In recent years, the issue of global warming has become an increasingly frequent topic among political, business and civil organizations throughout the world. Many scientific studies have been conducted to determine the extent to which human activity is responsible for, or will influence the changing climate, although, as of yet, there is still no conclusive evidence as to whether climate change is, in fact, a direct result of human activity. However, there is compelling evidence of a man-made contribution to global warming and its effects on the environment.
An accumulation of data from contemporary scientific studies as well as historical records, demonstrate that over the last century, average global temperatures have been steadily increasing. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in 2020, the global average temperature was approximately .67 degrees Celsius warmer than the average from 1901-1954. In addition, the IPCC forecasts that if the current emission trends of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases persist, temperatures could rise as much as 4.5-5.5 degrees Celsius.
The melting of polar ice caps is also a clear sign that global warming is occurring. Four of the last five years have registered the highest temperatures ever on record, and scientists have measured the melting of the Arctic regions in that same span of time. This is changing the ocean circulation, leading to rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes and low-lying nations being threatened by rising water levels. According to the Planetary Network, since satellite observations began in 1979, 4 trillion tons of ice have disappeared from Earth’s glaciers, ice sheets and sea ice, with an estimated 270 gigatonnes of ice melting each year.
Apart from the more visible physical implications of global warming, many other forms of evidence have been used to further validate these effects. The rise in extreme weather events, for example, is another strong indication of climate change. Floods or droughts, as well as increased ocean acidity and species decimation, have also been noted as evidence of climate change and global warming. The combination of data from studies of polar ice cap melting, ocean warming, extreme weather phenomena, and sea level rise has been used to form hypotheses and draw conclusions about the complex cause of global warming.
There is an increasing number of divergent opinions on the subject of global warming, with some claiming that it is a natural phenomenon, rather than a result of human activity. However, many esteemed organizations and leading scientists are currently advocating for practical and immediate action to be taken in order to combat the effects of global warming. We must address this issue thoughtfully and meaningfully if we’re going to stay ahead of it, in turn avoiding the irreversible consequences of climate change. It’s clear that scientists and world citizens alike must actively work together if we are to fully appreciate the implications of global warming and strive to find workable solutions before it’s too late.
How We Know Global Warming Is Real
