The debate around global warming has been a contentious one, with scientific consensus of its existence still in question. Proponents and detractors alike often present their arguments through media outlets, yet much of the public remains uncertain as to whether there is indeed a scientific consensus. This article will analyse the current situation with the aim of providing an unbiased account and outlining the positive and negative implications of global warming, based on tangible evidence and expert opinions.
Much of the evidence surrounding global climate change, specifically that data collected over the past century or so, indicates that there is indeed a scientific consensus among the majority of scientists. For example, a report issued in 2019 by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) declared that it was “extremely likely” that human activities are the dominant cause of global warming from the mid-20th century onwards. This conclusion is supported by numerous other studies including the US National Climate Assessment 2014 and a 2019 study from the Australian Academy of Science.
That being said, there remain dissenters within the scientific community, who do not accept that the evidence currently available is sufficient to draw such a conclusion. For example, some point out that climate models used to project the effects of global warming are often unreliable due to featuring highly complex extrapolations, making accurate predictions difficult. Additionally, certain researchers suggest that the past data taken into account by the evidence collected is too limited to support such a conclusion over longer periods of time, where natural climate fluctuations are more strongly felt.
In terms of what global warming implies, last year saw the hottest June on record in Europe, which is sadly indicative of the potential that lies ahead of us as temperatures continue to rise. This is thought to present alarming risks to the environment and human health in the long-term, particularly in low-lying coastal regions that are especially vulnerable to sea-level rise. By contrast, warmer temperatures could lead to extended growth seasons for some crops, such as those found in the Northern Hemisphere, and potentially increase yields.
Ultimately, whilst the scientific consensus surrounding global warming is strong, vast disagreements remain about the extent of its effects and implications. As such, the debate is set to continue, with organisations and experts recommending increased education, preventative measures and collaborative international action to ensure human-made climate change is addressed in earnest. Individuals must also ensure that their own practices are sustainable and strive to lessen the impact such an effect could have on the planet going forward.
Is There Scientific Consensus On Global Warming
