"Over the past century, human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The majority of greenhouse gases come from burning fossil fuels to produce energy, although deforestation, industrial processes, and some agricultural practices also emit gases into the atmosphere" (EPA). These greenhouse gases play a critical role in global warming; they trap energy in the atmosphere, acting like a blanket around the Earth. From what is known about Earth's atmosphere at prior points in history, when these greenhouse gases were more abundant in the atmosphere from natural sources, there is no real argument that greenhouse gases do not trap heat. Moreover, science can prove that human activities produce those same greenhouse gases. However, the argument that climate change deniers make is that human activities are contributing only a nominal amount of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, and, therefore, that human activity cannot be causing climate change. In fact, "that humans are causing global warming is the position of the Academies of Science from 19 countries plus many scientific organizations that study climate science. More...

However, these people are ignoring the basic relationship between human beings and climate. "Human societies have adapted to the relatively stable climate we have enjoyed since the last ice age which ended several thousand years ago" (EPA). It is not a stretch to link human civilization to things like agriculture, which has depended upon climate stability. In addition, climate change is linked to several things that will negatively impact human beings: warmer temperatures which can lead to drought and threaten crops; changing landscapes that place heavily inhabited areas, like coastlines, in danger; threats to wildlife; and stronger storms, particularly hurricanes (the Nature Conservancy). For example, in the United States alone, three major hurricanes have impacted struck within the last decade, a number that is highly unusual.
Looking at the above facts, it seems clear that climate change is occurring, that human activity is contributing to this climate change, and that climate change will have negative consequences for human beings. The rapid changes in global temperatures are unprecedented when compared to what is known about changing temperatures. Human activity is proven to create the very greenhouse gases that are known to help insulate the Earth and keep it warm. Finally, rising seas, increasing global temperatures, droughts, and storms are already beginning to impact humans.

Works Cited

Cook, John. "Is There a Scientific Consensus on Global Warming?" Skeptical Science. N.p.

2012. Web. 26 Nov. 2012.

Cook, John. "What Evidence Is There for the Hockey Stick?" Skeptical Science. N.p. 2012.

Web. 26 Nov. 2012.

The Nature Conservancy. "Global Warming and Climate Change: Threats and Impacts." the

Nature Conservancy. N.p. 2012. Web. 26 Nov. 2012.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. "Climate Change Basics." Climate Change.

N.p. 14 Jun. 2012. Web.…