Global Warming: Fact Or Fiction?
Start writing a post
Politics

Global Warming: Fact Or Fiction?

Global warming is certainly real, but probably not in the way you think.

33
Global Warming: Fact Or Fiction?
Stock Snap

During my senior year of high school I took a college level geology class, and used my new found knowledge to do my final class presentation on the causes and effects of global warming. I remember coming home to my mom (who was a global warming skeptic) and providing her with all the facts I had learned in class and her responding, "Well if the Earth is really warming, then why do we still have snow?" After taking my class, I can't help but slowly shake my head whenever someone asks me this question. But I understand why people may be skeptic of global warming, because there is a large misunderstanding as to what global warming is.

Looking at global warming strictly from a geological standpoint, climate is described as, “highly variable, and is constantly changing as time progresses and conditions change." In short, the global climate is constantly changing, and has been since the beginning of time. Geologists agree that an increase in atmospheric temperature is a result of both "natural and anthropocentric causes", but also note that, “concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are now higher than they have been for many thousands of years.” So what does this mean? It means that global climate change has, and always will happen naturally, but in the past several years humans have played a part in accelerating the Earth's natural climate change process.

Natural causes of global warming are forest fires, volcanic eruptions, natural greenhouse gases, and changes in Earth's orbit. Man made influences on global warming include deforestation, pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels. All causes of climate change, whether natural or anthropocentric, have one thing in common, they release high amounts of CO2. Simply put, the more CO2 in the atmosphere, the hotter the Earth will be, and we have began to see this already. Global mean temperatures are higher now than they have been in the past 500-1000 years. It is important to note that though this increase in temperature would happen eventually naturally, humans have been a significant cause of increase since the 1950's.

So is the Earth really getting warmer? Yes. Though this would have eventually happened naturally, humans have played a role in accelerating the Earth's natural climate change process. The Earth's natural climate change process is a delicate balancing act between naturally rotating through warming and cooling trends.

Through the carelessness of humans, the delicate balance has been disrupted and if continued could wield serios consequences.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58943
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38052
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959562
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195860
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments