What can we do to help slow down the effects of global warming?

Question

This is for a debate, my opposition says global warming isn't that big of a deal...But is it? Who is contributing to it? Why is it happening? Where is the evidence? What happens if we do nothing? Why have humans in general waited so long to actually see the problems? When did global warming become such a big deal? WHAT CAN WE DO?

Answer 1

A lot of questions, I'll very briefly address each one...


<< Global warming isn't that big of a deal...But is it? >>

Yes it is, some people will tell you otherwise, chances are they're not qualified to speak on the subject. Those who have studied it will tell you that it is a big deal. A bunch of people with a great deal to lose if global warming is real is the oil companies and major organisations. Recently at a meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the CEO's of the world's 1000 biggest corporations unilaterally declared that climate change was "the most critical problem facing humanity"


<< Who is contributing to it? >>

Pretty much everyone on the planet. At some stage in the process most things are responsible for greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming - manufactured goods, power, light, transport, communications etc


<< Why is it happening? >>

Unlike most of the gases in the atmosphere, the greenhouse gases such as water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have a physical property which allows heat from the sun into the atmosphere but traps heat from the Earth preventing it escaping into space. Although these gases exist in very small quantities it's enough to make a big difference; so much so that without any greenhouse gases the planet would be 33°C (59°F) colder than it is. Even a small increase in atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases contributes to global warming.


<< Where is the evidence? >>

The scientific evidence exists in a multitude of reports and research papers that have been compiled over the last 100+ years, ever since global warming was 'discovered'.

The physical evidence can be seen right around the world from the melting of the Arctic, Greenland and Antarctic Ice Caps, the retreating glaciers in every mountain range, the melting permafrost, the earlier arrival of migratory species, the loss of low lying islands, the expanding deserts etc etc.


<< What happens if we do nothing? >>

The situation will get infinitely worse. Each year 150,000 people die from the effects of global warming, a further 10 million are infected because diseases have spread; these figures are set to double each 25 years. Crop failure rates are increasing and by 2050 it's estimated that in some places there will be as much as a net 50% reduction in crop yields leading to devastating famines. More and more land will be lost due to droughts, expanding deserts, rising sea levels etc. It's estimated that if nothing is done then by 2100 as many as 2 billion people will be forced to migrate.


<< Why have humans in general waited so long to actually see the problems? >>

The blame for this lies squarely at the door of the politicians. For decades scientists were warning about the effects of global warming but it didn't suit the politicians to act. It wasn't until 1988 that Margaret Thatcher (then Prime Minister of the UK) took notice and acted.


<< When did global warming become such a big deal? >>

It was established as scientific fact in 1896 but at that time it wasn't a serious threat because greenhouse gas emissions were much less than they are now. Serious concerns were raised by scientists from about 1950 onwards. In 1988 it made it onto the political agenda, the UK government was instrumental in convening the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. This was attended by 172 countries and brought global warming to the attention of the world.


<< WHAT CAN WE DO? >>

As individuals we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by conserving energy, recycling, reusing and reducing our demand for goods and services. This will only slow down global warming. To stop it altogether requires something much more ambitious and in this respect scientists are looking at schemes that could be implemented on a global scale aimed at removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere or reducing the amount of heat received from the sun.

More info about all of the above can be found here http://profend.com/global-warming/pages/intro.html

Answer 2

Historically, CO2 has been a strong amplifier to various natural cycles, such as solar cycles. After the initial heating vast natural sources of CO2 were released, increasing the heating even more. This is why, historically, CO2 levels has risen approximately 200 - 1000 years after the intial increase in temperature. Presently, CO2 is acting both as a cause, and a strong amplifyer. This is because of man made CO2 emissions. When the natural sources of CO2, and other gases, starts being released they will take over the developement of the climate.This is known as a 'tipping pont'. The climate will eventually settle at a new point. But, if there is a full scale GW, the transition will be bad. It will lead to changes in weather patterns, such as where it rains. There will be increased droughts, and more energy for storms to build of. It is estimated that 30% of all living species will become extinct. Now, one degree C is may not sound as much but the stored energy it tremendous.
The things being done is to legislate the total CO2 emissions for each country. The efforts in this part can be much improved. As a person, the main point is to reduce the energy usage. Use energy efficient light bulbs, have cars that uses little gas, etc.
Good sources for information are Wikipedia, NASA, IPCC.
Wikipedia: They have fairly good coverage and it is oresented in a easily understandable way.
NASA: They are very proffessional, and they have good resources for conducting research.
IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change): They were established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1988 to assess the GW. There are 192 member countries of IPCC.
They come out with a report every few years. I have provided a link to the latest.

Regarding the persons using the "political escape goat" scenario, as an excuse for their inability to provide facts, which states that it is all a hoax by a political party: This is only seen in the U.S. Most of the world has a unity amongst the political parties. I don't think the rest of the world conspires with the Liberals against the Republican party.

Answer 3

I'm not at all sure whats causing global warming some say co2 some say cycles personally i think its a little of the 2 myself. I just hope that the cooling effect isn't going to be worse then ever before . I'm afraid the only way man is going to do something to stop or prepare for it is that something major is going to have to happen to us . Humans are funny creatures we don't react until terrible things happen to us just like 911 .Not a person i knew ever thought about terrorist after 911 that's all you hear it even started a war .Same is going to happen to us with the weather its going to have to give humans a good kick in the butt and wake most of us up .

As it is now there are only a hand full of us thinking about mother earth . Take a look around I see just as many cars on the road as ever before. Lights on all night same old bulbs because there cheaper . Glass containers being replaced with plastic nobody riding bikes accept me and i have to dodge the cars as there blowing there horn yelling at me to get off the street . Alternative energy is the way to go .


www.first-molecule.com

Answer 4

I think if we all try to do something, like recycle or use energy efficient light bulbs, then we can make a difference. Overpopulation is as big a problem as global warming. I believe that implementing policies that encourage all nations to use less energy, and limit family sizes, will slow down the warming of the planet. We need to work as a team, and help each other to achieve this goal.

Answer 5

You can live in fear and fuss about minor things that will do nearly nothing to change things. The basic idea of the global warming scare is to get modern humans to eschew modernity. Things like food production, shelter, indoor plumbing, transportation, and such are especially targeted under the lie that global warming is our fault and we can change it. Why? Because that way more people will die and the Earth will be somehow more pure and untouched.... Sounds a lot like the fanatics of some religious cult committing mass suicide. There is exactly zero evidence for the scenarios of global warming that you read in the newspapers. Relax. Enjoy life. If you want to waste your energy being a misguided hero who helps the Earth by doing your part to extinguish human life, go ahead, but don't try to take me with you.

Answer 6

global warming became such a big issue when the liberals decided we needed another issue to focus on besides all the other problems like immigration which both liberals and republicans want to do nothing about so they create more problems and make a big deal about it because they know they can throw off idiots like the global warming tree hugging nuts .so stop letting the politicians fool you educated fools who think you know it all and stop making life impossible for the rest of us. get a life and worry about the real problems which we can do something about.not the problems that come no matter what we do or dont do. get a life.

Answer 7

I'm only taking on the last part of your question...and only part of that.

We've been inundated w/info about fossil fuel emissions and the repercussions from that. Water pollution is another 'hot' topic. I'm going to mention the paving of the western countries[I'm in the US]. By paving so much land we are forcing what water we do have to divert and not soak in where needed. The runoff is doing just that. Running off. There are programs in many urban areas being instituted to help w/this.

Some communities are offering tax breaks for business who return their parking lots to at least gravel w/green space as dividers. And there is a move to institute more 'green roofing' which is just what it sounds like. Grass or other plant material on the large expanses of rooftops. This not only helps absorb local moisture and cool the outside air but it also cuts the cost of cooling the inside of the building itself.

Answer 8

Who is contributing to it?
we are

Why is it happening?
world is getting warmer

Where is the evidence?
polar ice caps melting

What happens if we do nothing?
we die

Why have humans in general waited so long to actually see the problems?
cus we are stupid

When did global warming become such a big deal?
we scienctist said so

WHAT CAN WE DO?
GO GREEN

Answer 9

Climate change may be a big problem, but there are many little things we can do to make a difference. If we try, most of us can do our part to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that we put into the atmosphere. Many greenhouse gases come from things we do every day. As we have learned, these greenhouse gases trap energy in the atmosphere and make the Earth warmer.

Driving a car or using electricity is not wrong. We just have to be smart about it.Some people use less energy by carpooling. For example, four people can ride together in one car instead of driving four cars to work. Here are some additional ways you can help make the planet a better place!

Read:
Learning about the environment is very important. There are many good books that will help you learn. To get started, ask a teacher or a librarian for some suggestions. You also can look at the Links page to find other good web sites with information about the environment and climate change.

Save Electricity:
Whenever we use electricity, we help put greenhouse gases into the air. By turning off lights, the television, and the computer when you are through with them, you can help a lot.
Bike, Bus, and Walk
You can save energy by sometimes taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking.

Talk to Your Family and Friends:
Talk with your family and friends about climate change. Let them know what you've learned.

Plant Trees:
Planting trees is fun and a great way to reduce greenhouse gases. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the air.

Recycle:
Recycle cans, bottles, plastic bags, and newspapers. When you recycle, you send less trash to the landfill and you help save natural resources, like trees, oil, and elements such as aluminum.

When You Buy, Buy Cool Stuff:
There are lots of ways we can improve the environment. One of the ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that we put into the air is to buy products that don't use as much energy. By conserving energy, we help reduce climate change and make the Earth a better place. Some products – like certain cars and stereos – are made specially to save energy.

Some Things to Think About:
Did you know that you can help the environment if you buy recyclable products instead of non-recyclable ones? Look for the recycle mark – three arrows that make a circle – on the package. Recyclable products are usually made out of things that already have been used. It usually takes less energy to make recycled products than to make new ones. The less energy we use, the better.

Solar Energy:
Imagine that it's a hot summer day. You put a scoop of ice cream on the sidewalk, and it melts. Why? Well, you probably know that the sun causes the ice cream to melt. But you may not know that the sun produces solar energy. Solar energy is a fancy way of saying "energy that comes from the sun." Solar energy can be used to heat homes, buildings, water, and to make electricity. Today, more than 200,000 houses in the United States take advantage of the sun's energy.

Cars:
Cars are an important part of life for most people. But cars also cause pollution and release a lot of greenhouse gases into the air. Fortunately, there are some cars that are better for the environment. These cars can travel longer on a smaller amount of gasoline. They don't pollute as much, either. Using these kinds of cars can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the air.

ENERGY STAR®:
Many things, like computers, TVs, stereos, and VCRs, have special labels on them. The label says "Energy" and has a picture of a star. Products with the ENERGY STAR® label are made to save energy. Buying products with ENERGY STAR® labels will help protect the environment.

Answer 10

1. Stop listening to Air America, and the Democrats who created it.
2. Realize that the people who are preaching about global warming, are the same people who thought we were headed for an ice age 2 decades ago.
3. It would take more than one city, state, or country to make the smallest dent in green house gases, that there's not a good answer to what can you do as a person.