The debate about whether the globe is experiencing global warming or cooling rages on, creating heated debates between people of different political strips and areas of scientific knowledge. It is an issue which has important implications for the future of the planet and yet, the answer remains contested; are we in global warming or cooling?
At the heart of the debate is the amount of data which needs to be analysed – much of it is non-linear, meaning generic information is of little use. Scientists studying climate change need to look at long-term patterns and averages in order to form an opinion. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of data and statistics but when looking at these big-picture trends, the evidence for global warming is significant.
Taking into account the last century of data, it’s clear to see that average temperatures have increased significantly throughout the globe. Every single year since 1990, has been hotter than the 20th century average. In recent years, 16 of the hottest 17 years on record have occurred and this has caused glaciers to melt, Arctic sea ice to diminish and more and more extreme weather events – from heatwaves to hurricanes. All of this points to the fact that the planet is indeed warming.
However, there are some opposite claims which suggest global cooling is taking place. These arguments depend on cycles of geological activity, caused by fluctuations in the Earth’s orbit. These changes mean that certain parts of the world experience longer or shorter periods of intense sunlight, which can impact temperatures.
Recent studies have shown that a decrease in ocean salinity in the Atlantic basin is a symptom of a shift in this natural cycle. It’s being argued by some that a decrease in ocean temperature – which could last for decades – is taking place and this could lead to a cooling of global average temperatures. It is estimated that global temperatures could drop by 0.3°C in the next century.
Despite these findings, climatologists are in no doubt that human activity has caused the current warming trend. While short-term fluctuations in temperatures are possible, the long-term trend is clear and it would take more than a few decades of cooling to counteract the long-term heating of the planet. Furthermore, it is predicted that even if global cooling were to take place, it would never reverse the long-term trend or prevent further warming.
Although the debate is politicised, it’s clear there’s a scientific consensus that global warming is taking place. Immediate action needs to be taken to address the impact of climate change before it’s too late. Among all proposed solutions to the crisis, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are some of the most promising options as they offer both an environmental and economic solution.
The debate about global warming and cooling must be put aside and the world must come together to take decisive action. We have the scientific knowledge to understand the real state of the planet and yet we are dithering when it comes to the urgent measures that need to be taken. We must all work together to ensure that the planet is preserved and that future generations can enjoy a stable and sustainable environment.
