Is Climate Change a Real Threat? Everything You Need to Know about Climate Change
In recent years, the average global temperature has steadily risen and climate change has become one of the most pressing global issues. But what exactly are carbon dioxide (CO2) and rising temperatures? How do they affect us? What can we do to help stop the progression of climate change? Read on to find out everything you need to know about CO2, rising temperatures, and climate change.
HOW THE EARTH WORKS
There are two big things you should know about how humans alter Earth’s climate: The first is called an inference. An inference is based on evidence but does not show direct cause-and-effect. In other words, an inference can’t tell us for sure that increased amounts of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere will lead to rising temperatures—but it can suggest it. We know that our planet has warmed over recent decades; knowing what caused that warming strengthens scientists' belief that increasing CO2 levels are at least partly responsible.
THE HISTORY OF GLOBAL WARMING
There is little doubt that global warming is happening. Since 1880, when we started keeping records on average global temperatures, every decade has been warmer than its preceding decade. However, climate change was not always a hot topic of discussion. The first major scientific paper on global warming wasn’t published until 1896 and another 44 years passed before scientists began speaking about man-made climate change in 1956.
WHY WE SHOULD CARE
The amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is constantly rising because of human activity. While carbon dioxide is essential for life on Earth (it’s what plants use to make food), too much of it can cause big problems for people—namely, global warming. The more we emit into our atmosphere, the more we contribute to rising temperatures around our planet that pose a threat to humans and animals alike.
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING ON HUMAN HEALTH
As global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, more people are experiencing more frequent—and more intense—heat waves. A heat wave is defined as three consecutive days of high temperatures of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit. During these periods of extreme heat, those who are at highest risk for serious health problems are: older adults, pregnant women and their unborn babies; outdoor workers; anyone who has an underlying medical condition; and overweight individuals.
GLOBAL WARMING PREDICTIONS
The world is rapidly heating up. The average global temperature has risen over 1 degree Celsius in recent years—and according to predictions from climate scientists, we can expect things to get even worse before they get better. In fact, some experts predict that rising temperatures could lead to more extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts. With these threats looming overhead, it’s important for everyone to understand what’s happening to our planet so that we can work together on solutions.
WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT (AND WHAT YOU CAN DO!)
First off, you should know what global warming is. Simply put, global warming is an accelerated rise in average temperatures around Earth’s surface as a result of increased concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. This phenomenon occurs because these gases let heat from sunlight reach Earth but then trap it rather than allowing it to escape back into space. Global warming isn’t just some distant threat that might one day happen; climate change is happening now . Here are five ways you can fight against it 1) Buy energy efficient appliances 2) Choose energy efficient light bulbs 3) Eat less meat 4) Drive less 5) Stop using plastic bags for shopping!
KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER
The world has seen some major changes in temperatures over its history. Over recent centuries, however, it has been getting hotter. Since around 1850, when significant industrialization began in many countries of Earth, average global temperatures have risen by 1°C (1.8°F). The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that there is at least a 90% probability that humans are largely responsible for most of that warming.
How exactly are we altering our climate? There are several key factors driving rising temperatures: Carbon dioxide emissions: We burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas as well as clear forests to release stored carbon into the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere and warm it up like an insulating blanket. Our current levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide—about 400 parts per million—are higher than they’ve been for millions of years. Methane emissions: As permafrost melts or wildfires rage across peat bogs, methane is released into the air from organic matter trapped underground or underwater. This potent greenhouse gas contributes significantly to rising temperatures; one molecule of methane traps more than 25 times as much heat as one molecule of carbon dioxide does over a 100-year period.
CONCLUSION
The science behind climate change is indisputable. Humans have undeniably had an impact on global warming—and all of that negative impact. While there’s still debate about what should be done to reverse climate change (or if it can even be reversed), we’ve already seen the damage caused by rising temperatures. From sea-level rise in coastal regions to droughts and water scarcity due to abnormal weather patterns: The effects of climate change are severe. And they’re only going to get worse.
