These are valid scientific measurements, which prove that atmospheric CO2 equilibrium has been drastically disturbed by human activities. [Ross Glebspan]
At this rate of increase, the atmospheric CO2 concentrations are projected to increase the average global temperature by around 3 to 7 degrees F. By the end of this century. This increase over a hundred-year period represents a huge shift compared against the entire time scale of the planet. Those who argue that global warming is a natural happening have to explain why nature would shift gears all of a sudden? Also, how could increased CO2 levels also be part of the claimed natural process?. These questions and the true facts make it unambiguous that global warming is definitely a man-induced phenomenon. These arguments can be buttressed with the recently documented drastic climatic shifts.
The eleven hottest years of the previous century occurred between 1983 and 2000 while 1991-95 happens to be the five consecutive hottest years of the century. The last decade of the previous century was the hottest. [John Houghton, 2] The artic ice caps are melting at a faster rate than ever before. In1998, the hottest year, around 16% of the coral reefs in the world's oceans were destroyed. Rod Fujita, an environmental scientist says, "Coral reefs may likely prove to be the first ecological victims of unchecked global warming" [Environmental Defense] The warming up of ocean water also increases the chances and the severity of hurricanes. A Study conducted by Kerry Emanuel, a meteorologist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology shows that the devastating potential of the hurricanes have literally doubled over the last 30 years. Another research by Peter Webster, a researcher at the Georgia institute of technology, has also showed that the number of category 4 and 5 hurricanes have increased greatly over the last 35 years which adds further weightage to the global warming theory. [Environmental Defense] The recurrent El Nino phenomenon and the related famine and flooding events in the recent years are clear proof for the disruptive impact of global warming. The costs for insurance companies due to natural calamities has increased significantly over the last two decades of the previous century as the figures recorded by Munich Re insurance...
[John Houghton, 5]
Conclusion
The earth is heating up and the surging green house emissions are already beginning to have their negative impact on our planet. In light of such clearcut facts proving the occurrence and the impact of global warming, the arguments of the naysayers can only be judged as being motivated by economic concerns. Prioritising economic growth against environmental concerns will definitely backfire. A CNN USA today poll conducted in March 2002 revealed that public opinion is largely in favour of environmental protection when pitted against economic growth. [PIPA] The puzzling fact, however, is that politics and economics override environmental considerations, as otherwise how could one understand the failure of one of the world's leading and responsible nations such as the U.S. To ratify the Kyoto protocol of global warming.
Bibliography
Environmental Defense, 'Global Warming: The Facts are Clear', available at http://www.undoit.org/pdfs/factsheet_factsclear.pdf Accessed On Nov 14th 2006
Environmental Defense, 'Hurricanes and Global Warming: Is there a Link,"
Available at, http://www.environmentaldefense.org/article.cfm?contentID=4804&linkID=67 Accessed on Nov 14th 2006
PIPA, 'Global Warming', available at http://www.americans-world.org/digest/global_issues/global_warming/gw1.cfm
Accessed Nov 14th 2006
ROSS GELBSPAN, 'The Global Warming Debate is over. It's real, Inexorable and Headed our Way', E/The Environmental Magazine, Vol 11, No 5, Available at http://www.emagazine.com/view/?1049
Accessed Nov 14th 2006
John Houghton, 'Global Warming: The Complete Briefing: Global warming and Climate Change ', Cambridge University Press, Third Edition.
