“Cool-down Time”

Throughout our planet’s history, we have watched the Earth’s climate fluctuate, with events ranging from ice ages to long periods of warmth. Natural factors such as volcanic eruptions, changes in the Earth’s orbit and the amount of the energy released from the Sun have affected the Earth’s climate in the past, but now a new factor has been added to the list. Human activities have slowly but surly began to add to the changes being made to the composition of the atmosphere, which in turn influences the Earth’s climate. This addition to the natural factors already set in place has sent a wave of fear throughout the world after shocking results of global warming have circulated and become one of the most controversial topics among politics and popular media today. Something must be done to slow this process that will eventually lead to the extinction of Earth.

How has human activities sped up global warming? “ For over the past 200 years, the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, and deforestation have caused the concentrations of heat-trapping "greenhouse gases" to increase significantly in our atmosphere” (www.epa.gov). These greenhouse gases prevent heat from escaping to space (like the glass panels used in greenhouses). Such gases contribute to the greenhouse effect. When sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface, some of the heat is absorbed to warm the earth but most is radiated back to the atmosphere. Some of these longer wavelengths are then absorbed by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere before they can escape to space. This absorption is what warms the atmosphere. Because these gases are trapped, they act like a mirror and reflect back to the Earth. This reflection of heat energy back to the Earth by the atmosphere is called the “greenhouse effect”.

Statistics and models formed by scientists and environmentalist can only just begin to put the dangers of the future in perspective if human traditions and tendencies continue on the way they are today. “If greenhouse gases continue to increase, climate models predict that the average temperature at the Earth's surface could increase from 3.2 to 7.2ºF above 1990 levels by the end of this century” (www.epa.gov). “Sea levels will also rise by at least 25 meters by the year 2100” (www.timeforchange.org). At this rate, the world as we know it today, will no longer exist or be able to act as a home to many different species, including man kind.

Man-made causes currently do the most damage, so what can be done to slow down this destruction to our earth? One of the most important things we, as the world population, can do is cut back the amount of pollution distributed into the air as much as possible. This includes purchasing more environmentally friendly vehicle such as a hybrid car, or even riding a bicycle whenever possible. At home, try to save as much energy as possible. By unplugging unused electronics, using surge protectors and turning off lights, this alone can save on energy. It may not seem like you are doing much at the time, but when this earth-friendly lifestyle becomes a trend among the Earth’s population, statistics will start showing a positive upturn. Some other ways you can reduce your carbon footprint is to recycle what you consume, decrease your meat consumption and purchase reusable goods.

"This is not a political issue. This is a moral issue -- it affects the survival of human civilization," Al Gore.

The above quote sums it all up. This issue has grown beyond the realms of politics and “just another controversial topic.” It has become a topic of survival. If we all do not take initiative to understand the important role we must step up and take action on, we will no longer have a place to call home. We will no longer have our Earth. This is a crucial time and everyone is needed. I am a firm believer that global warming is occurring and will not stop or slow unless it is helped. Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” shows the crushing statistics and lays it all out in the open without fear of causing…well fear. There is no time to hesitate or wonder if human civilization is increasing global warming. It is happening and it must be spread around so that every body on this earth is aware of what we are doing today and may not have in 50 years.