When Was Global Warming First Noticed

Global warming is one of the most pressing issues of our time. With the effects of climate change already being felt around the world and with the risk of further drastic changes in the coming years, it is reasonable to assume that people have been aware of the phenomenon for decades. But, when was global warming first noticed?

The first scientific evidence of global warming was discovered in the late 19th century, when the average temperature of the Earth began to rise and the global sea level began to increase. Studies of ice cores in Antarctica revealed that levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere were rising, and that humans were largely responsible for this increase. In 1896, Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius concluded that human activities such as burning fossil fuels may be responsible for the rise, leading to the widespread acceptance of this theory amongst scientists.

However, despite the notion that global warming is a relatively new phenomenon that has only been recognized in recent decades, the idea of human-made climate change is not a new one. In the early 19th century, French mathematician Jean-Baptiste Joseph Fourier proposed that a “hot-house” effect from atmospheric gases was capable of trapping solar heat on Earth. British physicist John Tyndall later confirmed this idea, showing that many of these gases, such as carbon dioxide, were capable of retaining and reflecting heat. In the late 1940s, Guy Stewart Callendar proposed a correlation between increased carbon dioxide levels and the increasing global temperature.

The first widespread recognition of global warming dates back to the late 1970s. At the first World Climate Conference in 1979, scientists raised awareness about the issue and met to discuss the implications of rising temperatures and the need for an international response. This gathering saw the first triggering of alarm bells, as the scientific community found itself forced to grapple with the potential problems that could arise due to global warming.

Since then, global warming has been subject to intense research, with comprehensive data helping to demonstrate both the increasing global temperature and sea levels, as well as the impact of human activities on these environmental changes. Although there have been varying opinions on the need for further action, the scientific community is increasingly united in the understanding that global warming must be addressed urgently in order to avoid catastrophic effects.

Despite its recognition seemingly only recently, the effects of global warming have been steadily growing for centuries. While scientists had predicted its consequences for many years, it was only in the late 1970s that global warming began to receive the attention it deserved. Despite this, much has been achieved since then, with governments allocating greater resources to researching and regulating the issue. By further acknowledging the need for action, we can tackle this immense problem and limit the effects of global warming.

Ernestine Warren is a passionate environmentalist, author, and advocate for the protection of the Earth's precious resources. She has written extensively on the causes and effects of global warming, providing accurate information to help educate people on how to combat this major global problem. With a background in science and biology, Ernestine has the tools to help develop solutions that meet everyone's needs while minimizing environmental damage. Her hope is that each person can do their part for the planet and make a real difference to help reduce climate change.

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