Knowing the Effects of Global Warming
The effects of global warming are continuously under debate. Scientific studies have been done but the results are under disagreement from different groups with differing agendas. This battle has found its way into the political arena and even our cinemas as spokesmen seek to educate the public and garner support from citizens around the world. The global warming debate will continue until there is absolute evidence of scientist’s claims. However, there are some effects of global warming that are obvious now.
Global warming is a condition in which the Earth has a rise in global temperatures. The measurements are attained through studying near-surface air and ocean temperatures. Unknown to some, this has occurred in the past though scientists and researchers are not sure as to what caused it. They believe that it could have been a global catastrophe such as a meteor impact. Today’s global warming is thought to be caused by emissions.
These emissions are called greenhouse gas emissions and are comprised mainly of carbon dioxide. Now, carbon dioxide does occur naturally as a byproduct of animals and humans. The over abundance of carbon dioxide is the result of burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil. As more emissions are released a greenhouse effect results. It can best be explained by imagining a blanket covering the Earth. The blanket traps in solar radiation and heat, thus not allowing it to escape.
The effects of global warming are such that as global temperatures increase, our polar ice caps melt. This influx of fresh water can decrease the salinization point of our oceans and can change weather patterns. Other effects of global warming are the endangerment of species that cannot acclimate themselves to increased or decreased temperatures. It is a serious climate crisis that scientists and environmental groups are concerned with. There is a real need for legitimate research as there are conflicting theories on global warming.
There have been regulations signed into effect as of 1997, namely the Kyoto Treaty. This treaty is meant to regulate how much emissions are allowed by industrialized countries. As the effects of global warming are studied, there will be more research performed to determine what countries and citizens can do to help protect our environment. With new research, laws can be enacted to regulate emissions and gases but until then, our future is still undetermined.
