In the past two decades, global warming has become one of the biggest environmental issues. The current warming trend is unparalleled to past historical warming periods, because not only is it human-induced, but has been proceeding at an alarming rate in the past 1,300 years. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap sunlight and solar radiation, consequently, our Earth warms as a direct reaction. As climate change continues to happen our sea levels rise, our oceans warm, our glaciers melt, our oceans acidify, there is decreased snow cover, natural disasters are more likely to occur, etc. In the past 16 years, the 15 hottest summers have been recorded in 134 years (MacMillian). As our nation continues to burn fossil fuel and waste energy our earth continues to warm rapidly. At the top of global warming, the biggest polluters are coal-burning companies and the transportation sector (MacMillian). By cutting out waste and finding alternative ways to create energy as a nation we can start to save the world we live on.
There is no denying that climate change is happening, but the scary part of global warming is the consequences it has on our environment. As we continue to pollute and waste energy we are compromising the earth that we live on, our food supply, our water supply, and natural resources. As stated before as climate change increases our risk for natural disaster increases as well. In 2011-2015 the annual cost of disasters cost $10.8 billion (Denchak).
Some consequences of global warming:
Sea levels rise, oceans warm, glaciers melt, oceans acidify, decreased snow cover, increased natural disasters (longer and more damaging wildfires, more destructive hurricanes, more intense and frequent heat waves, extreme precipitation/flooding, severe drought), natural resources disappear, dirtier air/increased smog, increased health risks, higher wildlife extinction, temperature stratification, migratory paths for birds/insects start earlier, destruction of coral reefs/ocean life, agricultural effects, longer/shorter seasons, decrease in fresh water supply.
So how do we know that global warming is happening? Answer: physical evidence. The earth around us is already experiencing the effects of global warming. Not only does data recorded by several scientists (including NASA) suggest that our quality of life and environment around us is declining... we can see it with our own two eyes.
What can I do? Starting with your own carbon footprint is a start. Cutting down on energy waste, carbon emission, and just being aware of how you treat the enviroment is a step that each individual can take. Ride your bike, take 5 minute showers, recycle, turn off lights when you're not using them, using solar energy, buying an energy efficient car, speaking out for your enviroment, be more aware of our growing climate problem, etc.
Global warming is not a myth and it's not something to take lightly. Each second that goes by our earth is declining due to growing fossil fuels and pollution and it's time to get involved.
