Earth gets its energy from the sun. The sun then gives off energy back toward space. However, because greenhouse gases such as water vapor, CO2 and methane are being trapped in the atmosphere creating a thick layer that is trapping heat on Earth, temperatures on the water and land surfaces are rising. This occurs naturally over time; however, various human activities such as the burning of coal, oil and natural gases are speeding up the process. The "greenhouse effect" is one of the direct causes of global warming.
Climate forcing, or "radiative" forcing, is the measurement of how the increase and decrease of greenhouse gases affect the climate. An increase of these gases results in warming, whereas a decrease of these gases creates a cooling effect. The increase in radiative heating was recorded at a threatening 26 percent from 1990 to 2008, showing clear evidence of the human contribution to global warming. (http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/)
Global temperatures are steadily rising; as a result, we are experiencing excessive heat waves, droughts, melting iceburgs and heavy rain.
The Earth is covered mainly by water. As the Earth surface is warming, so is the water. Records show that the past three years have brought about the highest sea surface temperature in recorded history. The warming of the sea influences the water levels. In recent years, sea levels have increased an inch per decade, which in return is decreasing land space. Another thing affecting land mass is the melting of the Arctic sea ice. A part of the Arctic Ocean stays frozen year-round; however, in 2007, the amount of ice recorded was the lowest in recorded history, and it has continued to decrease over the years.
Global warming is real, it is here, and it is not a myth. If we do not take better care of our planet, who knows what life as we know it will evolve into…
I definately agree, global warming is a continuing issue that a selection of people still fail to recognize. the earths carbon dioxide level is way over as well.
ReplyDeleteShanley McCray
I'll have to agree to disagree. True enough we can all see that global warming is full in effect, however, I don't believe that people are unaware of it, maybe they just don't care enough to believe it.
ReplyDeleteUntil one fully understands everything that's happening around them, no one can expect to get a full reaction. You can't force anyone to care about the climiate, you can only hope that they'll learn about it, so that maybe they'll be able to understand it.
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ReplyDeleteI think this is a very informative blog. All of the content is clear and I like the use of images to really prove the point. No one will care about climate change if we don't, and it is important that people are informed about this issue.
ReplyDeleteNice work Shari!
Hi Shari!
ReplyDeleteYour discussion on climate control was interesting to read. It is amazing how things go wrong within the earth's atmosphere as a result of our lifestyle of pollution.
Your mention about ice melting in the Arctic reminds me of how endangered the polar bears are. When the ice melts it breaks away from the land mass, and the polar bears have been found trapped on floating ice islands where they have no food.