In recent years, global warming has become a pressing issue, with many people believing that it is real and having a severe and irreversible impact on our planet. As the debate intensifies and new evidence is presented on both sides of the issue, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. While some claim that global warming is a myth and question its existence, it is essential to consider all scientific evidence which suggests that global warming is indeed occurring, and that it has tangible repercussions.
The World Meteorological Organisation reported that the last decade, from 2010 to 2019, was the warmest decade on record and that global average temperatures had increased about 0.2°C when compared to the period between 1981 and 2010. Furthermore, the global average sea-level has increased significantly since the late 19th century and according to research published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the average temperature is expected to continue to rise. As atmospheric temperatures rise, it causes extreme changes in climate, leading to unpredictable and more frequent weather events such as floods, hurricanes, and droughts. In addition, glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising, threatening the habitats of many species. This can have a devastating and long-term effect on our environment, making it harder for us to cope with the effects of climate change.
However, while there is a consensus among scientists that global warming is real, there are still many lingering questions. Some point to natural variations in Earth’s cycle such as El Niño and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, as the primary cause of global warming and argue that human activities do not significantly contribute to the increase in atmospheric temperatures. Others suggest that increased CO2 emissions are partly responsible for global warming, but it is still unclear how much of a role human activities have to play. In addition, the long-term effects of global warming are still largely unknown.
As the implications of global warming become clearer and nations attempt to come to an agreement on how to tackle the issue, it is clear that we must take a proactive approach. Policies based on the Paris Agreement need to be enacted and enforced to limit the emissions of greenhouse gases. We also need to increase our investments in alternative energy so that we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, as well as enhance our ability to adapt to the increasingly extreme weather events that have become more commonplace due to global warming. Finally, to ensure that the impact of global warming is lessened and that we are able to survive and thrive in an ever-changing climate, it is essential that we work together to reduce our consumption of resources.
In short, global warming is real and it continues to have a profound and potentially devastating effect on our planet. As such, it is important to recognize the danger that it poses and take steps to reduce our impacts on the environment. We cannot afford to sit by and do nothing as our planet continues to heat up. It is up to all of us to take responsibility and ensure that global warming is tackled head-on.
