Global Warming and Climate Change

Global Warming Trends and Impact

Global warming refers to the warming of the earth's temperature, in particular oceans and the layer of the atmosphere closest to the planet (Thompson, Lonnie & Gioietta 114). Thus far, the total temperature increase is documented at only about one degree (Weart 43). However, even this seemingly minor change can create ripple effects that present challenges for earth and mankind. Global warming and other climate change issues are thought to be the result of both natural phenomenon and man-made activity. In order to sustain life as we know it, the earth must maintain a consistent temperature. The rapid elevation in temperature has created an imbalance making it evident that the phenomenon of global warming is real.

The rate at which arctic sea ice is melting is faster than normal which has caused sea levels to rise (Prothero 15). In addition, weather is becoming more extreme, as are rain patterns. Scientists note that areas of desert are starting to receive rainfall, while areas of vast farmland are experiencing severe drought. There is also a noticeable shift in the jet stream that circles the earth and serves as a barrier between colder arctic air and warmer southern air (Weart 41). When air masses mix, the effect is a shift in regional climate. As a result, climates in the north become notably warmer and those in the south become much colder. The more troubling aftermath of warmer planetary conditions include disruptions in traditional season patterns, challenges for the agricultural systems of the world, outbreaks of disease, the extinction of certain plants and animals, the relocation of certain species and an overall negative impact to human health and living conditions (Thompson, Lonnie & Gioietta 118).

Early on, there was much debate about whether global warming really existed. Science has evidence to prove that it does; however, the new debate is the role that humans have played in creating this problem (Prothero 22). There are many governmental agencies and corporations that offer that global warming is really the result of natural earth cycles. They point out that there is a general weakening of earth's magnetic shield and a natural erosion of the ozone layer taking place (Prothero 20). These natural occurrences have resulted in holes in the ozone layer which allow dangerous levels of UV light and electromagnetic energy to penetrate earth's atmosphere. This has been a major contributing factor to global warming.

Some companies have worked hard to discredit science in the global warming debate. This is due in part to the costly process they face to implement operational changes to help protect the environment (Thompson, Lonnie & Gioietta 114). However, most climate scientists place blame for global warming on human activity (Prothero 17). It is now believed that everyday activities such as mass production, transportation activities, and using electricity and aerosol products in our homes, all contribute to greenhouse gases. The one natural protection humans have -- trees that reduce greenhouse gases and produce oxygen -- have been devastated by human development and monetary ventures (Weart 44). Rainforests are estimated to be destroyed at the unprecedented rate of one and a half acres per second, and could be gone within the next 30 years (Prothero 19). The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (known as the IPCC) has now concluded that most of the increased temperature in the twentieth century is related to human industrialization (Weart 48).

The goal today among scientists, organizations, and activists is slowing the warming of the planet. It is believed that the overall rise in temperatures will be most apparent toward the poles and less in the tropics, there will be more warming in winter than in summer and storms and hurricanes will increase in frequency and intensity as oceans heat up (Thompson, Lonnie & Gioietta 116). Global warming could also give rise to worldwide droughts and impact food production and supply. There are major threats to wildlife at the poles and the earth's coral reefs. Worst yet, is the prediction of United Nations Disaster Preparedness researchers that by 2020 nearly 50 million people worldwide could be forced to relocate each year due to weather (Thompson, Lonnie & Gioietta 114).