Climate Change.
Climate change, a topic that does not come as a surprise to many people now-a-days. But ask yourself, do you know what climate change really is? What about global warming? Aren't those the same thing? Truth is, they are not. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), global warming "refers to the recent and ongoing rise in global average temperature
near Earth's surface. It is caused mostly by increasing concentrations of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Global warming is causing climate patterns
to change. However, global warming itself represents only one aspect of climate
change" (Basics). On the other hand, the EPA says that climate change "refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an
extended period of time. In other words, climate change includes major changes
in temperature, precipitation, or wind patterns, among other effects, that occur
over several decades or longer" (Basics).
The Earth is warming, but now the question is why? The answer-- Us. If you are not sold, 97% of climate scientists agree that the current warming trends are human-induced (Evidence). Human activity contributes to what is known as the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is natural, but the process cannot handle the large amount of greenhouse gases being produced. Think of a bathtub. The "faucet" is carbon and other greenhouse gases, and the "drain" is land and ocean uptake. The problem is our bathtub is overflowing. This is why it is so important for us to take action now by making greener choices today and in the future. Click the button below to learn more about the primary sources of human-induced climate change. It is important to note that there are natural causes effecting climate change as well. These influences include variations in the amount of the sun's energy that reaches Earth, and changes in the reflectivity of Earth's atmosphere and surface (Causes). However, recent climate trends are unable to be explained by natural causes alone. Beginning with the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s, climate change was no longer influenced only by natural causes (Causes). |
Out of all the greenhouse gases effecting the planet, it is safe to say that carbon dioxide has taken the spotlight. Let's look at the effects of carbon dioxide on Earth, as well as why we should all take time out of our busy schedules to care about it.
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Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal. -Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
References
"Basics." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2014.
"Causes." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2014.
"Evidence." Global Climate Change. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2014.
"Causes." EPA. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 07 Apr. 2014.
"Evidence." Global Climate Change. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2014.