I have a friend who says it isn't but im almost positive it is. Is it really as serious as some people say it is? If so, what are some ways we can fight it?
2007-12-09 05:42:36 · 4 answers · asked by frgrewsas 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
I'm a geologist and I can assure you that there is not one good scientist out there who will tell you that global warming is not occurring. The earth IS getting warmer. The rate is faster than we've seen in the past, though the magnitude is not unprecedented.
The troubling aspect of global warming is its link to increasing atmospheric global carbon dioxide. Atmospheric carbon dioxide is increasing at a completely unprecedented rate and it is caused by fossil fuel combustion. The increase in carbon dioxide is also very closely correlated with the rising temperatures. And no matter what the cause of rising temperatures, they are bringing on rising sea levels that are threatening coastal areas. Conversely, whether rising CO2 is heating things up or not, it is acidifying the oceans and harming CaCO3 dependent organisms, like corals.
To fight global warming, your best bet would be to use less fossil fuels- take public transit, eat less meat, buy local produce, recycle all plastics, walk when possible, unplug appliances when you're not using them, etc.
2007-12-09 12:08:14 · answer #1 · answered by kiddo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The average temperature of Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and uppermost crust is experiencing a measurable and easily observable warming trend, so yes, global warming is real. The cause is the only debatable issue there. At least some (if not nearly all) of this is due to cyclic weather patterns related to ice ages.
Are humans influencing this? Undoubtedly to some extent, but possibly not a measurable amount. Good science has now been over-ran by politics and media sensationalism, so it's not likely we will know anytime soon what is causing it or what can be done.
If I had to guess a human related cause, I would be more likely to suspect deforestation and similar major changes as the primary means by which we would be able to affect the climate. In the geological past, major changes in the interaction of organisms with the atmosphere has brought about major changes of much greater magnitude than we are likely to see if we burnt all of the fossil fuels available with no regard at all to emissions.
Second part, is it a serious problem? Very likely. Climate change means major changes in food production. Historically, major changes in food production lead to mass migrations, territory disputes and wars, and plenty of other forms of unrest that threaten the status quo of civilization.
Can we fight it? First, we would have to figure out why it's happening. And we can't do that without good science. But like I said, sensationalism and politics is in the way of that.
2007-12-09 14:15:12 · answer #2 · answered by Now and Then Comes a Thought 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Global warming and cooling are quite real and natural phenomenon, NOT man-made. So there's nothing we can do to "stop" it. Right now we are seeing a slight warming trend because we are coming out of an ice age.
Will it get warmer? Perhaps. Will that cause us problems? Perhaps.
Should you get your science from politicians or big oil or the EPA? Never.
2007-12-09 13:53:56 · answer #3 · answered by Lady Geologist 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Got to love Bush and his bull.
Ten years ago we had these Walk-A-Thons in early October. I'd always have a sweater and a jacket. This year I was wearing shorts into late October.
What does that tell you?
2007-12-09 13:52:12 · answer #4 · answered by Defunct 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋