Global Warming Issues Are in your Hands

Author: Amelie Mag
There has been a lot of talk on the subject of global warming. Specialists believe that human activities in the past 50 years have given a negative boost to climate change. After a long series of tests and chart observations, it seems that the primary culprit for global warming is the emission of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide). These gases have altered the composition of the atmosphere and raised the planet's temperature with almost 1?C since 1950.
The problem is not that these gases exist. They have always been in the atmosphere, but there is a major increase in their concentration. The planet started to heat up and the climate change appeared simultaneously with the beginning of industrial revolution. Then, at the start of a new era, the concentrations of carbon dioxide increased with nearly 30%, methane almost doubled and nitrous oxide with 15% making global warming a serious, even deadly matter.

The Unknow Facts About Global Warming
These figures are truly concerning due to the fact that we rely on fossil fuels to drive, to heat and to power factories not thinking of the harsh reality: burned fossil fuels are the main reason for the rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leading to global warming and accelerating the rate of climate change.

Still, the combustion of fuel is not the only one to blame for global warming. Researchers consider that the development of agriculture, deforestation, landfills, industrial production and mining are also to blame. Each one of them has ‘helped' induce large, global, abrupt climate change leading to a warmer planet, making it more difficult for us to live.

The statistics in climate change are frightening. Almost 98% of the greenhouses emissions are due to pollution and it is no surprise that the most powerful and rich country (U.S) on the continent is mainly responsible for global warming. 1998 has been declared the warmest year on record and scientistists are concerned that the snow cover in northern hemisphere and floating ice in the Arctic Ocean have decreased. Do we really pay enough attention to the climate change and do we want the planet to become too warm for us to live in?

We are all threathened by this sudden climate change. Global warming is not a joke and we should start paying more attention to it. Not only wildlife, forests and coastal areas are vulnerable to the climate change that the greenhouse gas may bring, but also water resources, animals and most important our health.

What should we expect from global warming? First of all, a change that will have a major impact on the way we live will be a warmer weather. Climate change will appear in the form of increased precipations worldwide, with acid rainfalls that will damage the natural habitat, with more frequent and intense storms that will build up and result in powerful hurricanes. And this is just the top of the ‘iceberg' called global warming. The hurricanes will be stronger than usual with greater devastating powers.

The population of the globe should be taught more about these greenhouse gases that are held responsible for climate change and more specific, global warming. Carbon dioxide is realeased into the atmosphere when wood, fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) and solid waste are burned. Methane is emitted during the production and transport of oil, gas and coal, but it also results from decomposition of solid, organic waste. Nitrous oxide is the product of: agricultural and industrial activities, combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. So, do we still have to wonder why these greenhouse gases have such a strong impact on climate change?

Unfortunately, there are not many options to reduce the effects of global warming. Lately, in order to predict climate change, specialists have put up what is called an emission inventory which registers the quantity of air pollutants in the atmosphere. It also establishes the identity of the polluting agent (chemical/physical), the geographic area covered, the time period over which emissions are appreciated and the type of activities that cause the emissions. This way, the scientific community is making an effort to reduce the serious consequences of global warming.

Another solution for the problem of global warming is recycling. It started years ago in powerful and well developed states and it is a novelty for poor, undergoing tranzition states that are struggling to survive. But, slowly, people all over the world are learning about the strong effects of recycling newspapers, plastic, glass, metal. It is a healthy action that makes the world a better place. By recycling, we not only help ourselves, but also the forests, crop yields and water supplies which are severely affected by climate change. We also keep in mind the animals and the ecosystems – another sector badly damaged by climate change. We make the difference.

Global warming affects everybody. That is why we must fight against our self destruction and life's in general. Fight for your planet, don't let the climate change affect the environment in an irrecoverable manner, keep in mind that Earth's eco systems are sensitive and must be treated with care, and you will have a future!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/education-articles/global-warming-issues-are-in-your-hands-52922.html

About the Author:
Knowledge about our environment, global warming and the way we influence the climate change is the key to how our world will look like in the future. You have to have the power to change things and make them better.

The Unknow Facts About Global Warming

by: James Heimler
The issues about global warming and the effects of global warming are continuously under debate. Somehow the debate has made its way into virtually every aspect of our lives. There is even thought that the issues about global warming are also applicable to the beliefs that other beings from other planets were forced to make themselves to Earth as their planet began to deteriorate, due to global warming.

It is all around us. It is on the weather stations. It faces us when we decide to purchase a new car or even a cleaning product. The real issues come when trying to learn about global warming. There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet and there is not one group that can agree on all aspects of the global warming debate.
Over the past century, with out a doubt, global temperatures have risen. While the rise in temperature has been only a degree or so, the concern is whether the Earth's temperatures will continue to rise and what impact that will have on the environment. The controversy about the warming of the earth is a result of conflicting evidence.

The fact that global warming also occurred in the prehistoric era is a scientific point. Some think a large meteor hitting the planet caused an big change in the earth's temperature. Is that what killed the dinosaurs? Science cannot prove this conclusively yet. The political and industrial lobbies further complicate conversations about global warming. The contention of these groups is that, we currently do not know enough about the effects of global warming to limit industrial emissions.

When will we know the full facts about global warming and will the global warming issue be resolved anytime soon? Unfortunately the answer is no. There will continue to be studies performed and there will always be a measure of doubt clouding the minds of citizens around the world. Perhaps, when enough data comes through, we will be able to make a determination based on scientific fact rather than theory. Until then we can continue to monitor the progress of scientists and try to do our part in conserving the environment.


About The Author
As a Los Angeles architect for JHAI, http://www.jhai-architect.com, specializing in green architecture James Heimler knows the importance of protecting our environment and its resources.

Global Warming Is Real

by: Frank Vanderlugt
The debate about global warming continues today and will continue for many decades to come. The subject of global warming refers to the average increase in the earth's temperature--which then causes changes in climate.
With the earth getting warmer, it may lead to changes in rainfall patterns, a rise in sea level, and a wide range of impacts on plants, wildlife, and humans. When scientists debate about global warming, we all benefit. We are being given all of the information available on both sides of the subject.

When we talk about the issue of climate change, the concern is primarily about global warming caused by human activities or by the natural cleansing process of the earth.

We are told by one group that we are all personally responsible for releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels when driving our automobiles or using other means of mass transit, and by home energy usage (the electricity, heating and cooling). The use of these fossil fuels is directly responsible for global warming, which is destroying the earth's biodiversity and ecosystems.

On the other side of the debate are the scientists who tell us that global warming is only partially caused by the use of fossil fuels. They want us to know that the different cycles and temperatures of the earth are part of a natural cycle that our evolving planet goes through.

The debate about global warming is one that will continue for many years to come. Neither side can provide substantial evidence that fully supports their position.

It true that we are polluting the environment and that we should reduce our use of fossil fuels, protect rainforests from being harvested, and also plant new tropical trees in countries where the rainforest have been decimated. However, this does not prove that global warming is caused by these actions or that these actions by us are meaningless.

While the debate about global warming continues, it might be wise if we consider what we can do to reduce pollution. Whether the pollution causes global warming might not be the real question here. The pollution of the environment is directly affecting the air, water and land throughout the entire world.

An action as simple as planting trees can help clean the air. An average tree uses and absorbs about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide during its lifespan. And, in return, the trees will release oxygen back into the atmosphere.
About The Author:Frank J Vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.all-about-global-warming.com All About Global Warming

Causes and Effects of Global Warming in Earth

By: Charles Nicolas
Highly increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation is called Global Warming.

Global warming is a phenomenon that has been discussed widely nowadays and global warming causes are one of the most studied subjects presently in the world. Through out the world many governments, institutes and universities are trying to find out what are the causes for global warming. As the effects of global warming is becoming more and more evident, many of us have started to realize that steps have to be taken to control Global warming at the earliest and various countries and people have started working towards it. For this we know exactly what is global warming, causes of global warming and effects of global warming.

What causes global warming?

Carbon dioxide and other air pollution that is collecting in the atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm up. Coal-burning power plants are the largest U.S. source of carbon dioxide pollution -- they produce 2.5 billion tons every year. Automobiles, the second largest source, create nearly 1.5 billion tons of CO2 annually.

Here's the good news: technologies exist today to make cars that run cleaner and burn less gas, modernize power plants and generate electricity from nonpolluting sources, and cut our electricity use through energy efficiency. The challenge is to be sure these solutions are put to use.

Are warmer temperatures causing bad things to happen?

Global warming is already causing damage in many parts of the United States. In 2002, Colorado, Arizona and Oregon endured their worst wildfire seasons ever. The same year, drought created severe dust storms in Montana, Colorado and Kansas, and floods caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage in Texas, Montana and North Dakota. Since the early 1950s, snow accumulation has declined 60 percent and winter seasons have shortened in some areas of the Cascade Range in Oregon and Washington.

Of course, the impacts of global warming are not limited to the United States. In 2003, extreme heat waves caused more than 20,000 deaths in Europe and more than 1,500 deaths in India. And in what scientists regard as an alarming sign of events to come, the area of the Arctic's perennial polar ice cap is declining at the rate of 9 percent per decade.

Is global warming making hurricanes worse?

Global warming doesn't create hurricanes, but it does make them stronger and more dangerous. Because the ocean is getting warmer, tropical storms can pick up more energy and become more powerful. So global warming could turn, say, a category 3 storm into a much more dangerous category 4 storm. In fact, scientists have found that the destructive potential of hurricanes has greatly increased along with ocean temperature over the past 35 years.

What can I do to help fight global warming?

There are many simple steps you can take right now to cut global warming pollution. Make conserving energy a part of your daily routine. Each time you choose a compact fluorescent light bulb over an incandescent bulb, for example, you'll lower your energy bill and keep nearly 700 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the air over the bulb's lifetime. By opting for a refrigerator with the Energy Star label -- indicating it uses at least 15 percent less energy than the federal requirement -- over a less energy-efficient model, you can reduce carbon dioxide pollution by nearly a ton in total. Join NRDC in our campaign against global warming.
Charles Nicolas is a successful writer on global warming. He always defines causes of global warming and effects of global warming in his article. He lives in Auckland.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

The Bio Fuel solution

By: Green Pages Global Warming
The recent furore over the Kyoto protocol pertaining to global climate change, as well as the rising prices of fossil fuels has led India and other developing countries to look for an ecological and economically viable alternative. Several initiatives have been taken in recent times on the energy front such as large scale promotion of wind energy farms for power generation, blending of ethyl alcohol with petrol and developmental efforts towards bio fuels.

Impressed by the potential of Jatropha curcas, the Government of India and the Planning Commission have been looking at the opportunity carefully. Several reports have been prepared and organizations such as the Indian Oil Corporation and Indian Railways, as well as several universities and private institutions, have initiated technology development plans. The Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh governments have introduced schemes to encourage investment in Jatropha plantations. Enthused by the government support, several individuals and organizations have already started cultivating Jatropha in a big way. Progress in India has been limited so far, though a serious effort, officials say, would cut India's import dependence by as much as 10%. Small Indian companies are already at it. Labland Biotech, for instance, has a long-term contract with the UK-based global firm, DI Oils, to supply one crore Jatropha plants a year for the next 10 years, besides supplying 10,000-50,000 tonnes of Jatropha crude oil annually over the next 15 years. Farmers in Karnataka and neighbouring states are being roped in through the contract farming route. Reliance Industries is reported to have earmarked 200 acres of land in Andhra Pradesh, which will be scaled up depending on the progress of the project.

Jatropha an indigenous oilseed tree and perennial crop, has the same characteristics as diesel, and can be used neat or mixed with conventional diesel. Jatropha, also known as the Physic Nut, is able to tolerate arid climates, grows rapidly, is useful for a variety of products, requires minimal inputs and reportedly stabilises or even reverses desertification. To top it all, this is a clean fuel option. Sounds almost too good to be true, a sustainable answer to India's peak oil problem, but is Jatropha really all it's cracked up to be? One of the chief concerns the world over is that countries will start using already scarce food producing land to grow fuel crops, causing major shortages in global food reserves. The Indian Government has allayed these fears by categorically stating that no existing agricultural land will be used to grow Jatropha or any other fuel crop. Another major international anxiety is that forests will be cut down and "reforested" with feedstock for bio fuels, causing untold damage to fragile ecosystems and large scale destruction of diverse species. The National Mission on Bio-Diesel aims at bringing 4 lakh hectares of land under plantation; sadly half of the land slated for Jatropha plantation is forested land. "Reforesting" already forested land with Jatropha will destroy much of India's rich ecological heritage.
One of Jatropha's major claims to fame is it's resistance to draught, while this is true in essence, the plant can survive for up to two years in the absence of water, it does not yield except under optimal irrigation. Though Jatropha can be grown on barren or waste land it can only produce fruit if the soil is fertilized. Not much is known about the susceptibility of Jatropha to pests and diseases. However its toxic nature would imply that any pests that managed to survive on the plant would be especially virulent and the pesticides required might cause irreparable damage to the ecology. An oft repeated chant of bio fuel enthusiasts is large scale economic gains for small scale rural farmers as well as vast employment opportunities which will eventually eradicate rural poverty. However the main criticism of the Horticulture Program and Jatropha in general is that it has disproportionately benefited the non-poor sections of rural population. Farmers with small holdings who do not have irrigation facilities and have limited economic capabilities are unable to grow enough of the crop for it to be economically viable, opening the door to exploitation by large corporations and farmers with large holdings. The absence of adequate facilities in India for conversion of Jatropha seed oil into bio fuel is another issue. At the moment the largest producer of Jatropha, D1 oils ships all the seeds to the UK, using more diesel in the process than they currently produce. In addition the Jatropha plant grows for five years before it begins to yield, in five years perhaps India will have met the current bio diesel generation targets, but by then energy demands will have increased ten-fold.

In light of all these rather alarming factors it has become increasingly obvious that the government needs to rethink its bio diesel strategy in favour of something more practical to the Indian scenario. Often the strongest argument against doing something is that others are doing something different. But this is not applicable to the search for new sources of energy. Other countries are exploring other paths because they face a different set of constraints. The West, for instance, is placing its short-term bets on ethanol because it has a surplus of productive capacity in agriculture. It is placing its long-term bets on hydrogen fuel cells because it knows that it cannot grow enough biomass to meet the whole of its transport fuel needs when the oil runs out. We, however, will not get to that point for several decades. We also face the challenges of rural poverty and environmental degradation that they have largely overcome. There are no quick fix solutions to India's mounting list of energy related problems and bio fuels are not the all inclusive solution our government seems to think it is. We need to carefully consider all the cultural and socio-economic factors that make our country unique and find our own path to an ecologically sound, energy efficient future.
Affecting every corner of the globe, the phenomenon of global warming is irrevocably changing our planet, and life as we know it will never be the same. The time for relying on governments to solve this immense problem has long since passed.It is now the undeniable duty of every individual to start making a difference and join the fight. At Global Warming we seek to provide information that will help people make that difference.
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Global Warming

by Daniel J. M. Galpin

This issue is receiving much attention in the news with many declaring the end of the earth as we know it and insisting that we take immediate action or it will be too late. Free ArticlesThey enlisted many entertainment professionals to aid in their declaration, but is it fact or fiction? One thing is curtain, haste makes waste.
I raise this question for many reasons. One being that while many scientist claim it is fact, many others claim it is not. One side says if you listen to real scientist, you will see that they say it's true, but the other side claims to have real scientists too. Apparently real scientist are in disagreement, thus I repeat, haste makes waste. Secondly, 20 years ago scientists were claiming the next ice age and that we must be ready and 15 years before that they warned of global warming and prior to that the next ice age. Thus can we really trust those groups currently claiming global warming? Thirdly, those same scientist claim that evolution is how we all got here and they claim it to be science, yet true science is defined by something that is testable, observable and repeatable. Neither evolution or creation, for that matter, fall into the definition of science. Both are merely beliefs of how we got here. Beliefs, while good intentions are not science! Therefore can the scientists be trusted to evaluate climate conditions? And if the beliefs of evolution is true, why would we be fighting the next step? Again, haste makes waste.

I will concede to the fact that weather conditions appear to be changing. We are having hotter days and colder days. We are having cold when it should be hot and hot when it should be cold. The past two winters where I live have been much warmer than many before them and this summer seems to be cooler. The climate patterns we are accustomed to seem to be changing. In addition, frequency and intensity of natural disasters seem to be growing. However, is that due to human activity or is there another possible answer?

I propose just as there is a long standing debate regarding our beginnings: Evolution Vs. Creation, there is also another possible explanation for the climate changing conditions. Those that claim global warming, warn that the end is near, if we don't do something soon. While I disagree about their conclusions regarding what is causing climate change, I do agree, the end may be near. The most accurate history book available to the human race also declares meteorological disasters will increase towards the end of time as we know it. The Bible warns they are like a woman's birthing pains. Thus, disasters will increase.

I leave this as a second possible cause for our planets change in climate. While we can see the changes taking place and observe them, compare them to past records and thus conclude such change is occurring, we merely believe and cannot prove that humans are responsible. This would require us to test, observe and repeat the past actions of our ancestors and that is something we can not do. I place my belief in a trusted source, the most accurate history book in history, the Bible. I do believe we need to prepare for the end, although the end that is coming is unavoidable and certain. Humankind cannot fix it. We will have to endure it and either accept or reject the one that is causing it: the Lord and Savior of all humanity, Jesus Christ.
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About the Author : Dan Galpin is running as a write-in candidate for the 2008 Presidential election.