This past week, I attended a lecture given by everyone’s favorite scientist, Bill Nye, the science guy. Throughout my childhood, Bill Nye was the inspiration who fostered, ignited and fueled my passion for science. He not only educated me on his views about the world in the scientific perspective, but also encouraged me to research about issues myself. In the lecture, Nye talked about how his passionate interest in scence allowed him to take a positive stance on climate change and space exploration. In a comical way, Nye discussed the ridiculous notions of anti-climate change proposed by the politicians today, which made me think. I believe in climate change, but do I know enough to defend my opinion? I conducted some research, and this is what I found.
The Earth’s atmosphere contains abundant amounts of naturally occurring gases, each gas prevalent in different amounts. Carbon dioxide is one of the more plentiful gases. In the right amounts, these individual gases are crucial to keeping the temperature at just the right amount for survival. In excess, however, the gases contribute to a deleterious increase in temperature. Most of the radiation emitted by the sun is reflected by our atmosphere to space. Some of the radiation is absorbed by greenhouse gases and transmitted down to the surface of the Earth. The more greenhouse gases we produce, the more heat is absorbed, and the more radiation is sent back down to the surface of the Earth. In addition to heat being absorbed by the greenhouse gases, the warm moisture is being held by the water vapor in the air. This tips the water cycle off balance because there are more extremes of evaporation and precipitation in the cycle.
Talking about water, this rise in temperature not only occurs on land but also in the oceans, as well. You might be thinking warmer oceans are great and so much better to swim in. However, this change in water temperature and atmosphere are not optimal conditions for the survival of the countless organisms that live underwater. The excess CO2 actually causes increased ocean acidification because the acidity of the water increases when the CO2 reacts with the salt water. Organisms that can't survive in the increased acid water die, toppling the entire food chain. Climate change also has caused the sea levels to rise. As the ocean gets warmer, it swells. In addition, the glaciers in the poles are melting, resulting in higher sea levels and less area of land for arctic animals such as penguins and polar bears, to inhabit. As the ocean exceeds its water capacity, the shores are unable to withstand the excess water, and in turn, coastal regions become flooded.
Throughout the years, human carbon dioxide uses have risen and fallen at a steady pace. After the industrial revolution, however, we began burning more and more fossil fuels to run the myriad of machines we invented. In fact, now, we rely on carbon-based fuels for 85 percent of our energy! Burning fossil fuels is, in turn, releasing more carbon dioxide; half of it is absorbed by the oceans and vegetation, while the other half is condensed into our atmosphere. Human activity is to blame as the numerous factories and ubiquitous use of vehicles as transportation are polluting the atmosphere.
This considerably minor change in natural Earth temperature from 1.2 degrees Fahrenheit to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit is to blame for the extreme weather events and drastic climates. Symptoms of climate change are increased weather events and natural disasters. So, what can we do? Recycle, use public transportation, turn off electronic devices when you’re not using them, even, eat less meat. But, by far the most important, spread your knowledge about climate change. Overpower the superfluous, ridiculous claims made by politicians and people of the media by spreading facts instead of opinions. These cataclysmic changes can be prevented if we act now. Although we are part of the cause, we can also be part of the solution.
