While the vast majority of scientists today assert that humans contribute to the earth’s increasing temperatures, there is still a debate going on among politicians and journalists over the facts for global warming.
Facts For Global Warming
- The 10 hottest years recorded were in the past 12 years. Since record-keeping began in 1880, the years between 1997 and 2008 were the warmest the planet has seen in quite some time.
- Global average temperatures have increased by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1880.
- Today’s CO2 levels are the highest they’ve been in the last 650,000 years.
- CO2 levels have increased by 43% since the Industrial Revolution. Before this time, the average concentration of carbon dioxide was 260-280 parts per million (ppm). In 2008, levels hit 388 ppm, a record high.
Facts Against Global Warming
Truth be told, the only “facts” against global warming are myths perpetrated by individuals and groups with political or social agendas. These people are trying to keep you in the dark about what’s to come so they can continue to profit from the sale of foreign oil.
- Myth #1: It’s not your fault. This isn’t true; scientific evidence shows a direct correlation between the levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere (which have increased primarily from humans’ use of fossil fuels) and the increasing temperatures our planet is experiencing.
- Myth #2: It’s perfectly natural. While the earth does go through periods of natural temperature fluctuation, the major increases in temperature and CO2 levels we are facing go far beyond the normal realm. Many experts believe that the world’s average temperature will increase by 2.5 to 10.4 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100.
- Myth #3: Don’t worry; be happy. Global warming doesn’t mean the end of winter and a permanent tropical climate. On the contrary, the more correct term is “climate change” which means more frequent and intense storms, droughts, wars breaking out over water, and mass migrations on a biblical scale as the waters slowly drown out coastal areas.
The Truth Can’t Be Denied
Author: Brown, Nathan. A Cooler Climate, 2008.