The debate surrounding climate change and global warming has been growing since the 1950s and continues today, with many experts and organizations examining the pros and cons of both. Questions abound as to whether global warming is linked to climate change or if human activity is the main cause. There is a vast amount of research, scientific data, and evidence that can help us determine the truth.
Looking at the data, global warming is happening and is likely the result of human activities. It is widely believed that this warming is causing climate change, which is occurring faster than ever before. The most significant effect is an increase in global average surface temperatures. This warming is causing glaciers to melt, sea levels to rise, extreme weather events to become more frequent, and ocean acidification levels to increase. Climate models have also predicted an increase in global temperature approaching 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit before the end of the century. This increase in temperature could have serious ramifications on habitats, species, and human health and livelihoods.
The cause of climate change can be attributed to the increase of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. It is estimated that the majority of these are from humans and that the amount of atmospheric CO2 has grown by more than 30% over the past century. The burning of these fuels is not only releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere but is also resulting in a decrease of forests and other important land cover which can serve to absorb some of the carbon dioxide. This means that the atmosphere is being saturated with higher levels of greenhouse gases, resulting in the increase in global temperatures and climate change.
In order to reduce global warming and climate change, there needs to be a collective effort from both individual citizens and policy makers. Individuals can reduce their emissions by reducing their energy use, using renewable energy sources, and being aware of their home energy use. Policy makers need to incentivize the use of renewable energy sources, impose regulations on large emitters, and create a price on carbon to help discourage unnecessary emissions. This would help to reduce global warming while also helping to create a sustainable economy.
Ultimately, global warming and climate change are interlinked, and without addressing one, the full effects of both will not be seen. It will take concerted effort from individuals and policy makers around the world to make a significant change. It is clear that global warming is affecting our planet, but with a collective effort, significant progress can be made towards combating climate change and helping to preserve our planet for generations to come.
