Is Global Warming Real? Essay Example

The earth has never experienced such a warming trend as it is today. In fact, the world global temperature is estimated to be about 1.2C above pre-industrial levels, and the last two years in a row has been the hottest years on record (Borick, Christopher and Barry 777). The problem of global warming continues to increase because of rise in greenhouse gas emissions, burning of fossil fuels and continued global deforestation (Meinshausen, et al. 1158). Although the scientific evidence seems in support of global warming, some believe that it is a hoax and it has never been empirically verified. They consider that global warming is an allegory or an excuse for humid and hot summers and how both plants and animals have been affected by warmer weather (Schuldt, Sara, and Norbert 115). This is disappointing because the future of planet earth is at stake and it is important for people to understand that our world will be destroyed as time goes on. Environmental scientists should strategize to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by going green to support and prevent the atmosphere from global warming; the issue can be tackled to ensure the world become healthier again. To enlighten individuals who believe global warming is a hoax, the paper will outline the evidences, which shows that global warming is real as it has caused other extreme weather such as increase in temperature, the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, droughts, famine, floods, loss of animal and plant life, and increase in sea levels.

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There have been changes in weather patterns such as increased in floods, raised in temperature, changes in weather patterns and drought and famine across the world. These changes have never been experienced before, and they continue to influence the habitat and people living in such areas. "These changes are caused by global warming, which occurs when greenhouse gas (GHG) emission such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from the combustion of fossil fuel, and some non-CO2 GHG emissions such as nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, methane, perfluorocarbons, and other ozone-depleting gases, which contribute extensively to an increase in global temperature (Meinshausen et al. 1159)." As the concentration of these gases increase, it causes a greenhouse effect, which depletes the ozone layer and increases the average temperature on earth. "If this issue is unchecked, the build-up and increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere would eventually change the ecological systems on earth, which in turn would affect the planet's biodiversity (Meinshausen et al. 1159)." "Reducing global warming is only possible if the influences of GHG such as CO2, nitrous oxide, methane and other ozone-depleting gases are cut from reaching the atmosphere (Shakun, Jeremy D., et al. 49)." Environmental scientists should create awareness of the devastating effects of global warming and encourage people to minimize activities which may increase the level of GHG over 2 C in the atmosphere.

The sea levels are rising at a very high rate because of the melting of glaciers and ice sheets across the world. Melting of glaciers in Greenland, Alaska, and Antarctica helps in explaining the warming effect of the earth (Shakun, Jeremy D., et al. 49). The shrinking of ice sheets in mass in these regions are increasing rapidly. According to NASA, Greenland has lost about 250cubic kilometers of ice between 2011 and 2017 (Shakun, Jeremy D., et al. 49). These glacial melts and its disappearances are also taking place mainly towards the poles. It is estimated that the global sea level increased by about 6.7 inches in the last century. Besides, the rise of sea level in the last decade has doubled taking an unexpected turn-and global warming has much to do with this. This is not normal and leads to uncertainty of the animals living in these regions and on the other hand it means water will cover particular parts of land as the ice sheets continue to melt. Oceans have also been observed to increase its global heat with the ocean showing a warming effect of about 0.32 Fahrenheit since 1969 (Shakun, Jeremy D., et al. 49).

The world has experienced the global rise in overall temperature. According to Meinshausen et al., global warming has happened in the last 40 years with the warmest years in record happening between 2013 and 2014 (Easterling, et al 2068). Besides, in 2016, the world experienced a global average temperature above the worldwide average in 2001. For example, the ice in the Arctic sea is decreasing rapidly. Data from the National Ice and Snow Data Center indicate that the thickness and extent of the sea ice in Arctic sea in the last decades have dissipated quickly (Easterling, et al 2068). Besides, just like ice sheets, glaciers are also affected by global warming because they continue to retreat slowly. For example, in areas such as Africa, Alaska, the Andes, the Himalayas, the Alps and the Rockies, glaciers continue to reduce making it a common phenomenon and a global problem that needs to be addressed immediately (Easterling, et al 2068). This is an apparent signal that global warming is real and it is affecting our ecosystem. Therefore, global warming is an issue of concern that needs to be seen as dangerous if it progresses at its current rate.

Global warming has caused extreme environmental catastrophes. High-temperature events have been increasing while low-temperature events have been decreasing since the 90s. For example, in the US, there has been an increase in the intense amount of rainfall (Schuldt, Sara, and Norbert 115). Although there are still cold winters, the rise in global temperatures experienced globally has become harsh that can ravish cropland and kill more people. Ocean acidification has also grown as a result of global warming. According to the PMEL Carbon Group, the acidity of sea and ocean waters has increased by about 40% (Schuldt, Sara, and Norbert 115). The increase in CO2 absorbed by ocean waters leaves coral reefs more vulnerable, and they may be extinct shortly. The beautiful sight of snow during Spring that is commonly seen in the mountains is in danger of reducing. According to the satellite observations in the Northern Hemisphere, the amount of global snow cover has diminished in last century because of the melting effect that occurs earlier than expected (Schuldt, Sara, and Norbert 115). This endangers the habitats maintained by these mountains, while at the same time reducing the chance to carry water sports.

Despite all the effects cases by global warming, there are skeptics and critics in both science and politics who believe there is no consensus that global warming is real and it has not taken place on a massive scale. They base their arguments on minor studies funded by lobbyists and politicians (Meinshausen et al. 1159). They think that global warming is a natural phenomenon that occurs in cycles after some years because of lack of scientific evidence that shows that global warming causes the extreme weather (Meinshausen et al. 1159). The also consider that what is happening is part of the earth's geophysical processes. The distribution of the heat on earth is different and switches from one hemisphere to another. However, the fact is that about 96% of scientists believe that global warming is happening rapidly (Schuldt, Sara, and Norbert 115). Humans have produced global warming due to the emission of CO2 in the atmosphere. The variations of heat caused by CO2 are largely experiences in the ground, the ocean and the air. This means that is not an issue of heat distribution but an issue of an increase in global heat continues to occur since the 19th century. Thus, global warming is real based on the empirical evidence and the strong consensus among scientists.

Conclusion

The changes in weather patterns have never experienced before. These changes are caused by excess carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere that depletes the ozone layer that functions as a shield that traps heat and prevents warming of the earth. Global warming has also been caused by human activities like deforestation to create space for pasture and plantations and burning fossil fuels for energy overloads and accumulate the atmosphere with CO2. Although there have been skeptics and critics in both science and politics who believe global warming is not real and it has not taken place on a massive scale. Recent research also shows that the temperature of the earth is rising because of the emission of greenhouse gasses. This would have negative implications ranging from melting of icebergs and glaciers, increased severe storms and sea levels. These changes would also lead to devastating results such as droughts and famine, loss of animal and plant life, and floods. Environmental scientists should strategize to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere because they deplete the ozone layer, which causes global warming and other extreme weather conditions on earth.

Works Cited

Borick, Christopher P., and Barry G. Rabe. "A reason to believe: Examining the factors that determine individual views on global warming." Social Science Quarterly 91.3 (2010): 777-800.

Easterling, David R., et al. "Climate extremes: observations, modeling, and impacts." science 289.5487 (2000): 2068-2074.

Meinshausen, Malte, et al. "Greenhouse-gas emission targets for limiting global warming to 2 C." Nature 458.7242 (2009): 1158.

Shakun, Jeremy D., et al. "Global warming proceeded by increasing carbon dioxide concentrations during the last deglaciation." Nature 484.7392 (2012): 49.

Schuldt, Jonathon P., Sara H. Konrath, and Norbert Schwarz. ""Global warming" or "climate change"? Whether the planet is warming depends on question wording." Public Opinion Quarterly 75.1 (2011): 115-124.