Global Warming

It has long been debated whether global warming can be attributed to the actions of humans or if it would occur naturally over time. There are studies that support both sides of the pendulum, however I believe that global warming can in fact be attributed in some part to human activites.

In the 13th century during a period known as the Little Ice Age temperatures were 0.5-1 degree cooler than they were today. It was not until the 19th century that the temperature started to rise and are continuing to rise. The question is what is the source of the increase.

Recent climate record and history from the past 1000 years show no connection to warmer global climate and severe weather and storms. Frequency in storms attribute more to cooler climate change. Thus global warming is not due in part to weather changes.

The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas is said to contribute to global warming. Deforestation also is a human activity that warms the climates by cutting down trees that would absord and soak up greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Lost of vegetation does not add to the emission of carbon dioxide as much as deforestion. The change in land use has contributed to the emission of carbon dioxide accumulation.  Carbon dioxide has a longer life than some of the other greenhouse gases like ozone and nitrous oxide and thus the massive amounts can prove to be more harmful over time. With the increase in industry, use of coal, oil and gas, population growth, and land use it is seemingly that we will continue to emit large amounts of carbon dioxide.



References:

United Nations Environmental Programme. What Human Activities Contribute to Climate Change. Retrieved June 21, 2011 from http://www.gcrio.org/ipcc/qa/04.html

Balinaus, S. Are Human Activites Causing Global Warming? Retrieved June 21, 2011 from http://www.marshall.org/article.php?id=79