change and put their personal interests aside in order to contribute to a more sustainable planet that our children and children’s children will still have the opportunity to experience.

Satellites in Antartica are showing that the continent is losing ice at an astonishing rate. The most interesting fact about Antartica is that it is a continent completely covered in ice. However, this land mass is continuing to disolve. Individuals that visit Antartica must become increasingly careful about stepping on the wrong location on the ice mass, otherwise, it is potential that portions of the mass could break off, endangering those nearby. Furthermore, scientists used to report that travelling to the continent was a struggle because it was challenging to get their ships through all the ice in the region. They are now worried because these journeys are less challenging, indicating that the landscape of the region has changed significantly. This is problematic because these broken off ice chunks have the ability to drift towards land and eventually melt, contributing to an increased sea level. Thus, the melting of the polar ice caps have the potential to alter life on land as well. It is imperative that people become more concenred about this occurrence so we can work towards protecting the livelihood of individuals that currently live in impacted regions.

Many people claim that global warming is a hoax. In particular, this is the case because it is challening for people to feel the effects of global warming unless they have observed the polar ice caps or the dramatically rising sea levels in some parts of the world. There is a disconnect between that is happening with regards to global warming and what people in most western nations are actually able to see. Furthermore, some of those that do believe in global warming recognize that it is not man made. While this is true to an extent because the Earth’s atmosphere operates in a cycle of cooling and warmth, we are significantly contributing to climate change through aspects of modern lifestyle that appear to be natural (Keppler et al.). Factory output, cigarette smoking, and driving are all factors that contribute to the increased incidence of global warming.

In conclusion, not only is global warming real, it is manmade and an important issue that we must face if we wish to preserve the current state of the planet Earth. The best way to take action to reduce our impact on the enviornment is to begin investing in greener behaviors. A majority of Americans do not recycle, but recycling reduces the need for manufacturing, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the enviornment. Furthermore, it is beneficial to avoid driving if alternative options are available to prevent exhaust from escaping from cars at a dramatic rate. As our population increases, it is helpful to refine farming practices as well. We must build the future in a manner that will support the population that we currently have, ensuring that food and other necessities, such as water, continue to be available. Currently, people around the world are worried that this will no longer be the case. If we do not take immediate action, they will be correct. It is important for us to all work towards a more sustainable future together. By doing so, we will know that the future of our children and other future generations will be secure, affirming that we have done our role in protecting the planet. Please tell your friends and family about the steps they can take to reduce harm to the enviornment. Together, we will make a difference.

Works Cited

Good, P.; et al. An updated review of developments in climate science research since IPCC AR4. A report by the AVOID consortium (PDF), London, UK: Committee on Climate Change, 2010.

Hinrichs, Kai-Uwe; Hmelo, Laura R.; Sylva, Sean P. Molecular Fossil Record of Elevated Methane Levels in Late Pleistocene Coastal Waters. Science 299.5610(2003): 1214–121.

Kenneth, James P.; et al. Methane Hydrates in Quaternary Climate Change: The Clathrate Gun Hypothesis. American Geophysical Union, 2003.

Keppler, Frank; et al. Global Warming – The Blame Is not with the Plants. Max Planck Society, 2006.