With all the crazy weather that we’ve been having lately I’m sure you’ve been asking yourself if it is related to global warming. Although its existence has been hotly debated, even hardcore resisters of the concept are starting to change their tune. You can’t deny that the earth is in fact getting warmer and it is starting to affect our weather patterns at an alarming pace.
It seems somewhat overwhelming, but the key is to know what you are up against and more importantly what you can do as an individual to change it for the better. You would think that the government would jump on board immediately to help rectify the situation, but they are moving at a snail’s pace to enact any laws to reduce emissions. It is up to us to get the ball rolling, and they will have no choice but to follow suit!
Climate Change: Where’s the Evidence?
Yes, we know that throughout the years there have been climate changes of similar proportions. However, they tended to happen over hundreds of thousands of years as opposed to the same types of climate changes that have currently occurred over just 30 years. Since the 1970’s there has been a steady increase in the warming of the atmosphere.
This warming is largely human-induced and it continues to proceed at a rate not seen for the last 1300 years. It appears to have occurred after the advent of industrialization, commercial agriculture and increase in motorized vehicles. As we put more pollution into the air we are in fact warming the earth. The evidence is shocking and right under our noses.
- Sea Level Change: The global sea level has risen 6.7 inches in the last century; however, it has doubled that number in the last decade. This is due to warming of the atmosphere, when the ocean warms it expands as well as the melting of arctic ice caps then causing the levels to rise.
- Global Temperature Rise: Statistics show that weather temperature was fairly stable in the 2,000 years preceding 1880. After that the temperature steadily rose. It began to increase in the 70’s and since 1981 we have experience the hottest years on record with no signs of slowing down.
- Warming Oceans: As sea levels rise and affect coastal areas the increased temperature of the water will reduce and rearrange marine life. It is a critical factor to the productivity of ocean life as well as biodiversity. It shifts the amount of marine life we have and changes their living patterns.
What Is Being Done?
Greenhouse gas emissions are the main culprit of Global Warming. So it stands to reason that with their reduction we could end the warming trend. One thing that is currently in place is the Kyoto Protocol in which the United Nations have agreed on a mandatory reduction on greenhouse gases by 5.2% using the levels found in 1990 as a benchmark. This is ongoing as over 190 states have signed the protocol as of 2011 with the last holdout ironically being the United States.
On a smaller scale there are ways that you can help to stop the spread of global warming. There are three ways specifically that you can make a difference through reducing the electricity used in the home, the waste we produce and the transportation we choose to use. By being mindful in these areas you can reduce your emissions by 32% as an individual.
Global Warming is unfortunately not going anywhere soon. We need to take action to protect our planet from further harm. Even things as simple as turning off the lights and recycling can go a long way towards affecting positive change. So become active in protecting your atmosphere today so it will be there for you tomorrow!
Author bio: Connie Prescott is a conservation writer who works with NRDC and other organizations to protect our health and environment. Connie feels that company owners should become more aware of the huge positive impact that green business practices can have, both on their net bottom line and on the earth’s healthy future.
