The Science of Climate Change
Greenhouse Gasses (GHG's)
Greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, chloroflourocarbons (CFCs) - cause global warming
by preventing reflected solar infrared radiation from escaping back into space, thus warming the atmosphere.
During the course of a day, much of the sun's rays that give us daylight come to earth, bounce off earth, and
return to space. With GHG's collecting in the atmosphere, these rays can't escape. And like a greenhouse,
the extra heat from the trapped sun rays makes the globe warmer. There is now 35% more CO2 in the atmosphere
than in pre industrial times.
Fossil Fuels
Burning Fossil Fuels is the greatest source of CO 2 that causes global warming. Driving automobiles
and generating electricity represent the 2 largest activities that burn fossil fuels and create CO 2.
Airplanes contribute approximately
4-9% of the CO 2 that leads to global warming.
Ramifications
Why is Global Warming a problem? If unchecked, it could render this planet unlivable. Starting now
and up to that point, there are several predicted consequences of a warmer planet, many of which we're
starting to see become reality.
- Extreme weather: More frequent heat waves, droughts, storms, floods, and fires.
- Disease: Much more of earth will be fertile breeding ground for diseases like malaria. Higher levels
of pollutants in the atmosphere will cause heart and respiratory problems.
- Rising Sea levels: As the earth warms, the planets stores of ice on the poles and in glaciers is melting
causing the oceans to rise. Many low-lying islands and coastal areas will become submerged under the
rising sea. Ironically, along with rising sea levels comes declining stores of fresh water for human use.
- Plant and Animal species extinction: the destruction of rainforests and other climate zones will cause
the extinction of thousands of plant and animal species, the very source researchers look to today for
medical breakthroughs.
Solutions
Scientifically, solutions to stopping global warming are very simple; stop burning fossil fuels or
prevent GHG's from reaching the atmosphere.
Practically and economically, moving the world's lifestyles, cultures and habits away from burning
fossil fuels becomes quite complex. For a start, consider offcasting your carbon footprint(link); this will
put the gears in motion to move to a fossil fuel free society.
The Economics of Global Warming what's the world doing about this problem?
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