global warming

Global warming is a huge problem that needs addressing.

The air just above the surface of the Earth is heating up, fast. Presently, average temps are up just a smidge, but the little smidge of an increase has occurred alarmingly quickly. Human-released greenhouse gases are boosting the greenhouse effect, sharply increasing the rate of temperature change. Average temperature variation is normal, but it’s the recent sharp rate of change that has everyone worried.

The phenomenon of the greenhouse effect is well-understood, having been discovered long ago in 1824. The greenhouse effect traps heat in, which is crucial for life on Earth. Humans have thrown a one-two punch at the natural balance. The release of gasses like carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels enhances greenhouse effect. Deforestation eliminates nature’s CO2 scrubbing mechanism.

The most likely first-effect consequences include sea level rise, extreme weather, changes to agricultural patters, and ecosystem impacts like extinction and disease proliferation. What’s scarier are the unpredicted consequences. Who knows how societies will react as the problem becomes more acute?

A big group effort is needed to address the problem. The end goal is to reduce the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, and remove some greenhouse gases from the air. As citizens of Earth, we each must make smart decisions that work toward a solution. If everyone did a smidge better than the average, the average would move, quickly!