Global Warming Is Global Warming

Global Warming Is global warming have lasting effects on the plant or is it scientists calling attention to something that may not be occurring? What is the likelihood that the effects of global warming could be able to spiral out of control? Should the public be concerned about the long-term implications of global warming? Are the current efforts helping to address the problem? Are the effects of global warming real or are they something that scientists and the media are inventing to create controversy? Over the last several years, the issue of global warming has been continually brought to the forefront.

Part of the reason for this, is because a number of different reports are showing how rising temperatures are having an adverse effect upon the world's climate. A good example of this can be seen with climate figures that were complied since 1860, which confirmed that temperatures around the globe have been consistently rising. However, the last 25 years have been the hottest on record (with 2005 representing the largest temperature variance). (Robinson, 2008, pp.

6 -- 12) This is troubling, because most proponents will argue that the recent trends are showing how the Earth is becoming substantially warmer. Yet, many critics will take the same statistics and claim how 140 years out of billions of years (which is the approximate age of the planet) is statistically insignificant. As they will argue that there is no proof of the long-term trends, having an impact on worldwide temperatures. (Robinson, 2008, pp.

6 -- 12) This is important, because it shows how a divergence is occurring in the opinions of scientists and the general public, about the long-term impact that global warming is having upon the planet. To determine if the effects of global warming are real requires conducting a careful examination of the facts and the different viewpoints surrounding them. Together, these different elements will provide the greatest insights as to the total impact that global warming is having on worldwide temperatures.

The Facts of Global Warming and the Viewpoints According to proponents, the issue of global warming is a serious problem that will have devastating consequences on everyday life to include: rising seas levels and changing weather patterns. The rising levels will have an impact upon a variety of people who live along the coast. As they are forced to move further inland, due to the encroachment of the ocean on their homes.

At the same time, the changing weather patterns could have an impact upon the growth of agricultural products (with many regions experiencing an increasing number of droughts). This is problematic, because the core samples taken from the polar ice caps, show that extreme periods of warming; could cause significant shifts in the weather patterns of the planet. Once this takes place, it means that there will be larger famines and the possibility that the Earth could fall into increased cycles of global warming.

Where, the recent warming trends could trigger secondary warming patterns. One of most disquieting issues is surrounding methane gas. What is happening is the polar ice caps, serve as way of help to cool methane gas that is stored in the permafrost beneath the glaciers. If they melt, scientists are concerned that this could temperatures to rise high enough that it will allow the release of methane gas into atmosphere.

Once this takes place, the plant can to go into extreme cycles of warming, as the methane gas will continue to deplete the ozone layer. According to scientists, the Earth went through a similar kind of warming pattern nearly 55 million years ago. (Maslin, 2007, pp. 57 -- 62) This is important, because it shows how the effects of global warming could have an adverse impact on the climate of the planet.

However, when you examine the different views of proponents, they will argue that these are nothing more than alarmist reactions; to progress that has been occurring. At the heart of their arguments, they will find holes in theories and ideas presented by proponents most notably: inside the actual numbers themselves.

For example, many critics will argue that if global warming is such a problem, why did six major air pollutants decline by 31% between 1970 and 1999? This takes into account increases in all forms of travel and tremendous economic development around the world. (Homer, 2007, pp. 37 -- 59) at the same time, many critics will find anomalies, highlighting how the opposite of warming trends may be occurring. Evidence of this can be seen by looking no further than, the blizzard that would blanket the Eastern United States in February 2010.

As critics would claim that if global warming was such a problem, why is the nation experiencing unusual cold fronts during the winter. A good example of this can be seen with comments from a former climate change expert at the Energy Department Joseph Romm who wrote, "Ideologues in the Senate keep pushing the anti-scientific disinformation that big snowstorms are evidence against human-caused global warming." (Broder, 2007) This is important, because it shows how many critics will often point to the information that is being presented as flawed.

Where, they will find examples to highlight how the opposite trend could be occurring. As various ideologues and intellectuals in the media have a desire to keep pushing these issues, despite the fact their alarmist views on global warming may not be taking place. When you compare the different viewpoints with one another, it is clear that both sides have valid positions surrounding the effects of global warming. As proponents are correct, with the statistics indicating that global warming is having an impact upon worldwide temperatures.

However, when you look at what is taking place, it is clear that critics are correct in that some of the predictions are rather alarmist. The reason why is because, the variations in weather patterns will mean that there will be times that discrepancies could take place (i.e., large snowstorms when global warming is occurring). This is problematic, because it gives critics evidence to show how the extreme worst case scenarios are not occurring.

At which point, they can begin to question if scientists are blowing things out of proportion. In reality, the scientists are correct in that global warming is having an impact upon the temperature of the planet. Yet, the alarmists statistics (they will often cite) are making it seem as if nothing that can be done. This is giving critics the ammunition they need to doubt the actual science. Evidence of this can be seen by comparing rising temperatures, with a decrease.