Global Warming

So, what is Global Warming? The exact definition is the increase in the average temperature of the Earths’ near surface air and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation. Basically the Earth is warming up and we are struggling to slow and or stop it. In the past hundred years ending in 2005, the Earths’ average temperature has risen 0.34 degrees F. The IPCC has concluded this is due to the greenhouse effect which is a build-up of infrared radiations in the atmosphere. Solar variation and volcanoes are said to also have a small effect. While some individual scientists disagree with the IPCC’s findings, the majority working on climate change agree. Even if greenhouse emissions are stabilized, warming and sea level rise are expected to continue on for a thousand years. The delay in reaching the stability is a result of the large heat capacity in the oceans.

But the question is not what is it, because we already know. It’s what can we do about it? We must keep in mind the goal which is to bring the potentially catastrophic warming under control by stopping or slowing the release of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gasses into the atmosphere. Some things the ordinary person can to help immediately are to be more energy efficient, like recycling or changing your incandescent light bulbs with the much more productive and longer lasting compact florescent light bulbs. Also, when shopping for appliances, select the ones with the highest energy efficiency rating. But, arguably the most important is choosing which vehicle you choose to drive. Instead of driving a big, non-fuel-efficient, gas hog SUV or truck, try a compact or a hybrid. They get much better gas mileage and will save you money in the long run.

But when you sit down, stop and think for a minute, the answer comes down to 4 possibility’s. One is that we take action, spending trillions of dollars to stop global warming and it occurs. So we prepared and it’s a good thing because it happened and we are all OK.

Another one is that we take action, spending