There has been much speculation about whether global warming is actually a myth. Over the past few decades, the cumulative evidence from scientific research and observations has shown that climate change is not only real, but is also a major hazard to the environment and society. Some sceptics still maintain that global warming is nothing more than a hoax or a fabricated event, but this claim is scientifically unfounded and ignores the overwhelming body of evidence to the contrary.
Climate change is caused by an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause Earth’s temperature to rise. This has led to rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns, and increased acidity of the oceans. Furthermore, a warmer planet can also lead to more severe storms, floods, and droughts, as well as a decline in sea ice and glaciers. The majority of scientists agree that these shifts in Earth’s climate are due mostly to human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and other industrial processes, which result in GHG emissions.
The first pillar of evidence for climate change is the occurrence of average global temperature increases in recent decades. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by 0.75 degrees Celsius since 1900, making 2020 the second-hottest year since record keeping began in 1880. Even more telling is the fact that the last seven years have been the warmest consecutively on record. This trend of rising temperatures is being witnessed around the world and is consistent with the predictions of climate scientists.
The second pillar is the continued buildup of GHG concentrations in the atmosphere. Measurements taken over the past three decades show a steady increase for multiple trace gases. For example, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) has risen by 40% since the industrial revolution—the equivalent of more than 35 billion metric tons of carbon. Similarly, levels of methane, a potent GHG, have increased by more than 150% since pre-industrial times.
The third and most irrefutable piece of evidence for climate change is the visible effects being felt on the planet. Arctic sea ice is melting at an unprecedented rate, which is increasing sea levels and disrupting ecosystems. Polar bears, walruses and Arctic foxes are losing their sea ice habitat, resulting in decreased populations and starvation. Glaciers in the Himalayas, Greenland and Alaska are shrinking, which can have a devastating impact on agriculture and water resources. Increases in extreme weather events like heatwaves and intense rainfall are also being observed around the world, further exacerbating the effects of global warming.
Despite all the evidence pointing to the reality of climate change, there are some sceptics who still maintain that global warming is a myth. These people generally point to natural climate cycles or solar activity as the cause of the planet’s rising temperatures. However, this argument is not backed up by science, as natural cycles and solar activity explain only a small portion of the observed warming. Furthermore, if these were the cause, temperatures should be cooling, not warming—which is clearly not the case.
Additionally, many of these climate “sceptics” ignore the evidence of an increase in GHG emissions and deny the scientific consensus around climate change. Climate science is not an opinion or debate, but rather a set of facts based on decades of research and observation. As such, any suggestion that global warming is a myth is misguided and scientifically unfounded.
In conclusion, it is clear that global warming is real and a serious threat to the planet and its inhabitants. We must accept the science on this issue and work together to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate the damage already done. Without action, the impacts of climate change will only continue to worsen. We must all take a stand against climate change denial and instead embrace the science that shows us the severity of this global challenge.
Why Is Global Warming A Myth
