Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate.
Some people believe global warming is a myth designed to shut down big corporations. However, there is ever-increasing statistics that prove that our planet is gradually heating up. Here are eight facts that should get you hot under the collar.
There is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today than at any point in the last 800,000 years.
Since the beginning of the industry in the 1700s, humans began emitting more fossil fuels from coal, oil, and gas to run our cars, trucks, and factories. When you drive a “smart” car, you not only save on gas but help prevent global warming.
According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the temperature in the U.S. has increased by 2 degrees in the last 50 years, and precipitation has increased by 5%.
Global warming puts coral reefs in danger as the ocean warms. Scientists fear that coral reefs will not adapt quickly enough to the resulting changing conditions, and bleaching incidents and diseases will increase.
Heatwaves caused by global warming present a greater risk of heat-related illness and death, especially among diabetes, the elderly, or the very young.
Since 1870, global sea levels have risen by about 8 inches.
Though Americans make up just 4 per cent of the world’s population, they produce 25 per cent of the carbon dioxide pollution from fossil fuel burning — by far the largest share of any country.
Greenhouse gases keep heat close to the earth’s surface, making it livable for humans and animals. However, global warming is happening largely due to an over-emittance of these gases and fossil fuels (natural oil, gasoline, coal).
These are just eight facts; there are much, much more. I feel we all have a degree of responsibility when it comes to this issue. Whether it’s the choice of cars we drive, the chemicals that we use, or just making our concerned voices heard by the politicians who are in a position actually to do something about it. If not for ourselves, for our children.
