Understanding Global Warming

Global warming refers to a gradual increase in average global temperature. Although it is a natural phenomenon, for he most part, global warming has raised alarm among scientists, policymakers, and the public lately. Partially, because the rate in which the temperature has increased is exceeding what scientists anticipated, and it can be detrimental to the environment. Scientists are trying to find ways to lessen the impact of global warming on human beings and the environment, while policymakers and politicians are debating on whether or not to make global warming a priority in legislation. With an influx in awareness of the importance of sustainable energy and resources, global warming and the environment have become prevalent topics on a global scale as the world population tries to minimize the collective carbon footprint.

Global warming results from an imbalance in greenhouse gases, which in effect creates a disproportional greenhouse effect, trapping more greenhouse gases in Earth atmosphere than is healthy for the environment. The Earth is surrounded by thick layers of gases; these gases absorb the solar radiation and keep the Earth warm. They also reflect some of the radiation. With an increase in greenhouse gases, more heat is being absorbed and less is being reflected; this contributes to a rise in global temperature. Global warming is attributed to an increased emissions of greenhouse gases, which include almost all gases in the atmosphere, ranging from carbon dioxide to cluro fluro carbon. With increased usage of fossil-fuels, including petrol/gasoline, coal, and diesel, a larger amount of greenhouse gases is being emitted to the atmosphere. Global warming is also attributed to the increase and decrease of other natural phenomena, such as the aerosol effect, soot, and solar variation. While some scientists believe that aerosol-suspensions, such as fog, mist, smoke, and dust particles, in the atmosphere can reduce the impact of global warming, others disagree. Research has shown that soot collected on snow and ice has a major influence on global warming. Ice and snow reflects the heat radiation they receive, but when they are contaminated, they absorb a substantial proportion of radiation and reflect only part of it. Therefore, as pollution continues to contaminate ice and snow masses on Earth, the problem of global warming becomes worse.

• Global Warming: An overview of global warming in the world.

• Sulfate Aerosol and Global Warming: Find out how sulfate aerosol can contribute to global warming.

• Global Warming Causes and Solutions: A document that provides information about the causes global warming and solutions to the problem.

• Global Warming Facts: Geological findings about global warming in the 20th century.

The most feared impact of global warming is climate change. With a rise in average global temperature, many places around the world are witnessing unusual weather patterns, such as irregular rain and less snowfall. The changes in average temperature and weather patterns also have negative effects on agricultural production. It has been noted that agricultural production throughout the world has decreased in recent years, and scientists have attributed it to climate change. The decreased agricultural production will lead to loss of revenue for farmers. It is also a serious concern for consumers, because it means that the prices of farm products will increase. Another big threat of climate change is glacial bursts. As global temperature increases and more snow continues to melt, hundreds of glaciers in various mountain ranges may burst anytime. A large number of people who are living in the lowlands will be in danger if the glaciers in the Himalayan region burst. Also, melting icebergs have contributed to a rise in the sea level.

• Global Warming Impact: Brief discussion on the impacts of global warming.

• Consequences of Global Warming: List of top 100 effects of global warming.

• Climate Change Health and Environmental Effects: An article that explains how climate change can affect human health and the environment.

Extensive efforts are being made to soften the impacts of global warming. Many organizations have started to campaign for the use of clean energy and manufacturing appliances that are more eco-friendly. Some are also encouraging people to use less fuel. Governments around the world have imposed restrictions on the use of certain industrial chemicals that are detrimental to the environment. Scientists are also doing research to find more ways to lessen the effects of global warming. A large number of people and organizations are involved in “geoengineering” the planet, using techniques that include recycling materials and reforestation. It is believed that the global warming problem can be solved if all people and nations do their part to protect the environment. Many people are changing their lifestyles to help control global warming, and they are using more environmental-friendly products and eliminating harmful chemicals from their homes, including products that come in aerosol cans, like hair spray. Residents in coastal areas are being proactive about global warming and relocating further inland to ensure that when tidal water rise, they do not risk losing their homes and belongings. For example, people who are living near glaciers are moving to safer places to live.

• Mitigate Global Warming: Find out why global warming needs to be mitigated as soon as possible.

• Geoengineering and Global Warming: Discover the effectiveness of geoengineering as a solution to the global warming problem.

• Coping with Global Warming: Report on how Americans are adapting to global warming.

Although lot of attention has been drawn towards the issue of global warming and extensive measures have been taken to reduce its detrimental impact, many people are still not aware that it can be dangerous to mankind. Environmentalists are convinced that global warming is a serious threat to the safety and survival of the global population, and the problem should be addressed with urgency. Nevertheless, there are many people who think that the world is not experiencing global warming. Some researchers argue against global warming stating that the temporal fluctuations can be explained by the Earth's natural temperature patterns. It is true that throughout history, the Earth's temperature has shifted. Current global, however, are being recorded at record highs and lows, leading the greater scientific community to believe that the temperatures are outside the scope of normal temperature fluctuations.

• Global Warming Skepticism: Responses to the most common skeptical arguments on global warming.

• Global Warming Resources: Facts, articles, and videos on global warming.

• No Global Warming: A factual article that shows why global warming is only a hype.

Current Research

• Climate Change Research: Official website of the US Global Change Research Program.

• The Role of Forests In Global Warming: A news articles detailing the importance of forests in the fight against global warming.

• Study on Global Warming: An article that evaluates various global warming data.

• Three Views on Global Warming- Nation Public Radio provides three different options about global warming and its' impact on civilization and the environment

• Climates of the Past: A look at the global conditions stretching back in history to paint a clearer picture of global warming.