For many years, global warming has been one of the most debated topics, both in scientific and political realms. While there is a consensus amongst the majority of the scientific community that global warming is indeed a real phenomenon, there are those who claim that it is nothing more than a hoax. This viewpoint is not new and has been around since the mid-2000s. It has been fueled by a number of factors, including a thoughtful misrepresentation of the facts and data, and a tendency to place emphasis on anecdotes and isolates cases instead of looking at broader scientific evidence.
Those promoting the misconception that global warming is fake often cite extreme weather events or cyclical changes in climate as evidence. For instance, following a particularly severe winter, some claim that global warming cannot exist because temperatures have actually decreased during a certain period. This kind of argument fails to take into account the bigger picture – the long-term warming trend that has been prevalent in much of the world over recent decades.
One example of this is the Arctic ice sheet, which has been steadily shrinking since the 1950s. Between 1979 and 2014, satellite images tracked a sea ice decline of 11.2 percent per decade. This trend is expected to continue, and could result in large-scale climate disruptions, such as rising sea levels and altered oceanic currents. Such effects have already been observed in some parts of the world and their potential impact on human society, as well as diverse animal and plant species, has been well documented by numerous scientific reports and articles.
Those who claim global warming to be a hoax have also attempted to discredit the international agreement known as the Paris Climate Accord. This agreement outlines commitments from 189 countries to reduce and contain emissions of heat-trapping gases. Supporters of the Paris Climate Accord point to evidence showing that the accord can indeed reduce emissions, slow the rate of global warming and mitigate some of the anticipated effects. On the other side of the argument, however, some claim that the effects of this agreement are ‘negligible’ and that its cost outweighs any potential benefits.
Those who choose to stand behind the hoax argument often lack both the scientific training and the access to global case studies necessary to make a sound determination. While it is easy to look at isolated cases, long-term trends show that the climate is indeed changing and that the effects of climate change are real. From retreating glaciers to increased oceanic acidification and rising sea levels, the facts have made it difficult to deny that global warming is a threat that needs to be addressed.
The impact of global warming on human life and the environment makes it an important topic for discussion, exploration and debate. It is important to gain a well-rounded understanding of both its pros and cons before making a sound determination. While some may choose to deny that such a phenomenon exists, studying scientific evidence and analyzing long-term trends show that global warming is indeed real, and that decisions must be made if it is to be successfully reversed.
