Arguing for Global Warming and Climate Change

Global Warming

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Arguing for Global Warming and Climate Change

The issue of climate change has evolved into a serious concern for the scientific community and the general population at large. More specifically, when the topic encompassing the occurrence of global warming is raised, sides are normally assumed based on whether the respective process exists or not. Aside from this, the question concerning the existence of global warming and climate change has become considerably politicized with the exploiters seeking to reap off benefits from the disagreements eminent among the electorates. In this respect, different perspectives assert different positions on the issue. Despite this, it is impossible to deny the presence of climate change and the accompanying dimension of global warming. Failing to consider that the respective concern exists only subjects the global population to consequences and implications that will affect human life and biodiversity negatively. Furthermore, even as people continue to argue for ignorance regarding the subject, substantial data, as well as the occurrence of global warming indicates increased rates in the global temperature, which have been disseminated via the media, educational institutions, and seminars all over the world.

Evidence of Global Warming and Climate Change

The proof that global warming and climate change exists is undeniable. Studies carried out by the entity, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), as well as other reputable meteorological organizations assert that average annual temperatures have been increasingly gradually over the past decades (Bord, O’Connor, & Fisher, 2000; Hansen, 2015). In particular, since the last hundred years, experts concur that the mean global temperatures have amplified by a measure of 0.8 °C (Møller, 2015). Apart from this change, the levels in expansive water bodies, particularly oceans and seas have been increasing. This has been exhibited by the drastic increase in the occurrence of floods in various sections of the globe. For example, the Tsunami that occurred in 2009 in Samoa as well as the 2013 floods that took place in Honiara, which is the Solomon Islands’ capital, are perceived as vulnerable to the increases in sea levels as an outcome of climate change (Noy, 2015).

The increased levels in atmospheric greenhouse emissions also comprise evidence regarding the presence of climate change. As asserted, the temperatures have augmented considerably over the past century. Additionally, within this considerable period, the levels surrounding the emissions of greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon II oxide have remarkably increased (Venkataramanan, 2011). Because of such increases in the levels of greenhouse gases emanations, various implications have taken place as proof that climate change is an actual process. For example, the incidences encompassing severe storms such as typhoons and tornadoes especially within the Western Hemisphere, specifically in the United States, illustrate such implications on a considerable basis (Bornman, Barnes, Robinson, Ballare, & Flint, 2015). Furthermore, amplified levels of hurricane activity and similar excessive weather patterns are seen as changes caused by the implications on ocean currents via climate dynamics (Bornman et al., 2015). In this respect, climate change is indirectly correlated to the increased nature of extreme weather-related events in different regions within the globe.

The deviations in wind speeds and trends also constitutes evidence that posits the presence of global warming and general climate change. Due to the depletion of the ozone layer, changes have been imposed in westerly winds hence posing extensive implications on biological ecosystems, especially because of the effect of wind on accessibility to water (Bornman et al., 2015). The supply of water to plant and animal organisms widely relies on the equilibrium between losses caused by processes such as freezing, evaporation, and sublimation, and annual precipitation (Bornman et al., 2015). Extreme temperatures as well as changes in precipitation in different regions within the global arena also assert the presence of climatic change (Møller, 2015). For example, the occurrence of warmer seasons of summer in the Southern Africa region have been established as a direct implication of ozone depletion which causes increased radiation in UV-B (Bornman et al., 2015).

Opposing Views against Global Warming and Climate Change

In spite of the facts that clearly indicate the presence of climate change as well as global warming, other parties have asserted that the respective occurrences are merely hoaxes and therefore, non-existent. Based on the counteracting arguments positioned against global warming, opposing sides argue that the climate has long undergone change in a periodical basis. With this assertion being factual, it is hence presumed that the present situation be viewed solely as another turn within the Earth’s natural history (Wiest, Raymond, & Clawson, 2015). In addition to this, the changes in global temperatures are not considerable enough to posit that climate change is existent. In fact, scientific communities opposing the existence of global warming claim that since the 1990s, the Earth has not experienced any significant deviation in temperature. Hence, arguing that climate change is evidenced by the little increase in global temperature is insufficient to claim this.

Apart from the counterclaim regarding the increase in global temperature as an indicator of climate change, opposing perspectives further argue that historical data depicting atmospheric changes in climate are insufficient. Accordingly, the lack of consensus regarding the presence of global warming and its validity is present among scientists in general. Following this, advocates for the non-existence of climate change allege that the lack of concurrence concerning the respective issue among scientists in most environmental-based seminars as well as conferences related to pursuers of environmental science is enough to assert the invalidity of climate change (Bord et al., 2000). Furthermore, disagreement between environmental scientists and researchers regarding the concern at hand indicates the absence or the lack of historical climate information in the long-term that is clear enough to calm the controversy. Hence, the lack of unanimity in the issue of climate change reveals the absence of clear historical data based on climate dynamics.

 Aside from these arguments, the most significant counter claim focuses on the position of greenhouse gases as the main causative factor of climate change. In accordance with this issue, opponents argue that the emissions of greenhouse gases as generated by human beings are insufficient to alter the climate of the Earth on a substantial level. In fact, the implications are too minimal due to the natural ability of the Earth to absorb any increases that may arise as an outcome. In addition to this, the contenders of the issue argue that the increases in temperature that have occurred since the last century took place mostly via natural processes. The most common of these comprised the fluctuating rates of ocean currents and heat from the sun. Hence, based on these assertions, opponents claim that the conjecture surrounding climate change and its connection to human-based activities is misleading and highly inaccurate due to its inclination towards faulty climate representations, questionable measurements, and disingenuous science (Wiest et al., 2015).

Evaluation

Foremost, it is imperative to note that a miniscule change in the global temperature is capable of imposing considerable implications on the climate. Global warming is defined as the boost in the mean temperature upon the Earth’s surface (Venkataramanan, 2011). Even though the opposing side claims that it is normal for the climate to fluctuate and thus, not proper to worry over such changes in global temperatures, it is possible that the pattern indicating a gradual rise in temperature will not cease. Despite the ridicule of the recent increase in the Earth’s temperature by 0.8 °C or 1.4 °F by contenders, it is ignorant to assert that such a change may not be sufficient to impose any effects on climate in the long-term. Accordingly, climatologists foresee that such a change in the global temperature may cause a considerable effect on the planet regardless of its miniscule level. According to Caldeira (2012), predictions of higher levels of warming on land in comparison to the oceans, excessive downpours, warmer temperatures at the North and South Poles have materialized.

Secondly, overwhelming consensus has been noted concerning the actuality of climate change on Earth. Contrary to the claim based on the absence of concurrence among scientists on the issue, it is notable that most researchers focusing on the study of climate change have confirmed the validity of the concept as well as causative aspects associated with the dynamics in global temperature. In fact, surveys conducted on climate scientists have strongly suggested a concurrence towards the occurrence of anthropogenic global warming (Cook, Nuccitelli, Green, Richardson, Winkler, Painting, Way, Jacobs, & Skuce, 2013). Moreover, Cook et al. (2013) note that recurrent surveys based on climate scientists discovered that scientific consensus regarding the presence of global warming have increased gradually between 1996 and 2009. This is further illustrated in authoritative declarations asserted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change regarding the attribution of present temperature change (Cook et al., 2013; Hansen, 2015).

Lastly, the claim regarding the lack of historical climate data in respect to the causative aspects of climate change is disputed by the consensus acknowledging greenhouse gas emissions as major causes of climate dynamics. Accordingly, greenhouse gases absorb sunlight that has to escape out of the Earth’s atmosphere after being absorbed within the surface. The supplemental possession of energy causes warming of the atmosphere. Following this, greenhouse gases function as a mirror that reflects the supplemental energy towards the Earth’s surface (Venkataramanan, 2011; Caldeira, 2012). Arguing on a rational basis, a rise in the level of greenhouse gases within the atmosphere will augment the temperature present within the surface of the Earth. Even though the level of the respective gases within the atmosphere currently are significantly high, the situation is becoming more complicated thus positing the need to control emissions which are largely caused by human activities, particularly in smoldering fossil fuels.

Causes of the Problem

As established, the main factor responsible for the occurrence of climate change involves the emission of greenhouse gases. Indeed, greenhouse gases such as carbon II oxide and methane are responsible for the rising temperatures present on the Earth’s surface currently. The implications of greenhouse gases on the warming of the Earth is associated with the thin disposition of the atmosphere. Accordingly, the Earth’s atmosphere is thin enough to enable considerable alterations on its composition (Caldeira, 2012). This is due to the modification of basic molecular elements. Specifically, the quantity of carbon II oxide has increased significantly. Because of the increased levels of the respective component as well as other greenhouse emissions such as methane, the Earth’s slender stratum of atmosphere has become thickened (Caldeira, 2012). As the atmosphere thickens, it entraps a considerable degree of infrared radiation that is meant to escape in otherwise normal circumstances to space (Caldeira, 2012).

Aside from the occurrence of carbon II oxide on the Earth’s atmosphere, other greenhouse gases are also present. Accordingly, the presence of these gases on the Earth’s stratum is advantageous. Without them, it would be impossible for the Earth to maintain the optimal temperature that it possesses. Simply, all organisms may be incapable of living on Earth if such gases were absent. Moreover, greenhouse gases assist in maintaining the temperature of the Earth at a more hospitable mean temperature of nearly 59°F (Venkataramanan, 2011; Caldeira, 2012). However, with the rise in concentrations of these elements in contemporary times, the average temperature for the planet has increased further asserting hazardous dynamics in the overall climate. Carbon II oxide is prevalent since it comprises nearly 80 percent of the sum greenhouse gas emanations especially due to activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, and oil, or deforestation (Venkataramanan, 2011).  

On a more specific note, human beings are responsible for the prevalence of greenhouse gas emissions. The activities that people carry out in respect to industrial production have become liable for the gradual damage of the Earth’s atmosphere. Normally, human beings depend considerably on industry as well as the utilization of fossil fuels in order to enable the production of energy. As Venkataramanan (2011) notes, the combustion of fossil fuels is one of the major aspects responsible for the release of carbon II oxide. For a long period, humans have engaged in the respective activity by burning bulky quantities. In the event that burning takes place, carbon II oxide escapes to the Earth’s atmosphere. In fact, large quantities of the gas are released when the flaming of a fossil fuel takes place. Whereas people may lack a register of the changes within the atmosphere from history, it is rational to assert that human beings have combusted previously and as such, should be accountable for the damage imposed on the planet’s ozone layer.

Causes of the Disagreement

The disagreement concerning the presence of climate change takes place as an outcome of various structural factors. Particularly, confusion still lingers upon majority of the public concerning the issue of global warming. Irrespective of the increasing scientific proof released within the last 40 years, many citizens, especially those based in the United States are divided on various aspects encompassing the issue at hand (Anderegg, 2010). For instance, a large number of American civilians express uncertainty regarding whether global warming is real or not. Others are unsure of whether human beings are responsible for the causation of the issue as well as the possible implications (Anderegg, 2010). In comparison to other developed states, polls presume that nearly 40 percent to 50 percent exude convictions in humans as the causative aspect of climate change – a figure lower than the 70 percent to 80 percent present in the compared countries (Anderegg, 2010).

Certain dimensions have been responsible for asserting this level of confusion. First, the intangibility of human-oriented climate change is considerably imposing. Normally, human beings tend to face weather rather than climate. However, with the misconceptions encompassing the aspects of weather and climate, the convictions of Americans concerning the presence of global warming are based on the level of warmth felt during summer or the degree of cold felt during winter (Anderegg, 2010). Furthermore, it is impossible to determine whether climate change is directly responsible for the occurrence of extreme weather patterns such as heat waves or hurricanes. It is possible that dynamics in the global climate contributed to the gravity of such events. In spite of this, it is understandable that such patterns are naturally occurring rather than occurrences influenced by changes in climate. Hence, it is confusing to associate climate change with such incidences due to the presence of nature as a reputable causative factor.

Consequently, the implications of global warming are spread out innately as noted in the different events that tend to occur in different regions or countries within the globe. In this respect, Anderegg (2010) provides an illustration of the dull disposition evident within the coral reefs on a global scale. In this respect, many Americans may fail to assert evidence of climate change regardless of the threat of extinction surrounding the reefs and the irreparable damage they possess. In addition, the fact that coral reefs supply numerous people with protein resources may be less influential to force action among individuals. Following this, the politicization of the issue in order to garner votes as well as misleading representations by the media amplifies the disagreement regarding the existence of climate change as well as the causative factors responsible for its occurrence.

Solution Evaluation and Conclusion

Different solutions have been proposed in order to reverse the presence and the effects of climate change on a global level. However, certain approaches have become positioned as the main agenda for controlling the issue. The construction of energy-efficient structures is a formidable illustration of a central measure towards mitigation of the issue. Accordingly, the erection of conventional buildings has contributed to the increase of climate change due to the demand for certain minerals such as mining. As an outcome, companies have focused on the extraction of the respective materials without leaving time for the Earth’s replenishment of the respective substances. Apart from this, such industries utilize considerable quantities of fossil fuels in order to enable the extraction of massive amounts of the minerals in demand. The drainage of water resources has also become a prevalent occurrence due to mineral extraction. Other approaches involve the utilization of alternative fuels, the introduction of energy-efficient vehicles that are independent of fossil fuels, and afforestation (Venkataramanan, 2011).

To this end, the issue of climate change has generated heated debates across all communities. Because of its controversial nature, sides have been formed in an effort to support or disapprove the existence of the respective concern. On one side, contenders argue that global warming, as the main identifier of climate change, is non-existent due to the lack of consensus supporting the issue particularly among climate researchers and environmental scientists. Advocates also assert that changes in climate are normal and take place periodically. Following this, opposing sides claim that the emissions caused by human activities of greenhouse gases are ineffective to cause any alterations to the climate. However, based on facts such as the increase in global temperature over the last century, the changes in sea levels, the increased incidences of floods and warmer climates in different regions, as well as other notable occurrences disprove their counterclaims.

References

Anderegg, W. R. L. (2010). Diagnosis Earth: The climate change debate. The NEA Higher Education Journal: Thought & Action, 23-36.

Bord, R. J., O’Connor, R. E., & Fischer, A. (2000). In what sense does the public need to understand global climate change? Public Understanding of Science, 9, 205-218.

Bornman, J. F., Barnes, P. W., Robinson, S. A., Ballare, C. L., Flint, S. D. & Caldwell, M. M. (2015). Solar ultraviolet radiation and ozone depletion-driven climate change: Effects on terrestrial ecosystems. Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, 14 (1), 88-107.

Caldeira, K. (2012). The great climate experiment: How far can we push the planet? Scientific American, 78-83.

Cook, J., Nuccitelli, D., Winkler, B., Painting, R., Skuce, A., Green, S. A., Richardson, M., Way, R., & Jacobs, P. (2013). Quantifying the consensus on anthropogenic global warming in the scientific literature. Environmental Research Letters, 8, 1-7.

Hansen, G. (2015). The evolution of the evidence base for observed impacts of climate change. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 14, 187-197.

Møller, A. P. (2015). Environmental indicators of climate change: Phenological aspects. In R. H. Armon & O. Hänninen (Eds.), Environmental indicators (pp. 39-50). New York, NY: Springer. 

Noy, I. (2015). Natural disasters and climate change in the Pacific Island countries: New non-monetary measurements of impacts. SEF Working Paper, 08/2015, 1-27.

Venkataramanan, M. (2011). Causes and effects of global warming. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 4(3), 226-229.

Wiest, S. L., Raymond, L., & Clawson, R. A. (2015). Framing, partisan predispositions, and public opinion on climate change. Global Environmental Change, 31, 187-198.