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Global Warming Myths
There are different myths about global
warming that confuse many people who do not fully understand
the Earth, its natural
processes, and its limits. These myths have made it difficult
to involve more individuals in the effort
to counter climate change at a global scale. Some of these
myths are discussed below: Myth #1: The Earth has gone through periods of warming and cooling in the past and the current warming we experience is part of the planet's natural cycle. Although it is true that the planet has gone through
several periods of warming and cooling, the rate at which global
warming is occurring at present is too fast when compared to historical
standards. Scientists attribute cycles to many different factors
including fractional changes in the Earth's rotation and tilt. The
present warming, however, shouldn't be occurring so rapidly if it
weren't for the significant increase in the concentration of CO2 in the
atmosphere. Myth #2: The Earth's temperature increase of just a few degrees is not something to be alarmed about. In just the last century, the Earth's average surface
temperature has already risen by 0.74°C. Although it might not seem too
significant, it has already caused a 7-inch rise in average sea levels.
The rise in global temperature has also affected not just agricultural
activities but also wildlife and ecosystems. Myth #3: Only a small fraction of CO2 emissions are contributed by human beings. The current occurrence of global warming must be natural because human activities do not have a significant effect on the atmosphere's greenhouse gas concentrations. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, CO2 emissions were
at the level that natural processes could remove. Since the Industrial
Revolution took place, human activities have caused CO2 in the
atmosphere to double. Since CO2 emissions have become too high for the
world's forests and oceans to absorb, a rapid accumulation of CO2 has
been occurring in the atmosphere. Changes in land use as well as human
emissions of other greenhouse gases like nitrous oxide and methane have
also contributed greatly to global warming. Myth #4: It's quite easy to remove CO2 from the atmosphere so there's really nothing to worry about. Global warming is not something that can be quickly halted. This is because it takes many centuries for CO2 and other greenhouse gases to disappear from the atmosphere. This means that the atmosphere will not immediately revert to its state before the Industrial Revolution even if we completely eliminate our emissions today. However, we do have to start cutting our emissions now so that future generations of human beings will not be subjected to the irreversible consequences and dangers of climate change.
For more information on Global Warming follow these links: Definition
For Global Warming Return From Global Warming Myths to the Benefits-of-Recycling home page.
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