GLOBAL WARMING

MY EARTH

2009-07-08T17:17:00.000-07:00

Earth .......
You are the planet's most useful among other planet-planet
First when you are still young
You meet people with all the advantages you
You're more green, more fresh and you're able to protect us with all the advantages you
But now men have been destructive soul, wealth, and also your hearts
I forgive earth I can not do anything
I can only pray I hope you forgive them, not angry
Those who have destroyed you at this time
I was not able to see all this
But what would be said to have rice porridge
Now we can do is turn you like first, although we will still be difficult to try to end God made the earth should not continue to languish law foolery that only mad wealth than saving their lives
God listen to my prayer

Global Warming - The Effects on the Tourism Industry

2009-07-04T15:03:00.000-07:00

By Napoleon Miles

Global warming has an effect on tourism and the economies of many nations. Scientists are forecasting that the Caribbean and its surrounding areas will register a constant increase in temperature. The same can be said about the Mediterranean basin. Global warming has interesting effects on the tourism industry.

A characteristic of the northern countries is their low temperatures. With an increase in temperature their climate may be much warmer. This has very important consequences on the tourism industry.

Some counties may suffer from droughts in the near future. Many plants may not resist such high temperatures and many countries may become more similar to a desert. On the other hand, by the increase in temperature, countries like Canada and northern Europe will be more habitable than nowadays and so attract tourists and settlers.

Avalanches may also increase. Places used for skiing may no longer be appropriate for such an activity. So such places will no longer be a tourist attraction. On the other hand new areas may become adequate for skiing. In general we will be witnessing to a shift in the tourism industry.

The consequences of global warming are therefore a general shift in tourism from the Caribbean and the Mediterranean countries to that of Canada and the northern European countries. Countries like Italy, Spain and Greece may become too hot to live comfortably in. Presently these countries have a highly developed tourism industry because of their favorable climate. On the other hand countries like Canada, Great Britain, Sweden and Norway may develop booming tourist industries in the coming years.

Such a shift in the tourism industry will mean also a shift in resources. Northern countries will have to shift more resources from other industries to cater for the booming tourism industry. On the other hand Caribbean and Mediterranean countries must adapt to the new situation and shift resources from the now declining tourism industry to other more profitable industries.

Negative Effects of Global Warming

2009-07-02T14:18:00.000-07:00

By Bryan Wong

There are many predicted effects for the environment and for human life due to global warming. The main effect centres around an increase in the global average temperature. It's been confirmed by at least 20 scientific societies and academies of science, as well as all the national academies of science of the G8 states, that the Earth's global average air temperature near its surface rose by 0.56-0.92 C (0.98-1.62 F) degrees during the last 100 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that this increase is very likely due to the "observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations, which leads to the warming of the surface and lower atmosphere by increasing the greenhouse effect."

For humans, these changes in climate are particularly dangerous to those who live near the ocean shore and who already suffer from drought, flooding, and poverty.

The IPCC concludes from models that global temperatures will likely rise by 1.1 to 6.4 C (2.0 to 11.5 F) degrees between 1990 and 2100, with the range of temperatures due to the use of differing scenarios of future greenhouse gas emissions and varying degrees of climate sensitivity.

Other effects of global warming include a rising sea level and changes in the amount and pattern of precipitation. In addition, there may be more frequent and intense weather events, such as more intense hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, thunderstorms, blizzards, etc., though it is difficult to connect specific events to global warming.

Global warming is also causing changes in agricultural yields, glacier retreat, reduced summer stream flows, species extinctions, and increases in the ranges of disease vectors. The increased volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, agriculture, and other human activities are the major reasons why global warming has been occurring and increasing over the last 50 years.

Effects of global warming are expected to cause more changes as it becomes more pronounced; examples include the following projected climate changes (from Wikipedia):

- "A significant slowing of the ocean circulation that transports warm water to the North Atlantic; - Large reductions in the Greenland and West Antarctic Ice Sheets; - Accelerated global warming due to carbon cycle feedbacks in the terrestrial biosphere, and - Releases of terrestrial carbon from permafrost regions and methane from hydrates in coastal sediments."

It is uncertain whether for sure these events will occur or to what severity they will occur if they do, but most believe that the chances of at least one of the above events occurring are likely to increase the longer and more severe climate change becomes.

Some scientific members argue whether there will be positive effects from global warming, but most agree that any positive effects will be greatly outnumbered by the number of negative effects.

Projected climate changes due to global warming have the potential to greatly and irreversibly change our climate that will have lasting impacts on both the continental and global scales. One effect will be increased precipitation, due to the increasing temperature.

As Earth's temperature continues to rise, a very recent report from the IPCC shows that there will be an increasing impact to natural systems and people, especially those who live in Earth's poorer nations. In 2002, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon endured their worst wildfire season ever. Also in 2002, drought created severe dust storms that caused hundreds of millions of dollars of damage in Texas, Montana, and North Dakota. Since the early 1950s, snow accumulation has decreased by 60%, which has led to some areas of the Cascade Range in Oregon and Washington to have shorter winter seasons.

As you can see, effects of global warming are very negative on our planet already, from increased air temperatures to rises in the sea level to more severe storms. Currently, it is a challenge to predict how many effects global warming will have and how strong those effects will be, but most of the scientific community is predicting that global warming will have more negative effects on our planet and way of life the longer and more severe climate change becomes.

SAVE OUR PLANET NOW!!!

The Effects Global Warming May Have On Our Planet

2009-07-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

By Kadence Buchanan

While many realize that global warming is occurring on our planet, few understand the implications that this may have on our way of life. These rising global temperatures are going to cause a host of changes on our planet, and we need to act now or prepare to adjust to some very profound changes.

First, these rising temperatures present a huge threat to our ice-caps. Layers of ice that have not melted for thousands of years are beginning to break apart and fall into the ocean. One of the biggest ice sheets on the planet, located on Greenland, is at a great risk of splitting apart and falling into the ocean. While it doesn't sound like too big of a deal, the loss of the Greenland ice sheet will cause catastrophic circumstances world wide. The world's sea level is expected to rise as much as 23 feet when the sheet falls, and that spells disaster for the coastal cities that represent some of the largest and most important centers of trade and commerce across the planet. Manhattan would be sunk; much of Florida would be underwater, and that's not even to mention the worldwide consequences. Every area of the globe would be affected by this rising of sea levels, and the disaster caused would make hurricane damage seem like a blessing. Millions of refugees from the coastal cities will be without home or workplace; it would be one of the hugest human issues ever faced in our history. The changing of the climate could also affect a host of circumstances on our planet; crop yields can be affected by the rising temperatures, which would also pose significant problems to a planet of refugees. Much of the land may become barren due to the effects of temperature change, and we may find some of our most arable lands subject to the effects of soil erosion, and eventually, a transition into desert land. Also, water supplies, forests, and plant and animal life would be affected by the planet's changes, and we may not be able to see how significant these changes may affect our lives until they are already upon us. For that reason, it's important that we increase our knowledge of global warming, and do our best to prevent it in the coming years. While it may have adverse affects on our economy and our way of life, we owe it to our children to give them a peaceful, safe planet to grow up in.

Global Warming a Threat to Mankind?

2009-06-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

By Lance Winslow

We sure here a lot of talk about Global Warming these days, and the amount of PR promoting Global Warming Theory as fact is as alarming as what is being projected and predicted itself. Historically and evolutionary speaking warming periods and ice ages come and go, the geological record shows this, it's hardly any secret. Best of all during warming periods species have flourished not become extinct.

Thus, climate change in a time of warming time is a good thing, not a bad thing. So, one has to ask why on Earth anyone would want to 'stop' a warming period climate change? Especially considering that the opposite is an Ice Age, which actually would kill off many species and probably cause human populations into the area of 3 billion in world population rather than pushing 7 billion right now.

So, why would anyone have so much willful hate in them to reduce the human population and killing off 100s of thousands of species on Earth by promoting a cooling period? Further, the definition of Global Warming is that the warming of the Earth's atmosphere and climate is being caused by human endeavors. Most likely, it is not mankind that is causing this shift, as these cycles and shifts are common on Earth; it is the cycle of things on this planet.

Of course, some percentage of the climate, whether it is actually going up or down or neutral right now, would have to do with mankind, still that percentage is most likely very small. Global Warming Alarmists are either mislead or they are part of the group that has an agenda to push, one which is well funded to the tune of 100s of billions of dollars.

However, if this agenda helps clean the air from human pollution or clean the water, well that is a good thing. The question is should we be lying to ourselves about Global Warming to create an artificial reality and crisis, just to get our butts moving in preventing pollution? Or should we just all admit that pollution and waste are bad and agree to do something about it? Think on this.

Global Warming Prevention - Kyoto Protocol Update

2009-06-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

By Christophe Catesson

Global warming is something that we all have to take part in learning how to prevent, not only in the USA but throughout the entire world. We all play a part in contributing to global warming and the only way to help prevent the devastating affects is to work together. Each of the governments throughout the world are striving to develop a prevention plan that can help reduce the amount of emissions they are creating in the atmosphere and enhance what they are doing to contribute to the solution instead of the problem.

A U.S Climate Policy has been created to help citizens of the USA understand global warming and that there are actions which can be taken in order to make a difference. This policy consists of 3 different parts:

* Slowing the growth of emissions
* Strengthening the development of science and research studies
* Enhancing international cooperation

If we can take these policies and principles and put them into action we can begin to see results. This policy is only the beginning of what the government can and should be doing but it is a great start. The politicians within our government are working hard to stick to this policy and evaluate the industrial areas of our country to make sure they meet the requirements of the U.S Climate Policy.

Since the future generations are depending on us to make the choices to rectify this devastating situation, every little effort counts. Our individual efforts are especially significant in countries like the US and Canada, where individuals release 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide per person every year. The largest source of greenhouse gases is electric power generation. The average home actually contributes more to global warming than the average car. This is because much of the energy we use in our homes comes from power plants which burn fossil fuel to power our electric products.

The United States has agreed in principle to work with more than 180 other nations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to bring about the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climate system. California, Florida, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington have all enacted laws or established policies setting global warming pollution reduction targets, while states in both the Northeast and West have signed agreements to achieve regional targets. Now the U.S. Congress is considering several bills that propose a variety of global warming emissions reduction targets.

The cost of the Kyoto Protocol is estimated to cost each of the developed countries involved billions of dollars. This is a financial responsibility each government should be willing to take in order to do what they can for the environment. Just when you go to the grocery store and find that organic foods are much more expensive than the regular foods; governments are finding that the cost to reduce greenhouse gases is far more than increasing them.

This one of the major problems our world as been having; it is far easier to create these gases than it is to reduce them and this is exactly what we have been doing for centuries. It is reassuring to see that the governments throughout the world are taking action but it is not nearly enough in order to stop the effects of global warming before they become devastating. Environmentalists and scientists are constantly working with government officials in order to come up with new, cost effective bills and legalities to reduce what they can of greenhouse gases.

How Global Warming is Heating Up America and How We Can Keep Ourselves Cool

2009-06-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

By Chuck R Stewart

Global warming is occurring nationwide and the results are being felt by all Americans. Because the ozone layer is thinning due to toxic air pollution produced by humans, we are suffering the consequences of that behavior. Climate changes and the warming of the earth has been felt over the past decade in all of the states in America. What can you do to fight the heat during the hottest months? It will discuss how to save money by using Louisville air conditioning repair and Louisville air conditioning service to maintain your HVAC system as well as preparing your home to stay cooler from better insulation.

The warming trend has been a concern over the years and has been felt not only in the traditionally warmer climates like the south and southwestern states but also in the colder climate like Alaska and Vermont. One example is of Vermonters that have lived in their green mountain state for 25 or more years. Years ago air conditioning and even a fan was typically not needed during the summer months as the highest temperature usually was in the upper 70's. Now it is not uncommon to have hot, humid days that are well into the 90's requiring some form of cooling for these old farmhouses. Even as early as 15 years ago, new construction never included central air conditioning because it simply was not necessary and now that is no longer the case.

In Alaska the global warming is making an impact on the glaciers and water levels. As the glaciers that had always stayed frozen twelve months out of the year are now melting, it is increasing the areas water levels and causing some erosion of the land. Areas that were once land are now under water due to this melting of glaciers. Many ecologists are afraid that the present generation will be the last ones to be able to see such glaciers exist.

Some states like Florida, Georgia and Texas have always been warm but now have gotten so hot during the summer that is affecting its residents in an alarming way. There are a great number of deaths from extreme heat and humidity in these areas that local news channels are often warning elderly and children to stay out of the heat as it can make them very sick. Air conditioning is a necessity in these areas but not everyone can afford it. Fans in the windows can help a bit but a good idea is to have the insulation in your home replaced that will help keep your home cooler in the summer heat.

In states that have less humidity, swamp coolers are quite popular in cooling residences and work places. This is particularly useful in desert states like Arizona or Nevada where the air is dry and the temperatures are high. The swamp cooler sits on top of the roof and with a fan and water helps to cool the interior space of the home. Many think it is as effective as air conditioning at a fraction of the cost.

New Factors in the Global Warming Debate

2009-06-23T06:21:00.001-07:00

By Jacek Popiel

In the general public discourse the climate change debate has been, so far, confined almost entirely to the greenhouse gas issue. Our economycarbon footprint utterly dominates all climate change discussions. In actual fact there are several major influences acting on the global climate in terms of raising or lowering atmospheric temperatures. The warming induced by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, is the first such influence.

However, while the physics of the greenhouse effect are clear, the chain of causality between greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere and specific weather patterns is not fully understood. At this time the actual consequences of such accumulation cannot be accurately predicted in terms of timing and impact. The second influence comes from periodic variations in the earth orbit around the sun and in the inclination of its axis. These cyclical variations have been relatively well correlated with past ice ages and warmer inter-glacial periods.

According to some recent published research in this area our planet would currently be sliding into another cold period or ice age, although the timing is hard to pin down. The third influence, which has come into prominence only recently, is solar activity as manifested through the sunspot cycle. For the earth, a high sunspot count means warming, a low count cooling. Although the basic cycle has an average periodicity of eleven years, there are also long term variations which are not well understood.

Sunspot activity has just reached a low which may or may not be significant. But if this low persists, significant cooling can be expected. One can conclude that the overall picture is becoming increasingly ambiguous. Greenhouse gas accumulation due to the use of fossil fuels is no longer the only story in town, nor is warming the inevitable future outcome.

The purpose here is not to claim that greenhouse gas accumulation is not significant. It is to warn that other influences are in play which can be equally important, and that our scientific understanding must be increased before major economic measures, such as a tax on carbon emissions, are implemented. One such measure, a so-called cap and trade scheme, is currently under discussion in the US Congress.

Such a scheme has considerable drawbacks. First, it amounts to a highly regressive tax on energy, which will disproportionally affect the lower income fractions of the population. Second, it introduces huge market distortions which vastly complicate efforts to deal with the gradually increasing price and reduced availability of petroleum. To be successful, such efforts require first and foremost a realistic and workable long-term energy strategy, the elaboration of which must precede any large-scale government intervention in the energy area.

The US government at this time does not have such a strategy, which, as far as its impact on climate is concerned, must rest on a much better scientific understanding of the various influences on climate listed above. Funding to increase and test this understanding will have a far greater impact than any of the currently proposed schemes to reduce carbon emissions. Until such understanding is on more solid footing, there is no valid justification for major initiatives in economic policy on climate change grounds.

These Facts Will Help You Understand Global Warming

2009-06-20T09:50:00.001-07:00

By Bryan Wong

According to Wikipedia, global warming is "the observed increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans in recent decades and its projected continuation."

Many observations indicate that global warming has taken place during the 20th century. This has resulted in an increase of the average surface temperature, a decrease in the snow cover and ice extent, and a rise in the sea level. The amount of precipitation, the amount of cloud cover, and the presence of extreme temperatures, especially in places where it's unusual to have extreme temperatures, are affected by global warming.

There are natural reasons that will affect global warming, as carbon dioxide is naturally in the air due to the fact that all living organisms that breathe in oxygen, exhale carbon dioxide, which is then taken in by trees and other plant life, which in return, give out oxygen for humans, animals, and other organisms that utilize oxygen. However, human activities over the last 50 years have significantly increased the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other household gases in our atmosphere. This has led to the global warming that is occurring on Earth today. CO2 and other greenhouse gases tend to warm the Earth's surface, while anthropogenic aerosols tend to cool the Earth's surface.

Other current facts about global warming include

- The average surface temperature has increased by about 0.6 C (1.0 F) over the last 100 years. - Snow cover and ice extent have decreased. - The sea level has risen by 4-8" (10-20 cm) over the past 100 years. - About 75% of the annual increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is due to the burning of fossil fuels, while the other 25% is attributed to anthropogenic changes in land use, like deforestation, overgrazing, and over cultivation, that reduces the net uptake of carbon dioxide. - In the 20th century, precipitation has likely increased in some land areas and decreased in others. - There has been some increase in cloud cover. - It's very likely that there has been less extreme low temperatures and slightly more extreme high temperatures. - There have been more warm episodes of the El Nino since the mid-1970s. - There's been an increase of droughts in some regions (especially in parts of Asia and Africa) over the last few decades, which is different from the pattern of small global increases in severe drought or severe wetness over the 20th century.

However, it seems that global warming has NOT changed some important aspects of climate:

- Some areas of the globe, like parts of the Southern Hemisphere oceans and parts of Antarctica, have not warmed in recent decades.

- There are no significant trends in the Antarctic sea-ice extent since 1978, the first year that reliable satellite measurements were used.

- There are no significant trends of global changes in tropical and extra-tropical storm intensity and frequency evident over the 20th century. Instead, there are variations within decades and across different decades, but not enough evidence to conclude that there were any significant changes across the 20th century itself.

- There are no systematic changes in the frequency of tornadoes, thunder days, and hail events in the limited areas that were analyzed.

It is clear that there is much evidence present in today's world that global warming is a real phenomenon, not something that is made up to scare people. Knowing these facts should help you learn what global warming exactly is and what you can do to help reduce or reverse global warming.

Effects Of Global Warming In The Arctic

2009-06-20T09:46:00.001-07:00

By Angel Abdulnor

The Arctic and the Antarctic regions play very important roles. How? First, like the human eyes, they are the mirrors to the soul; they are the first to manifest adverse effects like global warming. We witness these changes rather most drastically in these polar regions. Another correspondingly direct effect of global warming is: any change in the polar conditions affects those of all the other regions. Once the polar ice melts, this flushes more freshwater from the region's rivers, consequently holding the ocean from circulating fast enough, thereby causing higher sea levels. With more ice melting, more land and bodies of liquid water are exposed to the heat of the sun. These two, which naturally absorb more heat than snow and ice, causes more warming oceans and land masses. Worst of all is borne by the Arctic's perennially frozen soil - melting of the polar ice releases the greenhouse gases (carbon and methane) trapped within. This is very dangerous as the Arctic permafrost contains a third of the planet's total soil carbon content. Man-made emissions would fade in comparison is all this carbon were released. The National Center for Atmospheric Research has also predicted that the Arctic could be ice-free starting 2040 and sea ice reduced by 80% in the next couple of decades.

Warming of the Arctic has already been felt and is now a cause for apprehension. According to the Polar Bear Specialist Group (the absolute scientific authority on everything involving polar bears) several (5) of their populations in the world are now stamped as declining.

Just recently, the US. Fish and Wildlife Service (USF & WS) announced that the polar bears who once roamed the territory freely may soon be classified under the list of endangered species. The agency has, in fact, done the initial steps already formally proposing to do such that, include the polar bears in the critical registry. This alarming announcement has, in effect, granted the request (later escalating to a demand by way of a lawsuit against the USF & WS) of 3 organizations (the Center for Biological Diversity, the National Resources Defense Council or NRDC, and Greenpeace. For years, these three have been urging the US government precisely to act on the problem. It could be victory for the group, but not much since it has taken the concerned authorities this long ; it will now take painstaking effort to save the polar bears from extinction. An NRDC executive strongly referred to global warming as the one major threat to the survival of the polar bears. He urged further to stop delaying the action and to go full-force; no more half-measures.

Enlisting the species as endangered is not even the culmination of the unified effort; it is only the initial part of a long process. It should take the US Fish and Wildlife Service around one year to study the proposal before they decide on an action to take. Meantime, there is imminent danger that the polar bear would totally lose its sea-ice habitat as this one year rolls by. Loss of sea ice also means loss of their main source of food which are ice seals. This could also result to more mortality as the bears would tend to cannibalize their ranks in the absence of prey. Why? Mainly because enlisting a species as endangered does not necessarily mean ready plans would immediately be implemented. Steps would involve a stoppage on all activities that threaten the bears survival, before developing and implementing of a recovery plan are put to order by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Faced with the rate greenhouse gases are being emitted from the Arctic, this will indeed be a daunting task.

Talking about populations, it is not just that of the polar bears which lie victim to global warming. The Inuits, (a member of the Eskimo peoples living in northernmost North America down to eastern Canada and Greenland) depend on the sea ice for food. The dismal and continued shortening of their hunting season by 50% has had drastic effects on their lives. Will it not be long till a people and an era vanished from the face of the earth? Can we do something about it?

How Global Warming Could Cause An Ice Age

2009-06-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

By Mike Hirn

An Ice Age brought on by global warming was the scenario depicted in the movie THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. While the science on which the movie based has been called into question, there may be some merit in the theory that global warming could cause an Ice Age.

Why is Europe's climate comparitively milder than other places at the same latitude? Alaska and Greenland, both the same distance to the North Pole as Europe, are covered with ice and permafrost while most of Europe is not.

The ocean currents called the Gulf Stream bring warm waters up to Europe from the Caribbean. This water brings warmth to the countries in its path. Cooler water from Europe feeds back into the loop and causes the water to flow back to the Caribbean in a continuous cycle.

The Gulf Stream has been significantly weakened in every major cooling event, including the last great Ice Age. In the past this weakening has been brought on by natural events. In current times, global warming brought on by human activities could be the cause of slowing or even stopping the Gulf Stream. If this were to happen, the cold waters would stay in the area of Europe and the Northeastern US and could mean an Ice Age for those regions.

If an Ice Age occurs, it will likely be due to the melting of polar ice. This will dump large quantities of cold, fresh water into the ocean. It would disrupt the Gulf Stream and cause the cooling of many areas that now have milder climates. The return flow of cold water from Greenland, which goes back to the Caribbean, has already showed a weakening over the last 50 years. There has been a twenty percent decline in the amount of current flowing in this direction. It stands to reason that the warm waters returning from the Caribbean have also decreased in volume. The change would not be gradual. This is a phenomenon that takes place rather quickly. Perhaps it does not happen as fast as depicted in THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. However, it could happen within a few short years.

A slowing or stoppage of the Gulf Stream would affect the entire earth. Observations have been made of current data and historical information gleaned by studying the ocean and the lands around it. With all the information at hand, it appears that it is indeed possible that global warming could bring about a modern Ice Age.

Global Warming - The Significance of Rising Water Temperatures And Climate Change

2009-06-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

By Mike Hirn

An alarm is being raised about global warming causing dramatic rises in the temperature of ocean waters. Scientists are studying warming waters all over the globe to determine the extent of this rise in temperatures.

The consequences of global warming are far-reaching. One of the most devastating effects of global warming is an impact on tropical storms. Hurricanes that would have been category 3 storms in years past are now category 4 or above because they are energized when they pick up warmer-than-normal ocean water. There has been a significant increase in these higher intensity storms over the last 35 years. In 2005, the Atlantic was bombarded with 27 tropical storms powerful enough to receive a name, and fifteen of them developed into hurricanes. Five of these storms were classified as category 4 hurricanes and four reached the level of category 5. Hurricane Katrina made a terrible mark on history in August of 2005. It became the costliest hurricane in American history and also one of most lethal.

Earth's ice is crucial in order to maintain the delicate balance in the environment. As global warming causes temperatures to rise in the oceans, glaciers and icecaps are melting more rapidly. One particular ice shelf in Antarctica, the northern section of the Larson B shelf, collapsed in recent years. Scientists suddenly realized how fast the ice shelf could disintegrate. The polar ice cap is dissolving at an astonishing rate as well--9% per decade. This recent phenomenon is a definite cause for alarm. In the last half century, the thickness of ice in the Arctic has decreased by 40%.

Perennial sea ice in the Arctic has been receding as well. In 2005 there was a record low in square miles of sea ice. Just two years later, in 2007, the record was broken again with half a million square miles less perennial ice than in 2005. Some scientists predict that all the sea ice will be gone by 2040.

Melting ice will also cause sea levels to rise. When this happens, islands are lost and coastal communities are flooded. Various suggestions have been made about the levels that the water could reach, anywhere from 10 to 23 inches by 2100.

Global warming has the potential to make the earth a very inhospitable place to live. Rising temperatures in ocean waters are a clear indication that the process has begun. With the melting of ice in the glaciers, icecaps, and on the sea, it is a matter of time before global warming has even more harmful effects. It is up to the people of the world to do what they can to stop or slow this alarming environmental problem.

Global Warming - Truth or Tale?

2009-06-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

By Lerrina Collins

No matter where you are, no matter the time of day, no matter the weather, it seems you can find someone talking about it. Recently it was at the grocery store. Two checkers couldn't agree. Global warming? Or not? Still stinging from the recent cold crunch, my vote was with the not. But what is true? Certainly the mainstream media is no help.

I must admit, I am a skeptic. After all, as Kenneth Chilton, director of the Institute for the Study of Economics and the Environment said, "These guys are going to try to tell you what the climate's going to be like in 2100, and the weatherman can't tell you what it's going to be like in five days. Weather is simple compared to climate. Let's get real here." 1

Yet the Associated Press continues to print headlines such as, "Climate report warns of droughts, starvation, disease." In fact, reporter Seth Borenstein prophesies, "Tens of millions . . . will be flooded out of their homes each year as the Earth reels from rising temperatures and sea levels. . . Tropical diseases will spread. By 2050, polar bears will mostly be found in zoos, their habitats gone. Pests like fire ants will thrive." 2 [emphasis mine]

Not until later does Mr. Borenstein regain some realism adding the term, 'could.' Why? What is his basis? His purpose? A dose of reality? A well-crafted rumor?

Can't we trust the news? Don't they present the 'facts'? If so, why the sensationalism? The contradictions? The mud-slinging?

A good example of today's conflicting propaganda is revealed in the comparison of two recent 'news' reports. Canada Free Press, which calls itself Canada's Fast Growing Independent News Source, presents one side. A guest essay by Ross Gelbspan, posted on 'The Grist', a website dedicated to environment news and commentary, expounds the other.

Ross, a 30-year journalism veteran, maintains the pace of global warming has kicked into overdrive. He claims, "the hollow optimism of climate activists, along with the desperate responses of some of the world's most prominent climate scientists, is preventing us from focusing on the survival requirements of the human enterprise." He contends we have "failed to meet nature's deadline."3

Miguel A. Guanipa, reporter for the Canada Free Press, disagrees. He says, '. . . no consensus is to be found among the 400 scientists that are listed on [the U.S. Senate Committee] report, other than the nearly unanimous agreement that the claim of Global Warming as a legitimate threat to humanity is more an ideological juggernaut than a proven scientific certainty . . .' 4

But, Ross goes on to say, "within the last two years, a number of leading scientists . . . have all declared that humanity is about to pass or already has passed a "tipping point" in terms of global warming. The IPCC, which reflects the findings of more than 2,000 scientists from over 100 countries, recently stated that it is "very unlikely" that we will avoid the coming era of "dangerous climate change." "5

Wait! Aren't they the same group who, in 2001, said we could expect the world's oceans to rise as much as 35 inches. But, in their 2007 report, reduced their forecast to 16.5 inches? 6

Mr. Guanipa contends, '[The 400 scientists'] consensus is based in the scientifically verifiable notion that . . . periodic Hemispheric warming (and cooling) of the earth are natural cyclical phenomena, caused primarily by fluctuations in the sun's electro-magnetic radiation, water vapor, and a host of other culprits meaner than the rise in carbon dioxide levels, which is actually an effect rather than a cause of warming. This natural cycle has taken place - and will continue to take place - over millennia. This means that the net impact that man - in all his industrial fury - has over any significant climate variations, is no more distinguishable - as a contributing former meteorologist puts it - than a "fart in a hurricane".'7

400 scientists? Why don't we hear more about them? According to the Canada Free Press, they feel their voices are being suppressed, their opinions ridiculed, and their jobs threatened. "They also contend that stripped of its thin veneer of scientific legitimacy, the theory of A.G.W. is nothing more than an ideological doctrine, and a dangerous one at that. . . [which stifles] healthy debate . . . on an issue that could have serious and lasting global economic and social repercussions."8

Still Mr. Gelbspan persists, 'This slow-motion collapse of the planet leaves us with the bitterest kind of awakening . . . For anyone anywhere who truly absorbs this reality and all that it implies, this realization leads into the deepest center of grief . . . There needs to be a vision that accommodates both the truth of the coming cataclysm and the profoundly human need for a sense of future.'9

This leaves one reeling. Is this just a war of words? Is it a spitting match? A power play? One has to wonder. Especially when one reads some of the comments on Mr. Gelbspan's commentary. One worker in the Environmental Protection field who has a science and mathematics background said, "I have studied this issue for many years, reading everything I can find on the subject, including all the IPCC reports (not just the executive summaries). I have yet to come across any credible evidence that increasing atmospheric CO2, man-made or otherwise, is causing global warming. To the contrary, all of the research-backed theories that seem to explain past climate changes have nothing to do with CO2. . . .So far, all this hype appears, in my view, to be based on computer models that are seriously flawed.' 10

It is enough to make one cry. Not only is this controversy, regardless of who is right, throwing a bad light on the scientific community, fueling the fires of controversy, separating friends, and making reporters sound like fools, but it is downright depressing.

One wonders how many people echo this reader's comment, "the future is going to s- - -, we just don't know how badly." Or this one, "This article kind of makes me want to go home, eat a handful of Xanax and stare at a wall for a while." Or even this one, "What the h- - - am I supposed to do now?" 11

What we don't need is more sloppy science, weeping politicians, false accusations, and blind denial. Pure and honest reporting from the mainstream press would be a great start. However, whether an environmentalist, Christian, or unconcerned citizen, everyone has a responsibility to their environment. What we do will effect future generations.

What Are The Causes Of Global Warming

2009-06-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

By Bryan Wong

The majority of the scientific community believes that global warming is a real threat to the world as we know it today. They believe that global warming mostly results from the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from human activities such as industrial processes, fossil fuel combustion, and deforestation.

There are many causes of global warming. One cause is carbon dioxide that is made from the burning of fossil fuels from power plants for the purpose of electricity generation. Coal makes up 93% of these emissions. Coal emits 1.7 times more carbon per unit of energy when burned than natural gas and 1.25 times more carbon than oil. Consequently, natural gas gives off 50% less carbon dioxide for the same amount of energy produced. Another cause is carbon dioxide that is made from the burning of gasoline in internal-combustion engines of cars, minivans, sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, and jeeps. Poor gas mileage is considered the main culprit here. According to the Environmental Protection Agency's 2000 Fuel Economy Guide, a new Dodge Durango sports utility vehicle (with a 5.9 liter engine) that gets 12 miles per gallon in the city will emit around 800 pounds of carbon dioxide over a distance of 500 city miles; this translates to 19.6 pounds of carbon dioxide emitted into the air for every gallon of gas a vehicle consumes.

Another cause of global warming is carbon dioxide that is made from commercial trucks, contributing another 13% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions.

Carbon dioxide that is made from airplanes is another cause of global warming - the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that aviation causes 3.5% of global warming, with a projection that it will rise to 15% by 2050.

Another cause of climate warming is carbon dioxide that is emitted by the structure of buildings, accounting for another 12% of carbon dioxide emissions.

Methane is another cause of climate warming, as methane is the second most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. According to the IPCC, methane is 20 times more effective than CO2 in trapping heat in the atmosphere. US Emissions Inventory 2004 levels of atmospheric methane have risen 145% in the last 100 years. Sources of this rise in methane include rice paddies, bovine flatulence, bacteria in bogs, and fossil fuel production.

Another cause of global warming is nitrous oxide, a colourless, non-flammable gas with a sweetish odour. It is naturally produced by oceans and rainforests, while it is also artificially produced in nylon, nitric acid production, agricultural fertilizers, cars with catalytic converters, and burning organic matter.

Deforestation is also one of the causes of global warming, the second-leading cause only to carbon emissions. Deforestation is responsible for 25% of all carbon emissions entering the atmosphere, as 34 million acres of trees are burn and cut each year. The destroying of tropical forests alone emit hundreds of millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year.

City gridlock is another global warming cause. According to an annual study by traffic engineers from Texas A&M University, drivers in Los Angeles and New York alone waste 600 million gallons of gas annually while just sitting in traffic. That translates into around 7.5 million tons of carbon dioxide that is emitted into the atmosphere. And remember, just two major U.S. cities are named, not to mention the rest of the U.S. and the world.

Another global warming cause is just the amount of carbon already in the Earth's atmosphere naturally, as 750 billion tons of carbon are present. Add in another 800 billion tons of carbon that is dissolved in the surface layers of the world's oceans.

As you can see, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are the major causes of global warming. You can also see there are many sources of these gases, especially carbon dioxide. Much work needs to be done in order to address all the causes of global warming.

How Can the Average Person Help Stop Global Warming?

2009-06-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

By Meg Greenly

Many people who consider themselves to be a responsible world citizen, who want to do what they can to help the environment are finding themselves in a giant quandary in these times.

Why?...

Because, they want to do their part to help control and maybe stop Global Warming before it is too late! The problem is, they just don't know what to do to help.

Sure, everyone knows they can get energy efficient light bulbs but, that just isn't enough to help an awful lot. You could get a car that gets a lot better gas mileage. But, what can all of us do to really help?

One thing you might consider, is to learn how to create your own renewable energy with some method which is non-polluting. Now, that would really make sense, wouldn't it?

If everyone did this we would no longer be dependent on the middle east oil. We would no longer need a large standing army to protect the oil and would not have worry About the enormous transfer of our country's wealth to the middle east This is what T.Boone Pickens has recently been talking about on television and the Internet.

We have known for several years that sooner or later we are going to run out of oil worldwide The experts seem to disagree widely on this issue and the probable date when will run out. Based on what some of the best researchers say such as, Thom Hartmann, author of the great book entitled "The Last Hours Of Ancient Sunlight" it will probably be some where around 2030. That's only another 22 years.

What will we do when this happens?... For sure, one thing we will have to change an awful lot of our habits and attitudes about what is really important to us. Don't you Agree?

It seems pretty evident that it is going to require a plethora of things, Only one solution won't solve the giant problem.

So the question is what can we do as concerned Citizens to help rather than just be a part of the problem?

*The best thing I can see, is to become self- sufficient, and not have to rely on anyone for Energy but ourselves.
*Get our own energy system and if possible even grow as much of our food as we can.
*Find a source of really healthy food preferably organic. Encourage our families to do the same.

How can the average person afford to be self contained and self-reliant? The answer, would seem to be:

*To practice all the conservation we can.
*Recycle as much as practical.
*I hear some great reports from people who have started using a device on their cars that uses some water for gas.
*New technologies have made both solar and wind power more efficient and affordable.
*Also, there are some excellent do it yourself manuals on building your own Energy Systems.

Global Warming Starves Polar Bears

2009-06-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

By Nick Tart

As an inconvenient truth, global warming is affecting our world. But who can physically feel the effects of global warming on a daily basis? Sure, this summer may have been a couple degrees hotter than the last summer, but do the majority of humans really notice this difference?

The human species is undeniably at fault for global warming but we are not necessarily the ones who have to cope with its effects. One of the regions most drastically affected by global warming is the Arctic Circle. And who lives there? Polar bears.

Studies have shown that over the last 20 years, polar bear populations have dropped nearly 25 percent. Not only have they dropped in numbers, scientists have also noticed that they have dropped significantly in size. Polar bears use their body fat to stay alive in cold weather and to float longer in stormy seas. Without excessive body fat, it is much more difficult for them to survive.

Four polar bears were recently discovered off the coast of Alaska after they apparently drowned during a violent storm. Scientists are beginning to recognize that the melting of the polar ice caps frequently leaves polar bears stranded on islands and ice burgs.

Polar bears can swim up to 100 miles to get back to the mainland, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to do this. They have to swim longer distances more often which consequently causes them to lose valuable body fat. Also, if the ice caps recede any more than 100 miles from where the polar bears are stranded, they will not be able to eat until the following winter.

Even if an individual polar bear is not in trouble, the fate of their species is in dire danger. Polar bears are simply struggling to survive in the current state of our planet, and if nothing changes they will become extinct.

Who knows? We could be next.

Global Warming Polls Show it at Number 20 in the Survey of What's Most Important

2009-06-18T16:14:00.000-07:00

By Lance Winslow

During the election Global Warming was one of the most important concerns. It was always in the top one or two, but now it has slipped to number 20; how is that possible? Don't you find that interesting, I sure do and yes, that surprised me too when I heard that on the TV news.
Of course, if you live above the Mason Dixon line you are in the teens, zeros or below (with wind-chill) for temperatures. The Global Warming PR gets more play in the Summer Time, when it's hotter out. The EU is all about jobs and economics right now.

Plus, have you considered that this economic slow-down and financial crisis in the world economy has reduced consumption by a huge amount? I did see some Global Warming PR yesterday in the online news, but it was buried, people are into the New President, his silly Black Berry and what type of dog the girls get, and those unauthorized Beanie Baby dolls? You know it's all factually fictitious fodder for the masses. I have Obama Media Fatigue myself.

Also, when you have the new President on every TV station and his name on every page of every newspaper in the country, and he says "things are going to get worse, before they get better" and the normal doom and gloom on the financial news, well, you can see that the economic situation is on people's minds.

And unemployment is creeping up in many regions - lots of layoffs. Usually this signals the bottom, then the Corporations start returning to profits after the street gives them slack on their earnings, their stock goes back up eventually, a quarter or two, then the stock market leads the economy by six-months.

So, all these things are why Global Warming Theory is now on page 6 of the newspaper where it should be and why no one is particularly concerned. Think on this.

Fundamental Ways That Could Stop Global Warming

2009-06-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

By Nathalie Fiset

What do you think could come in as more important to our basic human needs such as food, shelter, medicine, education or even the need for affection? There could be one issue that would predetermine everything that will transpire on the planet, and that is the planet's condition. If the world were on the brink of destruction, saving it would be the priority of every single individual. And save it we must. Although the threat is still not at a life and death level, there is an alarming truth that there are several problems that are now bugging the place that we live in. Say hello to global warming. And try to say bye - stop global warming!

Global warming, which is also known as the greenhouse effect, has been here long before you or anybody else out there existed. It's been here for thousands of years. And through those thousands of years, the earth's temperature has increased, and so has the effects of global warming. Time magazine has actually coined this problem as a planetary emergency.

There are major solutions that have been done worldwide to cope, alleviate or altogether stop the effects of this major problem. But among these choices, the obvious choice that the human race is supposed to concentrate on is how to stop global warming. Since we have all contributed to the occurrence of global warming (in our own little ways), then we should also join forces in combating this dilemma.

1. Join organizations that promise to educate you about the effects of global warming and what you can do to put a stop to this problem. Be an activist on this matter. After all, everything begins with you.

2. The next step is to conserve energy. And yes, there are so many ways that an individual can save energy. Let's list some here: car pooling, turning off appliances that are not in use; unplugging any electronic devices that are not in use; buying energy-efficient lamps; keeping the filters of your air-conditioning unit clean; taking a walk (instead of driving); turn off the faucet when enough water has been consumed; do not use appliances or products that release chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere (examples are hairsprays and refrigerators that have CFCs); use EEF appliances; start planting trees, etc. These are basic things that we have learned even from grade school and yet, tend to forget the most.

3. If you are a slave of your profession, then, cut on those work hours to help save energy. For every individual that would cut down an hour from his work, there would be millions worth of energy saved. Learn to maximize your time and to properly manage it. I guess you never imagined before that this could also stop global warming, huh?

4. Recycle. Need we elaborate on that?

5. Use environment-friendly fuels and vehicles. They may be a little bit more expensive but they do not contribute to pollution. Honda was the first to come up with a vehicle that is cell-powered, thus, there are no harmful emissions. If you cannot afford cell-powered vehicles just yet, you can opt for those that can run thirty miles in just a gallon of fuel. This way, carbon monoxide is greatly reduced.

6. If you can, harness the power of the sun, wind and water to generate electricity. There are equipments in the market that can be used to harness solar, wind or geothermal energy. These sources of energy are clean and reusable. If, again, you can't afford to tap on the power of these sources, then, at least, choose an electric provider that does not pollute the environment by the use of fossil fuels.

7. Insulate your home to prevent excessive use of heaters. During summer, dress lightly to minimize the use of air-conditioning units.

Most people would argue that these, altogether, would not stop global warming. Well, maybe for now that is true. But with the collective efforts of each and everyone in the planet, and if everyone would be disciplined enough to care for environmental issues such as this, then even two degrees off the present global temperature would be such a major feat. The most important thing is for all of us to do something, as you have noticed, we only have one planet to save. Beyond this, there are no second chances.

Modern Chimneys Can Help Fight Global Warming

2009-06-18T16:09:00.000-07:00

By Tal Potishman

Much ado has been made about "solid fuel" heating devices. A solid fuel heating device is, simply, a fireplace or chimney--a unit in which something is burned and the heat from that fire is transferred throughout the house while the dangerous components of the fire (smoke, soot, etc) are transferred out of the house via a chimney or piping system. You might consider a fireplace and chimney system to be old fashioned (and a lot of work) when compared to other heating systems, like underfloor heating, which have become popular in the last few decades. The truth is that solid fuel heating systems can help reduce your carbon footprint and global warming.

Solid fuel heating devices offer quite a few benefits that other types of heating devices do not. Here are just a few of them:

* Solid fuel is cheaper than other types of heating systems.

* A solid fuel heating device offers the homeowner more versatility than other types of heating devices.

* A solid fuel heating device is easier to control than some of the more modern versions of heating devices.

* There is nothing more reliable than a solid fuel heating system.

Of course solid fuel is not without its risks. If you do not have your chimney cleaned regularly, you could risk carbon monoxide poisoning as the chimney is the mechanism through which carbon monoxide and other dangerous materials are passed from the home. It is important that you do everything you can to keep your chimney unclogged and in working order. Today there are many mechanisms built into a chimney to help keep it clean, but it should still be inspected by a professional on a regular basis.

The nice thing about solid fuel burning devices is that they do not use power or raise your electric bill when you use them. You simply need to find something that is safe to burn to heat your home.

Some people find wood burning fireplaces and pellet stoves a great "in-house recycler" as it allows them to use their junk mail or other unwanted burnable items as kindling when a fire is built and the heat from a fire is much easier to control than the heat from a wall unit. Simply build a smaller fire or add more fuel to decrease or increase the heat.

Finally, the biggest benefit offered by solid fuel heating devices is their already mentioned lack of dependence upon electricity. Homeowners do not have to worry about utility bills rising in the winter. They also do not have to worry about heating their homes in the event that the power goes out! Even better, these devices help to reduce the homeowner's carbon footprint.

GOT ICE? Global Warming and the Calorie Buffer

2009-06-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

By Craig Hanks

In the public discussion of Global Warming, much is said about disappearing continental ice sheets and mountain glaciers, as well as growing deserts; with more droughts in some areas and more flooding in other areas. With new research indicating the acceleration of these processes, I would like to add a few thoughts on important aspects of increasing environmental heat that is not generally discussed with respect to this issue.

I need to preface my remarks with a few necessary facts for the reader's understanding. The average temperature of the oceans throughout their depths is 4° Centigrade; the average temperature of ice in the continental ice sheets and glaciers is about minus-17°Centigrade. One scientific measure of heat is the CALORIE (different than the food Calorie, which is 1000 times greater). By definition, one calorie is equal to the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of WATER from 14.5°C to 15.5°C at standard atmospheric pressure. After water is frozen, the cooling of ice below 0°C actually requires only removing one-half calorie of heat to gain a drop in temperature of 1°C per gram of ice. So, reversing this process and raising the temperature of the continental ice from its average of -17°C to the 4°C average temperature of the oceans requires adding (8.5 + 4) calories of heat per gram of ice; thus a total of 12.5-calories of heat over this range. EXCEPT FOR ONE SURPRISING FACT!

What is not commonly known is that it requires 80-calories of heat to convert 1-gram of ice at 0°C into 1-gram of water at 0°C. Just to melt ice, without raising its temperature, requires about 6.5 times the amount of heat needed to raise the average temperature of the continental ice and glaciers to the average temperature of the oceans. The melting of environmental ice is a huge heat-sink that is presently buffering the effect of global warming; until we run out of ice.

Equally important for the production of snow and ice, it requires the removal of 80-calories of heat per gram of water-vapor at 0°C to produce 1-gram of snow at 0°C. This heat has essentially two places it can go, to avoid contributing to global warming; it can be radiated into space if the increasing greenhouse gases will let it, or it can be bound up by vegetation to produce woody fibers, as has happened in the past, when a tropical Earth produced the huge forests that became our present day coal and oil supplies (stored Heat). Of course we are presently over-harvesting the forests needed to do this job; we may be running out of trees as well as ice.

Although the fully melted glaciers and ice sheets would only add about 200 feet to the 12,600 foot average depth of the oceans, or about 1.6% by volume; the quantity of heat that would go into melting all of the environmental ice would raise the average temperature of the oceans 1.5° C if it were not for that ice. Actually most of the heat buildup in the oceans will be in the top 100 meters of seawater and very little heat will migrate to depths below 500 meters. So the heating of the oceans surface water would have been several degrees higher even now if it were not for the melting ice buffer. The environmental disaster of very warm ocean surfaces can only be guessed at.

Since the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets are shrinking and glaciers world wide are receding, the environmental ice that has been present for millennia is proving to be insufficient to do anything but mask the current buildup of heat input into the environment. As more ice melts, reducing the overall surface area of ice exposed to increasing heat from the air and water; more of our heat input will remain in the air, water and soil; and the process of global warming will accelerate.

We must remember that, especially in the northern hemisphere, wintertime can bring enormous amounts of snow to mountains and valleys. The melting of this snow removes significant heat from our springtime environment. If the amount of winter snow declines, because it falls as rain instead, heat will build up earlier in the year and reach higher temperatures in the summer, because the air and ground will retain heat that would have gone into the 80-calorie buffer of melting snow. Late spring is much cooler than early fall, even though the sun angle in the sky is the same, because the heat flowing into the environment in the Spring is being absorbed in the melting of snow and the evaporation of winter and spring moisture, rather than heating the ground we live on.

Similar to the loss of ice sheets and glaciers, the millions of square miles of permafrost in the soils of northern Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, and Canada are absorbing 80 calories of heat per gram of ice and melting, reducing their overall area and heat buffering capacity, which will also accelerate the effect of Global Warming as this ice source disappears.

We are not running out of oil, or money, or time; we are running out of ice. There are significant consequences in daily and seasonal weather that will be impacted by warmer air and the 80-calorie factor of water to ice to produce snow high in the atmosphere. As the Earth's atmosphere heats up, it will hold more water as vapor to higher altitudes, forcing clouds and condensation to occur at even higher altitudes (or to not occur at all). The effect of this, in the temperate zones, will be an increase in the type of rain called Virga, rain that evaporates while falling and does not reach the ground. Rain that does reach the ground will be falling over longer distances through warmer air and will also evaporate more, so less will reach the ground and therefore rivers, lakes, oceans, and lands will receive less.

There is another heat buffer at work in our oceans; and that is the converting of water to a vapor. Typically we vaporize water in our kitchens by boiling it. Once we have boiling water (100°C), we must add another 540 calories per gram to convert it into water vapor at 100°C, almost 7-times the heat required to melt ice. Vaporization (evaporation by another name) does not require that all of a given quantity of water be raised to 100°C before vaporization occurs. With billions of water molecules in a gram of water, all colliding with each other thousands and millions of times per second, those water molecules on the surface of the land and oceans will have continuous opportunity to have their energy increased to become water vapor in the atmosphere. Global warming will increase the amount of vaporization and therefore increase the amount of moisture in the atmosphere.

As the ice, snow, and perma-frost disappear, the ongoing heat input that cannot find ice to melt will find water to vaporize. Since it requires less and less heat to evaporate water droplets as altitude increases, a buildup of greenhouse gases and increasing atmospheric heat will both tend toward a lot more water remaining as vapor in the atmosphere, rather than condensing into droplets necessary to form clouds and rain. Similar to the formation of ice from water, the condensing of water vapor into water droplets in the atmosphere requires the removal of heat from each gram of water vapor. This heat must be radiated into space or it will most likely be absorbed by the land and oceans, resulting in increasingly warmer and dryer soils and parts of the oceans that may become too warm to support the food chain.

There is a secondary effect, in the loss of ice and snow and cloud reflectivity that could accelerate global warming. Since ice and snow reflect nearly 100% of the radiation they receive, while rocks and oceans and vegetation absorb a very large portion of the radiation they receive. The reduction of ice and snow will add significant heat to the Polar Regions and mountains ranges; some of which will then be redistributed by the winds to all parts of the Earth. Today the Earth is to a considerable percentage cloaked in clouds and fog continually, a great deal of solar radiation is reflected back into space by clouds. It is very likely that there is a tipping point for the quantity of ice available to absorb heat and for the surface area of clouds, snow and ice to reflect sunlight into space, such that beyond that tipping point global warming could accelerate to an extreme of no ice whatsoever and very little cloud cover; and this could occur in a relatively short time-span.

One final thought on the acceleration of the loss of sea ice in the Arctic regions and loss of ice shelves near Antarctica, concerns the action of salt in seawater. We are all familiar with the use of salt to melt snow and ice on our roads and sidewalks. Those who live in areas that receive a lot of snow and ice each winter also know that salt is very active and efficient at melting ice when the temperature is around the freezing mark, but that salt is not useful or efficient at melting ice when the temperature drops below minus 15°C. How this affects sea ice that is in contact with seawater is this; when the Arctic and Antarctic oceans are very cold, the salt has little or no ability to accelerate the melting of the ice it comes in contact with. But as these oceans rise in temperature, due to global warming, the salt in seawater becomes much more effective at melting sea ice. Rising ocean temperatures that are still below freezing can accelerate the loss of sea ice, because of the effect of salt. And this is exactly what we are experiencing today. The ice in these regions is disappearing faster than anyone had calculated based solely on temperature increases to date; it is the increased effectiveness of salt from rising ocean temperatures that is responsible for the accelerating loss of sea ice.

Of course we may think that we are in dire straights, but it's not really that bad; compared to the year 2108, when everyone is living and working 20 feet or more underground, to minimize requirements for heating, cooling, avoiding ultra-violet radiation, freak storms, and other calamities. At least we can keep cool today with iced beverages and refrigerated air, while we leave it to our children to ask, what happens after the ice is gone?

Global Warming is a Clear Indication of How Selfish We Are

2009-06-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

By Cheryl Forbes

Everybody should be able to watch the movie, The Lion King. It explains very thoroughly the "circle of life" and how we should be careful with the delicate balance by which we exist. By being greedy and selfish, we can ultimately destroy the planet that we live in. In their case, it was the Pride Rock.

A very glaring proof of how selfish we have been is global warming. We have brought it upon us. That is why every disaster and death caused by the environment can be pointed back at us. It may come as a shock to you but the truth is we are at fault and we should be blamed.

However, all is not lost as we are still alive and we can do something about the future. The past is already in the past and we cannot go back to undo it. But there is still the future. Actually, to help minimize the effects of global warming, it does not take much on our part. We can do the following things: we can recycle; we can turn off the electricity when not in use or just use solar powered equipment and appliances. We can also lessen the use of our vehicles that are powered by fuel. We can walk or use our bicycles. You are not only helping the environment but you are helping yourself in becoming healthier.

Last but not the least, we all now how information is the key. Thus, let us spread the word about global warming and ways by which we can contribute by strengthening the delicate balance by which we live so we can prosper.

Climate Changes Due to Global Warming

2009-06-18T15:56:00.002-07:00

By Nathalie Fiset

While the drastic effects of global warming has been discussed in many scientific circles, had their run on TV and even had major exposure through well-meaning (but sadly inaccurate) Hollywood films, it's a concern that has a broad political, economic, social and geographical significance to countries all over the world. Quite literally, for all of us, there is nowhere to hide, nowhere to run and we can't stop the climate from changing. It's just way too big for us.

How to recognize global warming
Whether or not it's brewing something good or something bad, Nature always tries to warn us through many signs. The slow process involved in global warming results in many different things and some of its signs include:

Melting of glaciers
Most of the mountain glaciers on our planet that have been monitored for the past 150 years are reportedly shrinking. The glaciers most affected by global warming those located in the lower latitudes and many of them are disappearing. If glaciers continue to shrink, it could affect water supply in areas that depend heavily upon mountain watersheds.

If the scenarios of global warming continue, most of the glaciers that still stand today will disappear by 2100.

Ocean warming
Sea level increase is attributed to warmer temperatures, which in turn result to the melting of ice glaciers. Over the last 100 years, sea level has increased from 10 cm to 25 cm. Projections over the next hundred years indicate that sea level will rise higher, from about 15 cm to 90 cm. Based on the higher figure, that's about 3 feet.

Translated, this could mean that beaches lose about 50 feet of area for every foot of increase in sea level. Some islands may even disappear beneath sea water completely.

Heat waves
Heat waves and periods of weather that are unusually warm are also signs of global warming. These may come about with varying degrees of their severity and frequency, causing concerns in the economics and health on a global scale.

How global warming brings climate change and what it means to us
The earth's climate has always been changing, although not at an abrupt rate. There had been periods of warming and cooling in the earth's 4.65 billion-year history. Strange as it may sound to some, this is the reason why life became possible on this planet millions of years ago. Unfortunately, not all of the changes in climate brought about by global warming may be beneficial to many of us.

For one, global warming will raise the temperatures in some regions of the Northern Hemisphere, causing the melting of mountain glaciers. This means that areas that are currently experiencing light snow may no longer experience snowfall anymore. Snowlines found in mountains in temperate regions may also be higher and packs of snow will melt earlier than before.

Spring may be experienced earlier and temperatures during night time and in winter will rise. The world will experience a more humid atmosphere since sea water will have a higher rate of evaporation. With greater humidity, rainfall is expected to increase on average.

Storms will also occur with more frequency and intensity. Ironically, water in the soil will evaporate faster, causing dryness between rains. Regions that are already considered dry will experience more dryness. Some semi-arid regions in the African continent, for example, may suffer more while areas that depend on their region's mountain snow packs for irrigation will not benefit from earlier melting between growing seasons.

With warmer weather, some hurricanes will be more severe and winds are expected to blow stronger. It is also possible that wind patterns may shift. Extremely cold periods may be experienced as well.

The phenomenon known as El Nino may occur in more frequency and severity. This is expected to affect different regions in many countries. All in all, scientists will have some difficulty in predicting weather patterns.

With changes in climate brought about by global warming, health concerns and risks may also increase. Heat stress and diseases may become common in places that did not have any problems with them before.

Global warming is an issue that requires immediate action. Even plants and animal species are adversely affected by it. While many of the changes that occur in our planet are totally out of our hands, we have been direct contributors to events that have had negative effects on our environment. This is why many leading social and scientific organizations have urged nations to cooperate in the move to counter this worldwide problem before it's too late.

Time-Tested Solutions For Global Warming

2009-06-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

By Nathalie Fiset

Increased global temperature, a rise in the sea levels, extreme conditions of the weather. These are all attributed to a single factor - global warming. Global warming or greenhouse effect has been going on for centuries. For thousands of years, the earth's temperature continues to rise and it's not stopping. Although the catastrophic events are commonly linked with this global problem, scientists worldwide still have uncertainties as to the relation of global warming to these events AND if there's even a definite solution to global warming.

There are two possible solution to the effects of global warming as proposed by experts. It could be in the form of mitigation or through adaptation. Under the mitigation response, several actions are done to alleviate the effects of global warming, if not to totally eradicate it. The steps that could be undertaken in this response are to reduce the consumption of energy and to use appliances that are energy efficient; you could also look for other possible energy sources or alternatives that can be used to replace the present source of fuel. Possible ‘other' sources of energy are solar energy (with this, pollution is decreased, thus, global warming could be controlled), wind energy, hydropower, and geothermal power, to name a few. These energy sources are reusable and highly available, not to add that they are clean sources of fuel.

Another solution for global warming is the use of other sources of energy. Other possible sources of energy that can be used are nuclear energy and biofuels. These two can be used to replace fossil fuels that take a much longer time to develop. Nuclear energy, though, is still under much consideration because of its negative effects to people and to the environment. There is no contestation as to the power that nuclear energy would be able to produce that would give electrical power. But as to the safety of this source of power, there is still much debate. Biofuel, on the other hand, is safe, economical and it is easy to produce. Methane is the main biofuel that can be produced from plant and animal wastes, and this proves to be a lot more environment-friendly than burning fossil fuels.

Another step that ingenious minds have created is capturing carbon (in the form of carbon dioxide) and properly storing them for future use. We have a high concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere, so to help in improving the climate, it should be controlled. And when needed, CO2 can also be used together with methane to make biogas. Aside from carbon capture, people have also set up the so-called Geoengineering where the main goal of this form of science is to study the effects and solutions in atmospheric problems.

In the adaptation response, people look for ways on reducing the effects of the problem and addressing the issues on these problems one-step at a time. In mitigation, people are bent on stopping or postponing the effects of global warming. In search for a better term, adaptation is like ‘playing it cool' for now then slowly doing some actions to lessen global warming effects. So in adaptation, they have the thought that glaciers are melting anyway even if we stop our consumption of fossil fuels now so why not go on with modern progress? All they have to concentrate on is how to ‘cope' with the effects. Both mitigation and adaptation would mean people who would join hands in fighting a common enemy.

Another way to defend ourselves from the ravages of global warming is for concerned lawmakers to create legislations that would ensure the responsible use of what's left of our fossil fuel resources. With this comes the equal responsibility of not using products or taking part in activities that would further ruin our planet's balance.

And, at the end of it all, the best person that could make a difference and help in making the solution for global warming possible would be you. You could start with yourself, and within your home, all the practices that would provide solutions to the worsening condition of planet earth, which is greenhouse effect.

Global warming solutions are not yet thoroughly proven, let alone totally administered. It is an ever-present problem. No matter what we do, it is there and there is no escaping it. And although it will take years, lots of it, before global warming will even begin to become a terrifying threat, still, it wouldn't hurt if we lift a finger now.

Global Warming Theories - What's Hot and What's Not?

2009-06-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

By Frances Van Den Berg

Global warming is generally accepted as a given. The concept is part of most school syllabi and people are urged to reduce their carbon footprints in an attempt to save the planet and stop global warming.

However, some experts in the field have their own ideas about global warming and point it out for what it is - a scientific theory and not based on indisputable evidence. There are too many factors to be able to prove or disprove global warming conclusively, but many factors (such as evident temperature change) convince us that this theory is as close as you can get to fact in the realm of future predictions.

Professor Ian Plimer, Australia's most eminent Earth scientist, has dismissed current global warming theories as 'primitive' in his new book, 'Heaven and Earth' which was published in April this year. Plimer's book cannot easily be dismissed because it is the result of 40 years of hard scientific research. According to Plimer, in order to understand climate change patterns, you need to understand almost every specialist branch of earth science, including oceanography, geology and glaciology, as well as earth's long history. He argues that the earth's climate has been changing continually throughout its history and that climate change is part of Earth's natural development, and not due to carbon emissions.

Former US vice president and advocate for the global warming theory, Al Gore, would disagree with Plimer. His documentary, an Inconvenient Truth, which premiered in 2006, was aimed at educating the world about the causes and adverse effects of pollution and global warming. Whatever the truth about global warming, the adverse effects of pollution cannot be denied, as they are being seen on a daily basis. Plimer would probably agree that drastic changes are needed in order to combat pollution and stop the wastage of Earth's precious resources.

The term, global warming is slowing being replaced with 'climate change', as scientists point out that the earth may, in fact, be entering an ice age, and so the global warming theory has become a global cooling phenomenon. Despite the theories, we cannot really predict what the world will look like in a thousand years. All we can do is minimise the parasitic damage we are causing to planet Earth and not buy too easily into doomsday theories.

Are Tsunami's Caused by Global Warming?

2009-06-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

By John O'Hara

Throughout the history of our planet it has endured a constantly changing climate. It endured an ice age and has also experienced long periods of heat. But over the last two hundred years, give or take, the temperature of our planet has been steadily increasing. This change in the climate on earth is known as global warming, and global warming is the direct result of the industrial revolution.

Because of the industrial revolution, people are constantly burning fossil fuels such as oil and coal. But by burning these fuels dangerous greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) are then released into the earth's atmosphere. These gases block heat rising from the earth from being able to escape into space. The same basic function that glass panels on greenhouses have, hence the name. Our burning of fossil fuels causes more than three quarters of all carbon dioxide emissions. Power plants and other stationary sources contribute more than half of that amount.

Along with increasing CO2 emissions, deforestation is on the increase as well. This is disastrous, because trees recycle CO2 and release oxygen back into the atmosphere. Because of the rise in deforestation levels the fossil fuels we burn are seriously jeopardizing our planet. We know that global warming is the cause of glaciers getting smaller and for the rise in sea levels. Plants and animals show clear and undeniable signs that they are affected in many different ways. Earth is experiencing longer seasons which results in rivers and lakes freezing later than usual and melting sooner. Without a doubt, global warming causes many changes and affects our planet in many ways but can it also cause a tsunami?

Nobody will ever forget the utter destruction, grief and loss left behind after the huge tsunami that hit parts of Asia on December 26th, 2004. Hundreds of thousands of people were killed, injured and traumatized. The areas it hit were left completely destroyed.

Generally speaking a tsunami is made up of a series of waves. More often than not the first one is the mildest. Prior to the arrival of the first wave, the shoreline recedes dramatically and often leaves the ocean floor exposed. They mostly occur where the water is shallow but they can also occur around coastal areas. In deep water a tsunami appears as a big wave and nothing more. In shallow water this is not the case. The wave can reach as high as one hundred metres, although, in all honesty, this is not at all common.

We know that tsunami's can be caused by an earthquake, but this is not the only cause. They can also be caused through volcanic eruptions and landslides. Another cause is if a large amount of water is somehow displaced, such as when meteors happen to fall into large bodies of water. Tsunami's are caused by events that can be, and are, affected by global warming, however global warming itself does not directly trigger the formation of a tsunami. Basically, it is an indirect cause.

One thing is certain, global warming is not a myth as some suggest. The planet is displaying clear signs that we dare not ignore.

Does Global Warming Occur Without Man?

2009-06-18T15:35:00.000-07:00

By Richard Chapo

Global warming is perpetually in the news these days. While everyone is aware of pollution problems, did you know a certain amount of global warming occurs as part of the biomass?

Does Global Warming Occur Without Man

Most discussions about global warming center around the impact man has on his environment. Massive emissions of carbon dioxide by industry and transport are the prime culprits evidenced in this regard. While global warming in and of itself is a controversial subject, what is clear is that it is not only a phenomena caused by mankind.

If man did not exist on Planet Earth, global warming would exist to a certain extent.

The Earth is kept warm by gases in the atmosphere. Certain gases prohibit heat from escaping out of the atmosphere into space. This is a naturally occurring event with gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, not to mention water vapor, playing a natural role in the process. If our atmosphere contained none of these gases, our planet would be a very cold place. Scientists estimate it would be approximately 30 degrees colder, leading potentially to massive ice formations throughout the world as we know it.

An odd, but useful, example is the desert. During the day it can be hot as Hades, but at night it can grow extremely cold. The temperature variation is due to a lack of temperature regulators. During the day, there is nothing to regulate the heat such as a body of water. When night falls, there is nothing present that stores the heat of the day.

The current debate on global warming isn’t so much whether it exist, as it is what is natural and what is not. A certain amount of global warming is par for the course, an undisputed fact. The question is what impact, if any, is our production of massive amounts of greenhouse gases having on natural global warming and what are the long-term implications.

The global warming issue is a complex one. One of the simple problems is the significant amount of time involved in the process of heating up the planet. While this may sound positive at first glance, one must also realize that it will take a long time for behavioral changes we make to take affect.

Methane and Potential Impacts on Global Warming

2009-06-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

By Richard Chapo

Methane is a gas found on most planets with atmospheres. In limited amounts, it isn’t a particularly problematic gas. In larger amounts, however, it can become a regulator of atmosphere temperatures.

Methane and Potential Impacts on Global Warming

Methane is fairly common gas found in nature. It is produced from both natural elements of the biomass cycle and artificial industrial sources. Methane is classified as a greenhouse gas and is believed to contribute to global warming.

Methane (CH4) is a problematic greenhouse gas for a variety of reasons. First, it has a long life once it is in the atmosphere, to wit, it will remain suspended in the upper atmosphere anywhere from nine to 15 years depending on climatic conditions. Second, methane is much more lethal when it comes to trapping heat in the atmosphere, being as much as 20 times better at doing the job than the much discussed carbon dioxide.

The unique chemical makeup of Methane is what makes it a problem. Once it gets situated in the upper atmosphere, it acts as a sponge for infrared radiation being reflected from the planet towards space. By doing so, it acts as a gas coat around the planet, heating us up as time passes. Since we can count on it sitting in the atmosphere for roughly 10 years, massive accumulations of methane can have a devastating impact over time.

There is nothing we can do to stop natural methane sources. On the industrial side, however, there are a lot of areas that can be addressed. The production of methane through our actions is primarily through natural gas, petroleum, agricultural, coal mining, waste water reclaiming and landfill systems. All produce methane to a certain degree, some on a very large scale.

Modifying our behavior on methane production is actually a win-win situation. Unlike carbon dioxide, methane can be used as an energy source in and of itself. The technology is complex and the gas can be unstable, but we have certainly accomplished far more difficult tasks. The bigger point is that we don’t have to stop any activity that produces methane, just modify such activities to make use of the methane.

Global warming is a controversial topic. There is little doubt it is occurring. The real question is what it will mean as temperatures increase. Nobody really seems to know. What is clear is our current climatic situation is fairly calm. If you agree, why risk moving to a more chaotic one?

The Myths on Global Warming Exposed!

2009-06-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

By Nathalie Fiset

Today, everybody lives on a planet that has been battered by careless generations of the past. And we are still contributing to the earth's eventual loss.

There are so many factors that could cause the planet's demise. Water, air, land pollution, also, global warming. Global warming is defined as the increase in Earth's temperature (on both its bodies of water and atmosphere). Scientists have also projected a continuance on the temperature increase. Most people believe that global warming has occurred because of many, harmful human activities. Partly, of course, it is true. But let us try to look at all the other factors that lead to this catastrophe - well, before you start to panic or fuss about being toasted alive. Know first, that most of them are myths!

The National Center for Policy Analysis in the United States has contested the common myth that humans are the primary cause of global warming. According to them, there is no known scientific consensus in the globe that establishes the fact that humans have made a major contribution to global warming. That sort of eases the burden on our conscience, doesn't it?

There are so many myths about global warming that we are now led to think that they are facts. Let's start busting them one by one:

1. Scientists all over the world agree that there is global warming. Myth. Although the earth's surface is a bit warmer (by 0.3 degrees Celsius) since the 1800's, no known scientific organization or group have agreed on that fact. In fact, scientists have recorded that over the past 18 years, there was no increase in earth's temperature.

2. Humans caused global warming. Yet another myth. In fact, the burning of fossil fuels alone is not enough to cause earth's global warming. And scientists agree on that fact. This is not a denial of man's negligence rather, they dare to establish the fact that humans comprise just a small percentage on the cause of global warming.

3. There will be major natural catastrophes that will occur on the planet's surface as the condition worsens. Myth number 3. Globally, scientists agree that no major hurricanes are on their way just because the earth's temperature rose slightly. They also stated that the ocean levels would not rise to consume humankind. The sea levels have risen, yes. But this is just within normal bounds. Also, the ice caps are not melting at an alarming rate.

4. The government should act fast in global warming legislations. Myth. While it is true that the government should try to protect the planet from further damage, there should be no rush on our legislators. The effects of global warming haven't reached the point where extinction should be feared. According to scientists, the government can wait until the year 2020 to cut on emissions, that is, if they want to wait until that year.

5. This next myth could be attributed to humankind's denial of global warming. People say that global warming is not true because winters are much colder than what they use to be. Although more and more people are bundling up during the winter season, this does not erase the scientific fact that the earth's surface is warmer now than in the previous years. But then again, there is no cause for panic.

6. The level of carbon dioxide on planet earth is at a staggering rate. Myth number 6 now. With or without the help of humans, the levels of carbon dioxide do rise and fall. And just so you would be appeased, carbon dioxide levels were much higher in the past when industrial developments were non-existent, than they are now.

7. The fluctuation of carbon dioxide levels cause global warming. Busted again! It is the other way around. Global warming can cause a shift in the levels of carbon dioxide.

8. Walking or using bikes would help save the planet from global warming. That is a false idea. Giving up all the gas-driven vehicles in the world would not make a major change on the earth's temperature. Remember that it is the solar activities that cause major changes on the earth's temperature and not carbon dioxide (or monoxide for that matter).

These are globally accepted ideas about global warming but are actually myths. Why don't you go about and tell the ‘real facts' to your loved ones. Start with the one beside you.

The Effect of Global Warming on Hurricanes

2009-06-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

By Rich Johnson

Global Warming is a term denoting a gradual warming of the Earths average temperature. The term has become synonymous to the Earths warming exclusively due to man-made effects, especially carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide concentrations have increased from 300 parts per million to 384 parts per million since 1900, with the most accelerated increase during the past 40 years. Some scientists have drawn the conclusion that the increase in the Earths average temperature (about 1°F since 1975) is essentially solely based on man-made activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, biomass burning, and deforestation

Causes of Global Warming

The Earths atmosphere is made up of different gases. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the total composition, Oxygen 21%, Argon 1% and traces gases .1%. Carbon dioxide makes up most of the volume of the rare gases. Water vapor varies from almost 0% over the deserts to 4% over the oceans. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide are the gases of interest since these are the greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases can reradiate heat or trap heat absorbed by the Earth from the sun. Water vapor is by far the largest mechanism for heat retention out of the greenhouse gases.

In the past, the Earths orbital eccentricity, variance of the tilt and wobble have led to periods of warmer weather. Even though the solar energy from the sun is considered a constant, a slight change could cause temperature fluctuations. Recently, Mars has also shown a decrease in ice coverage without greenhouse gas changes. The cause for the reduction in aerial coverage is unknown.

In summary, there are three mechanisms which would cause global warming, or in other words allow for a warming of the Earths average temperature. These are: (1) solar energy variance, (2) gradual changes in the Earths orbit, tilt, and wobble, and (3) greenhouse gas changes. It is difficult to calculate what percentage of the recent warming could be attributed to human activities. We can eliminate changes in the Earths orbit, tilt, and wobble causing a temperature increase since these are long term effects.

What are the Effects of Global Warming on Hurricanes?

There is a common misconception that since the global temperature has increased, hurricanes also must increase in number and intensity. The primary factor in the ability of a hurricane to strengthen or weaken is the wind shear profile of the atmosphere - not water temperature. It always has been warm enough in the tropics to produce hurricanes. This temperature equates to a sea surface temperature of about 80°F. If you study the behavior of hurricanes you can find cases where hurricanes have strengthened over cooler water and have weakened over warmer water. There may be a small "boost" to a hurricanes strength as it moves over the Gulf Stream, if upper air wind profiles do not change much. Some of the computer generated hurricane models have this bias built in and will rapidly strengthen a tropical cyclone if predicted to go over a warm pool of water.

The recent upturn in tropical cyclone activity was predicted long before Global Warming became a household name. The tropical Atlantic has been known to vary in cycles, and this recent upturn was expected. If you were to compare the period from 1900 to about 1950, with the 1950s until now, you would find an actual decrease in the average number of hurricanes and their intensity. It also is noted that the upswing in hurricane numbers over the past ten years or more has been only in the North Atlantic basin. Other hurricane formation regions have not shown this same trend.

The Effects of Global Warming on Hurricanes: Summary

There has been a noted increase in the number of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico since the mid-1990s. The long term average is that ten tropical storms will form per year, of which about six will become hurricanes. Since the mid-1990s the average has been fifteen tropical storms, of which eight have become hurricanes. There has also been an upward trend in the concentration of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide due to mans activities over the past 100 years. During this time, hurricanes have gone through cycles where they have been more numerous, such as the cycle that we are in now.

Some scientists have drawn a one to one correlation between the Earths temperature increase and the number of hurricanes and their intensity. As we have noted, the number one factor in tropical cyclone intensity is related to the atmospheric wind shear profile. There is even some research that suggests that higher temperatures could actually increase the wind shear profile resulting in a decrease in hurricane activity. The upward cycle in hurricane numbers is expected to continue for several more years. If this trend were to continue for a considerably longer period, only then could one draw a conclusion that warmer temperatures have played some part to cause an increase in tropical cyclone formation.

Go Green and Stop Global Warming and the Greenhouse Effect

2009-06-18T15:23:00.000-07:00

By Acline Wyle

Global warming and the greenhouse effect are becoming bigger and bigger issues due to the increase in extreme weather over the past few years. The best way to stop these two phenomena is by making more eco friendly and energy efficient decisions in our lives.

What Causes These Problems and How Do We Fix It?

The greenhouse effect occurs when Earth's atmosphere traps solar radiation, which is caused by atmospheric gases that build up due to air pollution. Global warming is the gradual increase in Earth's surface temperature, and it is responsible for the melting of the polar ice caps. Global warming is caused by the greenhouse effect, so solving one problem would solve the other.

The devastating climate changes that have been caused by global warming are slowly but surely getting worse and more extreme. If nothing is done to make it stop, things are going to spiral out of control and humanity will be at risk. Although the task at hand may seem daunting, it really isn't. If everybody decided to go green and make eco friendly lifestyle changes, then we would all be in a much better position.

Since the best way to go green is by increasing energy efficiency, we should all reuse more and waste less. For example, recycling all paper, plastic, and glass products would make a difference. We should also rely more on alternative and renewable energy resources rather than fossil fuels that cannot be replenished. This can be done by converting to solar power in your home, driving a hybrid car, or using biofuels.

Global Warming - Starting Over Again With the Spiritual Solution

2009-06-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

By Jason Witt

The Time has come to accept global warming is coming and it marks the End of the Age. Climate change can be slowed down but it's not going to be stopped. And right now almost nothing is being done to delay its onset. However, this outer End is your inner Beginning.

Because now is the Time of the Return of Jesus. Many people who call themselves Christian are out there preaching that we're living in the End-Times. But almost none of them have accepted what Jesus said about the Last Days.

He described His Return as happening during the summer. He told the simple Parable of the Sprig of the Fig Tree: when it buds you can tell that the summer is near. Few who bill themselves prophets have cared for the Words of Jesus Himself.

And the rest who do see global warming arriving tend to think it can be stopped. But there already aren't too many more chances to do anything about it, at least according to the climate scientists.

Those experts aren't conservative Christians in identity and yet they know the Truth about what's happening to the earth today. The religious people who claim they are the most devoted to Jesus are ironically among the most angry deniers of global warming. Why?

Climate change brings Jesus since He promised to come back with it. The millions of so-called Christians either deny it or want in vain to stop it from happening. Few of them believe Him to receive Him.

Jesus is near in their mouths and far from their hearts. If He were close in their hearts then they'd care about His Return and would know global warming is when it will happen. Instead they teach all kinds of distractions and diversions from any Inner Experience of the real Christ.

You can tell how they feel about Jesus inside themselves by how they feel about the climate change in the outside world; if they liked Him they'd be pleased to be blessed with His coming into their minds and into their hearts today.

You can be blessed by it even though most people never will be. This can be a Start for you. As the world hurtles toward its heated finish you can experience the wonderful joys of the Ultimate Times.

So watch for Jesus to return today. He will come into your mind and into your heart when He comes, just as He promised. Watch for Him always so you have the Chance to become one with Him. You won't have to wait very long.

Global Warming is Caused by Both Man and Nature

2009-06-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

By Cheryl Forbes

It will take all of us to make a significant impact in the world against global warming. The earth is in trouble because of the pollution that we may have caused. It would seem that we are apathetic to the earth's plea for help. Every natural disaster that is happening to the world, to us, is caused by us. We may have caused it directly or indirectly.

One of the more significant effects of the damage that we have caused this planet is global warming. We may have been feeling how it is a little warmer, how the seasons are all in disarray. It is cold when it should have been hot and it is hot when it should have been cold. Typhoons are also stronger than ever before, aside from the fact that it is more frequent. And haven't you noticed how a little rain could cause floods? Don't you find that weird? Well, these are all the effects of global warming and we should be alarmed by it.

That is why natural and environmental causes such as the earth day should be supported because aside from minimizing the use of electricity which is by the way one of the causes of global warming. It brings about social awareness to inform those who are oblivious to what is happening to the world and it re-educates those who are aware. Information is the key and it may be the cure if we do it together. Great things are going to happen. Just the recent earth day brought about great changes that will be felt by the people for generations to come. Can you just imagine the positive effects that this will bring to mankind? Earth will benefit if it continues yearly. Who knows maybe one day global warming will no longer be a problem.

Want to Know the Effects of Global Warming?

2009-06-18T15:13:00.001-07:00

By Dewayne Blalock

The effects of global warming are, needless to say, alarming and cause for immediate attention. The effects of global warming are more visible now than it ever has been before. Its apparent visibility makes it impossible to ignore. Changes in climate, in rainfall and snowfall patterns are all too hard to ignore. Mankind can no longer continue in its denial in the face of such drastic changes in the climate and weather patterns of the earth.

Summers are getting hotter. There is a shortage of fresh water. There are more floods, earthquakes than ever before. More and more species are becoming extinct, and even more are on the brink of extinction. If steps are not taken immediately, life as we know it now will cease to exist for our children and grandchildren.

The earth's temperature is increasing. The ocean is getting warmer. Marine life is threatened. These are the effects of climate change. Global warming is very simply the continuance of an ever increasing temperature of the earth. The earth's temperature rose 0.06 degrees Celsius in the 20th century. And by the year 2100 it is predicted that the earth's temperature will rise from 3 to 5 degrees Celsius. This in turn will lead to the ocean level rising by 25% or more.

The main culprit of climate change is the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. Co2 increases are due to deforestation, an increase in the production of methane, and the burning of fossil fuel. To be more specific, the main culprit of global warming is mankind. And it is mankind who is ultimately responsible for finding a solution. It is everyone's responsibility to do something about it. Each one of use can make a difference. No matter how small a contribution it is, it will go a long way to make a big difference.

The news of the increase in global warming is not only a thing of worry but it is also frightening. Only a drastic turn around can stop this alarming trend. Only drastic measures can bring about a drastic change. Only if these measures are taken can a solution to the effects of global warming be found.

Carbon Footprint - How to Reduce it and Help Slow Global Warming

2009-06-18T15:08:00.000-07:00

By Eliza Tam

Not many people heard the term Carbon Footprint, what it is and what the relation in global warming is is what I will share to you.

A carbon footprint is the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual or organization and it can also be a result of an event or product. It has units of tons or kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent. In the simplest point of view, a carbon footprint is a measure of the affect or impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change and global warming.

Carbon footprint is made up of two parts

1. The Primary Footprint is an assessment of our direct emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of fossil fuels. It includes domestic energy consumption and transportation such as car and plane. We have direct control of these footprints.

2. The Secondary Footprint is an assessment of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use every day. In short, the more products we buy, the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.

One of the biggest producers of carbon emissions is electricity. Therefore, every time you turn the television on or make a coffee you are adding to global warming. Now is the right time to reduce our footprint and we can do it anywhere and anytime especially in our own home.

Let's start by doing these simple things.

1. First and foremost, sign up to a supplier of electricity from renewable sources like solar, wind and hydroelectric power. By doing this you will reduce your carbon footprint contribution from electricity to zero.

2. Turn electrical appliances when not in use. Turning down the central heating and water heating setting by just 2 degrees will make a significant saving. Fit energy saving light bulbs.

3. Fill your washing machine and dish washer with a full load. By doing this will save you water, washing powder, and electricity.

4. Share a car, use the bus or train rather than your car and for short journeys either walk or ride a bicycle. If you travel less, you travel more carbon footprint friendly.

5. Change your buying habit. Do your weekly shopping in a single trip and buy only seasonal foods. Foods out of season will have either been flown or shipped in from far away and all adding to your carbon footprint. Buy local fruit and vegetables, or you may even try growing your own.

6. Buy organic produce and don't buy over packaged products and recycle as much as possible.

7. Think about what type of activities you do in your spare time. Avoid Saunas, Health clubs, restaurants and pubs, go-karting and other similar activities. Doing any of these can cause an increase in carbon emissions.

8. In your workplace, turn off monitor and computer and even lights when you are away or leaving from your desk. Don't print unnecessary documents and if it is possible to print two pages to a side and double sided, do it.

Reducing carbon footprint is just a matter of attitude. By doing these simple tips will make a significant impact on slowing global warming. You can be a source of inspiration to others and before you know it, they are following the right path because you lead them.

Discover the Secrets to Reduce Global Warming

2009-06-18T15:05:00.000-07:00

By Dewayne Blalock

You might disagree, but hear me out on this. In order to reduce global warming, we need to think globally but act locally. What? The common reaction of most people when it comes to global warming is "what can I do? I am so small and the problem is so big. How can one single individual make much of a difference? Some others say it's the big companies that are responsible for most of the climate change so let them tackle it.

By shifting blame we won't come to a solution. Global warming is everyone's problem. Cause even if you did not cause it you are still affected by it. The ones who don't cause it will suffer just as much as the ones who cause it. So there you have it. It really is everyone's problem. And every one can contribute to its solution.

The main causes of global warming as we all know is the increase of co2 in the earth's atmosphere. Co2 levels increase in the atmosphere due to deforestation, burning of fossil gas, toxic emits from land fields, to name a few of the most common causes.

To reduce global warming these are the areas of change required. There must be an increase in the planting of trees, a decrease in the use of fossil burning, increase efforts for recycling, and a stop to landfills. In a way the computer age has been a boon. Though the computer age has contributed to climate change, it has also led to a decrease of the use of paper. And paper as we all know comes from trees.

To reduce global warming everyone has to do their part. As an individuals, there things we can do to lend our contribution. We can make sure to recycle things and whereby reduce waste. Buying reusable products over disposable ones is a good way to start.. We can spread the word of how to protect the Earth and reduce climate change.

We can instruct others. We can drive less and use public means of transportation. We can join clubs that promote the planting of trees. We can protest if there is an illegal cutting down of trees in our neighborhood. We can save electricity in our homes. We can use less electronic gadgets. We can all do our little bit to reduce global warming. Your next step? Take what you have just learned and educate yourself on how you can help to control and prevent climate change.

Recycling Helps Prevent Global Warming - How to Keep the Environment Clean

2009-06-18T14:59:00.000-07:00

By Bryan Burbank

If you want to keep the environment clean then you need to recycle everything you can. You should set aside a few spaces so that you can keep your recyclables in a separate area. All of your water bottles should go into one container so that it will make it easier for you to take them to the recycling center. Also you need to make sure that you recycle all of your chance and glass bottles as well because this will also help the environment. Many people do not know that you can also recycle your old newspaper, you can call to have it picked up each month.

If we are going to prevent global warming than one way that you can take part is to recycle everything you use. the best thing you can do is educate yourself on the best way that you can recycle all of your throwaway items. Maybe some of your old clothes can be donated to Goodwill this way they can be recycled and used again. Make sure that you try to avoid using plastic bags from the grocery store because once they end up in a landfill they can cause a lot of problems. Once you have started a recycle program in your house you will find that it is easy to do.

Remember that if you want to improve the environment you need to recycle everything you can. It always works better if you have specific containers that you use for each of your recyclable items. Once you make a few small steps towards improving the environment you will feel better about yourself.

Green Solutions to Global Warming

2009-06-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

By Ashok Malhotra

There is much concern at the present time about the increasing addition of green house gases to the earth's atmosphere. A prominent greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. This gas is produced when fossil fuels are burnt to produce energy for driving our automobiles or for producing electricity in power plants. It is believed that increasing addition of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will result in adverse changes to the earth's climate such as global warming to the extent that many presently inhabited areas of our planet will become inhabitable.

As a result of the concern caused by the emission of carbon dioxide from power plants it has been proposed that the use of fossil fuels should be restricted and a greater emphasis should be laid on alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind power.

There is however another route to reducing green house gases that may in the long run prove to be the most beneficial route towards improving the life sustaining qualities of our planet. This route is to green the planet. Carbon dioxide is to plant life what oxygen is to human and animal life. Plants need it for their growth and sustenance. Every time a tree is grown, it absorbs and converts some atmospheric carbon dioxide to useful organic materials. This absorption of carbon dioxide is rapid in the early growing phase of a tree. Absorption of carbon dioxide continues throughout the life cycle of a tree because trees continue to produce fresh foliage year after year.

Large portions of our planet have been deforested through recent human activity. While some deforestation is required for agricultural purposes there is much that can be avoided. In addition very large parts of our planet are large deserts or barren land not suitable for agriculture. These latter tracts are ideally suited for increasing green forests on earth. In ancient times they were green. It is for this reason that petroleum is found in such areas. Modern science and technology has made feasible the planting of select varieties of trees in dry desert areas. It is true that there is a cost involved in planting forests. Some of these can be recovered if the money that is being used for developing and subsidizing alternative energy sources is diverted for this purpose. More can be generated if the industries emitting carbon dioxide are levied an additional tax for forestations

The source of fossil fuels is green organic matter that once grew on earth's surface. In ancient times this got buried under the surface and converted into coal, gas and crude petroleum oil. Bringing it back to the surface of the earth through mining is the first step towards returning this green material to the earth's surface. The second step is its combustion to produce carbon dioxide.

The final step is the conversion of this carbon dioxide to plants and trees through human effort. The green house gas emitting industry is already doing a commendable job of the first two steps of this cycle. However, we as a civilization have lagged behind in the last step towards greening our planet. Urgent attention must be given to this last step. If not done, it will result in the conversion of some of this green gas into materials such as inorganic carbonates through natural processes. Calcium carbonate is one such product. One converted into an inorganic form the carbon becomes unavailable for creating biomass. The result is a planet that is more barren than it has ever been before. Large scale planting of trees that reduce barren tracts of earth, including the Sahara Desert is the route to go if humans are seriously interested in improving our planet over the short as well as the long term.

Global Warming - Global Climate Change

2009-06-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

By Birte Edwards

If there is global warming then will there also be global climate changes?

Questions we should ask ourselves: Is global warming happening?

If yes, then: Why is this warming taking place, what are the causes? Are they natural or are they man made?

We could then ask: What impact will this warming have on the climate globally?
And also: Is there anything we can do, as a global community or individually, to stop the warming, slow it down, or reverse it?

The biggest question of all:

Can we, the most successful species on the planet ever, allow ourselves to be ignorant and not take action, one way or the other? Can we allow ourselves to leave behind something different than we received? (Would we do that we anything else in life that we receive?)

So what is global warming

Global warming is the gradual increase of the earth and ocean temperature as a result of the build up of certain gases which trap heat in the atmosphere. These heat-trapping gases, also called greenhouse gases, occur naturally and are produced naturally in certain areas of the planet, but they are also produced in very large quantities through the use of fossil fuels.

One reason it is difficult to pinpoint if global warming and climate change is taking place is that it is a slow process, and a process that has occurred many times before man came on the scene.

Should I be concerned about this

And so what if the ice caps are melting? I am nowhere near an ice cap. What does that have to do with me?

This should be obvious. What happens on one side of the globe affects people on the other side. Most of us strongly believe that, when it comes to politics and economics, and it is as true for the climate as well.

We also know that a natural phenomenon, such as an earthquake, can take place in mid-ocean and kill tens of thousands of people at distances of thousands of miles (such as the December 2005 tsunami).

Eruptions of major volcanoes have profound impact, not only on the people in its vicinity, but also on people far away and the climate even on the other side of the globe.

At the end of the Gulf War in the Middle East in 1991 many of the oil wells in Kuwait were put on fire deliberately. The emissions from these fires caused major climate changes in many parts of the world.

The Earth gets warm and there is Life

The earth is warmed by the sun. The sun's activities and the earth's position to the sun have a direct natural effect on our climate.

In addition to the general heat coming from the sun, there are also sunspots generated on the sun's surface. These sunspots are areas with increased magnetic activity and seem to be the cause of sun flares and mass ejections. When earth is in the path of these flares, enormous waves of additional heat and magnetism impact our planet. The results can be higher temperatures, when other elements that control our climate are disappearing, such as certain protective layers in the atmosphere.

The earth's orbit around the sun is elliptical, and so there are times when the earth is closer to the sun than others. When that occurs, it's normal to have an increase in the world's temperatures.

The earth is kept warm by gases in the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, as well as water vapor, prohibit heat from escaping into space. If our atmosphere contained none of these gases, our planet would be a very cold place. The question being debated is if there actually is an increase in these green house gases that then trap more heat, and so cause climate change.

These gases are created naturally from wetlands and the arctic tundra. Plants in other parts of the world use these gases and in exchange give out oxygen, a gas that we need for breathing.

How does Global Warming Affect the Climate

Average temperatures world wide will rise. There is no consensus among scientists as to how much. But even a small rise can have vast impact on our environment.

With more heat in the atmosphere the temperature of the oceans will go up. This in turn will impact the ice caps, as well as hot water eco-systems. At the ice caps the glaciers will begin to melt. Some say this has already started.

As the water in the oceans heats up it will absorb less and less CO2 (carbon dioxide), thereby contributing further to global warming. The ice caps and the oceans have a very important part in the balancing of global climate. Fewer ice caps ... less reflection of sunlight ... more heat stays in. Warmer oceans ... less reflection ... more heat stays in. Inland glaciers will also feel the effect and melt.

As the ice caps and inland glaciers melt, water levels will rise. This will put low-lying coastal areas under threat of flooding.

As the water temperature changes, it will influence the frequency and the ferocity of hurricanes and tornadoes.

As ocean temperatures go up, finely balanced underwater ecosystems may not be able to survive, such as coral reefs in tropical areas, thereby affecting the whole oceanic eco-system.

As ocean temperatures go up, there will be less rain in hot dry climate zones. This means longer and more devastating droughts. These areas will be more susceptible to wild fires. Deserts will expand, and whole eco-systems will be threatened.

As inland glaciers melt, the flow in the rivers coming off them will increase, causing floods.

Have Climate changes happened before
Climate changes have occurred and will continue to occur naturally. They occur when there is a change in global temperatures due to the influences mentioned above. This influences ocean temperatures, precipitation, deforestation and the migration of wildlife. Relatively recent examples of climate changes are the ice ages and the periods in between; the last ice age ending some 10.000 years ago.

How much do we humans as a species influence this process of global warming

As we have seen greenhouse gasses occur naturally as part of the balancing of earth's temperature.

Does human activity increase the concentration of these gasses in the atmosphere? Since everything on this planet has an affect on everything else, I think it is safe to say that human activity plays a role. We have to decide how much. Since the dawn of human history we have influenced our environment. We have dried up swamps, cut down trees to such an extent that forests vanished, we have expanded agricultural land at the cost of natural resources, we have mined and drilled and what not.

From the beginning of the Industrial Revolution our impact on nature has dramatically increased. Being so successful a species we have even increased in numbers to the detriment of other species.

In the natural world trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and exude oxygen, the gas we need in order to breathe. The burning of fossil fuels in transportation, industry, and power plants produce carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gasses in quantities larger than natural.

Since more and more forests are being cut down, especially the rain forests, there are less trees to absorb the carbon dioxide, again resulting in a rise in general greenhouse gas content in the atmosphere.

Is this a double indemnity

Is it possible that earth is going through a period of natural warming?
Is it possible that the activity of man is affecting the planet?

What are we up against

The above scenario may seem frightening and depressing. Frightening enough to make us do something, depressing if we don't do anything. As stated global warming and climate change is a very slow process and has been going on for eons.

We don't have all the facts, though a majority believes it is happening. Within a period of global warming, there could be shorter periods of cooling, off-setting the warming to some extent. Such shorter intervals can also be misleading, making some believe that global warming is just in the mind of a few crisis loving scientists or politicians.

Obviously we cannot change the natural causes, such as the earth's orbit around the sun and the sun flares. But we can have an impact on the man-made causes. Just as we may have caused an aggravation of warming, we can also take an active role in reducing continued aggravation.

The question here is: Can we allow ourselves NOT to take such action?

Do we as top predator, or the most successful species, have a responsibility for what happened, and what will happen?

What actions can we take, as individuals or as societies, or both?

If there is just an inkling of possibility that we may be causing some of this, shouldn't we do something about it?

Answer some of these questions will come in further articles as well as information on how we can make a difference. Some of the information will be for societies to take action on, but there is so much each and every one can do on a small scale, and many small rivers can make a big one.

Human Causes Global Warming

2009-06-17T16:03:00.001-07:00

By Ian Pennington

Human causes global warming because most of their daily activities involve the use of oil and fuel which are widely known as a primary source of pollution and contaminants that trigger global warming. The best example of these activities are the use of vehicles, machines and other modern technological advancements made by man which use oil and fossil fuels. Due to the beneficial effects of these things in our daily lives, we never notice the negative effects its prolonged and unmonitored use brings to our environment. Today we focus more on the conveniences and comfort that we derive instead of preserving mother earth.

Now, let's go into the details on how human causes global warming as we head into the 21st century. Our rampant use of modern day vehicles such as cars is the foremost contributor to the global warming factor. They use oil or fuel that when are burned or consumed release emissions that contain hazardous elements like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons. Another is the use of machines and fuel operated devices utilized in factories, which also contribute to global warming for the same reason as they consume fuel hence emitting poisonous gases to our atmosphere.

In light with the slow but sure deterioration of our environment, we as stewards of our planet need to make necessary adjustments in order to ensure the preservation of Mother Nature. One such method is by turning to alternatives which are now made available for us due to technological advancements such as solar powered cars, and geothermal power plants. Awareness must be made regarding this serious problem so we can make adjustments to better combat this growing threat. Better educating our society regarding the effects of global warming would tremendously increase our awareness thus providing us or at the very least giving us clues on ways to solve the problem. This is the first step we have to take if we are to help our environment. As the human causes global warming, it is only that same human who can stop and reverse the condition.

These are only some of the options that we can turn to in order to stop and hopefully reverse our environment's condition. It is imperative that we make amends for the mistakes we and our ancestors have made that our society and environment as it is now. The time to act is now and as surely our Earth is in need of the same nourishment it has provided us since the beginning of time. The human causes global warming problem must be stopped and our environment cured if we are to make our world safe to live in for us today and for generations to come.

Top Ten Causes of Global Warming

2009-06-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

Global warming has been discussed over and over again. In recent months even politicians like Al Gore have gotten involved. He created a documentary called, “An Inconvenient Truth”, to try and push for more action as well as to enlighten the public. His view is that there are solid facts that global warming exists and skeptic scientists don’t. Many people believe that global warming does not exist because they are not being affected directly; however, scientists believe that the increase in natural disasters comes from global warming.

In NY, I hear a few people here and there saying, “you call this global warming” just because the temperature is at 10 degrees even though this winter it only snowed once compared to the past. Have you ever seen the painting of George Washington sailing across the Delaware River? If you have, you know there is ice in that water. Now if you look at that river during the time of year that picture was taken, there is no ice. What about in the summer when you feel the heat of the sun and realize it is a little hotter now then a few years ago? That could all be in your mind due to media hype and all, but how can you tell?

Where does all this global warming stem from anyway? Who or what is the cause of all this debate and discussion? Some People are afraid and they want answers to their questions. The following is the list of the top 10 causes of global warming. With all the facts laid out, one can make a better decision about what global warming is and how it might affect them.

1. Carbon Dioxide From power Plants

One of the largest contributors to global warming is said to be pollution from power plants. Every time you turn on a light, you add to the tons of carbon spewed into the sky by long tubes connected to these massive coal or oil driven “machines”. According to recent studies, approximately 40% of all carbon dioxide emissions comes form power plants. Natural gas, coal, and oil are the 3 types of polluting power plants. Coal is the biggest contributor out of the 3 because of it releases more carbon than the rest of them per capita. Studies, like the one done in the film, “An Inconvenient Truth”, show that the levels of carbon in the atmosphere has increased drastically in recent years and will probably continue to increase in the years to come.

Some skeptics believe that the levels of carbon are completely normal. According to http://www.geocraft.com, the levels of carbon found in the atmosphere today mirror those found hundreds of thousands of years ago. They believe the scientific “proof” that global warming exists is taken out of cortexes because they look at the past 100 years instead of the bigger picture. The earth has been around of billions of years; earthquakes, monsoons, ice ages, meteors, and so forth, have all affected the earth without destroying every living thing on it.

Despite what others say, many people have created solutions for the pollution caused by power plants. For example, products that help to reduce the green house emissions have emerged. Filters that improve the quality of the air released into the atmosphere have been created to solve this problem. In addition, government regulations have been placed to force owners of large industrial buildings to improve the quality of the air produced by their buildings. Finally, hydrogen power has also become a way of reducing carbon. According to Tom Simonite of http://www.newscientisttech.com, using carbon is better than using water to generate power, and it is completely environmentally friendly.

2. Pollution Emitted from Cars

Driving to work in the morning is one example of this. When your stuck in traffic, how long does your car stay idle on the road, releasing it’s pollution into the air? There are approximately, 3 billion vehicles being used today. Similarly with the power plants, cars also emit carbon into the air. Cars emit millions of tons of pollutants into the air. In some dense cities, this causes some of the smog and ozone problems. 1,500 cases of cancer are reported each year from pollution according to www.nsc.org.

Luckily, solutions are available. Many ask, “What can I do.” One thing that can be done is a switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles such as hybrid or electric cars. Some countries are even using cars that run on hydrogen. In the near future, talk about ethanol to replace gasoline in cars seems to be a promising change.

3. Pollution from Trucks

Trucks, although less in volume, make up for a large portion of the earth’s pollution with each truck’s individual output of pollutants. The difference between cars and trucks is the type of fuel used to run them. Diesel, the standard for trucks and other vehicles used for carrying large loads, is known to be less clean than gasoline. Trucks roaring down streets can bee seen from a mile away with a tiny smoke stack blowing out the product of having to carry large amounts of goods from one place to the other.

How can our society get rid of trucks? They are vital for the economic health of certain companies. They are used to build homes and carry supplies, People go camping and carry gear with them, and the list goes on. According to http://www.ucsusa.org, diesel is reaching a point where it can no longer meet the standards of government regulations. What kind of alternative can be used instead?

4. Pollution from Airplanes

Airplanes are indispensable to today’s society. Businessmen fly across the country on a daily basis to meet the demand of industry. In less than 24 hours, you can fly across the circumference of the planet traveling from the US to China. So how can you possibly blame these amazing gravity defying machines of global warming? 10% of the green house gas emissions come from airplanes. You might be going to a vacation or to a business meeting but those airplanes you travel on are releasing their pollution directly into the air they fly in.

According to the Christian Science Monitor, during the 3 days after 9/11, there was a difference of 4°F in the average highs and lows compared to other days. What caused this change? It is believed that the contrails of the air crafts are the cause of this. Following 9/11, all airplanes were grounded. This allowed scientists to see the difference in the temperatures with contrails in the sky and without them. Although airplanes do pollute the sky, they accidentally reflect some sunlight.

5. Pollution from Buildings

Although many believe those large SUV’s and Airplanes are the cause for all the commotion going on about global warming, the houses we live in may be a larger contributor. Unlike cars and airplanes, homes have a long lifespan of 50- 100 years meaning that changes in this area may be difficult to accomplish. Houses are mainly built to burn oil, or run on coal. In most houses, coal is used for electricity because it is the cheapest and most abundant resource.

To assist with this problem, architects will have to start using materials that can reduce the consumption of fuels by making them better ventilated or better at holding in heat. Government regulators must pass laws forcing contractors to follow stricter guidelines when building homes to reduce energy consumption. Finally, individuals can reduce the amount of frivolous energy they use on a daily basis.

6. Methane Stored in Water and Ice

With the increase in temperature, a fear of methane being released into the air arises. Methane is approximately 60 times stronger than carbon dioxide as a green house gas. According to scientists, in the past, a rapid release of methane has led to immense heating of the earth. In the past, when the earth’s temperature rose to a certain level, such as 8 degrees above normal, the earth’s temperature then increased an additional 14 degrees.

Methane is stored in the earths oceans and is released when the temperature increases and pressure reduces. Also, methane can be found in ice. When ice melts, methane stored in the ice is released. Scientists fear that if the earth reaches a certain temperature, it would be impossible to turn back and prevent a massive increase in temperature.

7. Nitrous Oxide

According to www.smm.org, nitrous oxide has about 310 times the effect on global warming than carbon dioxide. In other words, despite the fact that Nitrous Oxide makes up such a tiny amount of the atmospheric gases, it is more dangerous than carbon dioxide.

The causes of Nitrous oxide are unknown as of now. Some believe this gas comes from microorganisms and natural reactions in the earth. This would not account for the fact that the amount of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere has increased. Others believe that the increase could come from the sun, sunspot activity, and other factors that can be related o the thinning of the ozone layer.

8. Deforestation

In the past, many countries demolished forests to fuel a growing market for wooden goods; chairs, tables, homes, and so forth, so their country can grow and prosper. Now, when developing nations are trying to build their nations, they can’t because trees are made up of 50% carbon. Many countries need to destroy their forests to make room for farm land and feed their people. Other countries need to create products and help their countries economies.

In 2006, a workshop was held, according to www.fao.org. At this workshop 200 leaders from developing nations attended to discuss the destruction of the world’s forests. To help those nations who attended a deal will be put into place that will allow the developing nations to feed their population with less farmland.

9. City Gridlock

According to an article on, www.austintraffic.blogspot.com Austin Texas is one of the worst traffic nightmares anywhere. A 2 hour wait to go a short distance of only a few miles is no way of traveling. All the idle cars starting and stopping to move the few inches in front of them is not a way to improve the environment. According to the article, construction new roadways and highways take a very long time and could be a bit faster. Others said that even if more room for traffic was built; it would all be taken up by more cars, thus, ruining any chance for a reduction in traffic.

10. Carbon in Atmosphere and Ocean

According to an article on, http://www.scienceblog.com, Asian black carbon covers about 8,000 kilometers of the Pacific Ocean. What does this have to do with global warming? When the black carbon floats over the ocean, it prevents the ocean from absorbing the heat of the sun and reflects it back increasing the temperature of the earth. The pollution also reflects some of the heat that would heat the water but the atmospheric heating is greater.

Water actually contains more carbon than the atmosphere. With more carbon dissolved in the water than in the atmosphere, the earth remains balanced. When that balance changes, problems arise. Plants need a certain amount of carbon, but can suffer with an increased amount. Just like when a person overdoses on a certain vitamin, so can a plant with too much carbon. The destruction of plants would further increase the effects of global warming by reducing the amount of carbon being taken from the air. Adversely, if enough time passes, perhaps plants can adapt and absorb more carbon? Nothing related to global warming is every one sided.

At last, a conclusion must be reached. Which side will you stand on? Now that the facts are in front of you, will you choose to continue leaving the light on in your bedroom and leaving or will you turn it off? Do you think that would even help at all? The question of global warming being the end of civilization is up to you to decide. Read everything you can on the topic, create your own ideas, and share them with the world.

Will Global Warming Cause the Next Ice Age?

2009-06-17T15:45:00.000-07:00

By Robert F Allison

One major problem in the debate over climate change is a general lack of knowledge on the subject. People usually don't think about where their electricity, gasoline, or toilet paper comes from. Part of this acceptance comes from the way industry separates products from the production process...When we turn on lights in L.A., we don't see the plants and coal mines that generated the power...Only those paying careful attention make the connections. Another part of the problem is that we are reluctant to question science, which has such prestige that people rarely stop to question who is funding research and whether that could compromise findings. (Gibson 17)

Most people also don't understand how the theory of global warming works. They think that a really cold winter is evidence that global warming is a myth. However, scientists that support the ideas of global warming are referring to long-term climate change. Climate refers to environmental patterns over a long period of time. Weather refers to short-lived events, and can have isolated extremes. One of the predictions of many scientists is that global warming will cause more extreme weather: hotter summers, longer droughts, colder winters, and stronger storms. According to their theories, Europe could be tossed into another ice age because of global warming, not turned into a tropical paradise. This is because of the effect global warming could have on ocean currents.

Skeptics will often find any opportunity to attack the views of scientists based on some isolated weather event, or the lack of such an event. If the scientists predict increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, skeptics will point out that this last hurricane season was extremely mild, with the only intense storms hitting Mexico. Ultra-conservative commentator, Rush Limbaugh, doesn't just consider global warming to be a myth; he calls it a hoax and a religion. "It's got salvation, got everything in it. It has the primary ingredient of every religion: faith. Because none of it can be proved" (Limbaugh 4). Limbaugh also takes issue with the use of the word "consensus" by global warming activists, and is right to do so. "Consensus and science-I got blue in the face saying this-don't and cannot mutually co-exist" (Limbaugh 4). If scientists had reached any sort of consensus, this would be a dead issue. Most scientists agree that the temperature of the earth has been gradually increasing, but that doesn't mean they agree on the possible causes or consequences.

A survey of more than 530 climate scientists from 27 different countries showed that 82% of the scientists agreed that global warming is occurring. Only 2.6% said they "strongly disagree." When asked if current scientific knowledge can allow for a reasonable assessment of greenhouse gases, two-thirds of the scientists disagreed with the statement.

The question most people are most keen to ask climate scientists is probably "do you agree or disagree that climate change is mostly the result of anthropogenic (man-made) causes?" Slightly more than half (55.8%) of climate scientists surveyed agreed, 14.2% were unsure, and 30% disagreed. Interestingly, more scientists "strongly disagree" than "strongly agree" that climate change is mostly the result of anthropogenic causes. The survey clearly shows that the debate over why the climate is changing is still underway, with nearly half of climate scientists disagreeing with what is often claimed to be the "consensus" view. (Bast 4)

The study goes on to clarify that the question wasn't whether humans have any effect on climate, but whether they are mostly to blame. It's certainly quite possible that humans are having at least some effect on the climate, but nothing can be proven with any certainty.

Some skeptics believe that mankind is too insignificant and could not possibly have so much influence on the environment. S. Fred Singer is a well-known climate change skeptic. He has been trying to gain support for the theory that climate change is a natural, cyclical process. He believes the earth has a 1,500-year cycle of warming and cooling, with minor ice ages interspersed with interglacial periods. Singer claims that his research shows this cycle going back at least one million years, often with abrupt changes. At one time, Greenland was quite green, with crops and livestock farming. Warm waters were abundant with fish and seals. There were two thriving settlements, but they were eventually lost to glaciers, malnutrition, and starvation. Dairy farmers were even forced to eat their cows. This was due to a 1.5 degree Celsius drop in average temperatures between 1100 and 1400. "Denmark would not re-colonize Greenland until 1721, when the Little Ice Age was losing its grip on the huge island. Today, 150 years into the Modern Warming, Greenland has 50,000 people" (Singer xii). Singer believes that these cycles are caused by solar changes, not greenhouse gases. He is skeptical of activists who "ask society to renounce most of its use of fossil fuel-generated energy and accept radical reductions in standards of living to "save the planet" (Singer 3). While it makes sense to not be swept up in the alarmist propaganda of activists, being unwilling to sacrifice an air conditioner or SUV, if it is truly necessary, seems selfish and defiant.

The Prime Reasons and causes of global warming

2009-06-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

By Carl Ganser

Global warming is a phenomenon that has been discussed widely nowadays and global warming causes are one of the most studied subjects presently in the world. Through out the world many governments, institutes and universities are trying to find out what are the causes for global warming. As the effects of global warming is becoming more and more evident, many of us have started to realize that steps have to be taken to control Global warming at the earliest and various countries and people have started working towards it.

The earth, the 3rd planet of our solar system, the planet brimming with life and beautiful landscape, is on the verge of getting destroyed. The main reason is global warming. Global warming is the slow and steady increase in the temperature of earth and its atmosphere. The increase in the temperature of earth has caused many effects like the melting of ice in Polar Regions, increase in disease occurrences, drastic climatic changes including rainfall and dry periods.

One of the major causes for global warming can be attributed to the activities of man. The man which thinks of himself as the most intelligent thing on earth is knowingly or unknowingly destroying its own habitat. The activities of man has lead to an increase in the so called greenhouse gases which include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxide etc. the gases have created an effect of green house on the earths surface which prevents the reflection of the rays from sun and thus causes the increase in temperature. Carbon dioxide concentration in the air has increased due to the emissions from cars, airplanes, power plants, industries etc. another reason for it is the deforestation. Forests have been cut down paying way for agriculture, industries and cities. The trees were natural regulators of carbon dioxide which used to control its level’s in the atmosphere.

Another is the CFC which is used in refrigerators, in fire extinguisher’s which destroys the natural ozone layer. The ozone layer was a natural barrier which used to prevent the harmful ultra violet rays of the sun. Without this layer, the rays fall on the earth and cause the temperature to increase. Researchers have found an ozone hole in our atmosphere, which they say is the main reason for the melting of glacier’s in the Polar Regions. Earth which mainly consists of developing or underdeveloped countries, which holds a major population needs electricity for the day to day activities. The electricity supply is mainly satisfied by burning fossil fuels. The fossil fuel on burning releases carbon dioxide which causes global warming.

The causes of the global warming have been in work for a long time and slowly it has caused the increase in the temperature. The satisfactory fact is that at least now the governments of various countries and its people have started to understand that they are one of the causes for the global warming. Therefore combined efforts by the different countries have started to control the global warming and thereby prevent our habitat from destruction. Awareness, alternative forms of energy, conservation of energy, and reforestation can help.

These are the major causes of global warming and hopefully by taking measures we can bring this grave situation under control. If people are educated about the global warming causes, they can do what they can to control global warming in their everyday life.

Causes and Effects of Global Warming

2009-06-17T15:33:00.000-07:00

by Nick Tart

The earth's climate has been in a constant state of fluctuation throughout its history. Of course there was the ice age but our planet has also gone through long periods of warmth. However, over the last 200 years the earth's average temperature has been on a steady rise. This is the undeniable fact that our globe is getting warmer.

Causes

This change, known as global warming, is directly correlated with the Industrial Revolution. Ever since the Industrial Revolution humans have depended on the burning of fossil fuels as their primary source of energy. Burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, causes the emissions of dangerous greenhouse gases, predominantly CO2, into our atmosphere. Then these gases prohibit the heat from escaping into space, much like the glass panels of a greenhouse.

It is estimated that energy-related activities account for more than three-quarters of CO2 emissions. Of that three-quarters, more than half comes from stationary energy sources, such as power plants. While about a third comes from our transportation.

Just as CO2 emissions have been increasing, so has deforestation. Because trees naturally recycle CO2 back into oxygen, deforestation has caused the effects of burning fossil fuels to be exponentially harmful to our environment.

Some people have argued that the "theory" of global warming is completely inaccurate. They say that we are just going through another period of global warmth, and our planet will eventually cool down on its own. This is wrong.

It has been scientifically proven that:

Greenhouse gas emissions cause heat to be trapped within our atmosphere and
The Industrial Revolution of the last 200 years has emitted much more CO2 and other greenhouse gases than the earth has ever seen.

Effects

Climate change, global warming in particular, has had several environmental effects. Scientists have already observed some changes in our environment.

Shrinking glaciers
Sea-level rise
Changes in the range and distribution of plants and animals
Trees and flowers blooming earlier
Lengthening of the growing season
Rivers and lakes freezing later and melting earlier
Thawing of permafrost

Whether you believe it or not, global warming is real and it will directly affect us and our children.

Solutions of Global Warming

2009-06-17T01:43:00.000-07:00

By Ian Pennington

The effects of global warming could be seen around the world because on deserts, water scarcity is becoming increasingly serious, and in tropical countries summer season is getting longer. These things happen because the absorptive capacity of the atmosphere is reinforced by both natural and man-made cause global warming. Earth earthquake, eruption of the greenhouse effect and slow the global balance and human activities continually add to pollution and environmental pollution. Now that we are already experiencing these unlikely effects, we must ensure the proper solutions of global warming.

The first case brought by global warming is the use of renewable energies like solar, wind power, geothermal and biogas. The replacement of these items for use in oil and other fuels greatly reduce pollution and reduce global warming and its effects. The use of renewable energy could reduce the accumulation of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and other by-products produced during the combustion process or fuel combustion. The second solution of global warming is found in humans because its actions are a major contributor to pollution. Humans should develop self-discipline, energy conservation should learn from these also could reduce global warming.

These solutions of global warming can not be done for a while because these efforts must be undertaken in a long process. People should be used for these changes and take in their daily lives as if we will only do so for several days, there will be reduction only, not solution or eradication. Today should begin the campaign to make known to all so that we can each take part in this global problem. We should start these campaigns ourselves, then our family and, finally, we will extend our company and the world. Everyone must fully understand what global warming is, what are its signs, what are possible solutions and what should we do now - the full understanding of the problem is also the remedy itself.

Our present world could still recover what they lost, whether we act to preserve, protect and conserve our environment. The plants can flourish once again and the animals and humans can procreate pro-create. Starting today we will not mind the loss in the solutions of global warming so that we will always be responsible in everything we do. We will always take the blame from ourselves to avoid anything that could contribute and worsen our current situation today. Once they have instilled in ourselves and start implementing it, without doubt, our world is a better place for their will be no threat of drought, famine, and of course the issue today, global warming.

Global Warming Solutions for government and consumers

2009-06-17T01:37:00.000-07:00

By Bryan Wong

The technology and ingenuity already exists to reduce the threat of global warming. This includes solutions that will stimulate the American economy by creating jobs, saving consumers money, and protecting our national security.

By investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, as well as increase the efficiency of the cars we drive, we can take important steps to reducing our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels that are contributing to the threat of global warming.

By using energy more efficiently and using more renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and bio-energy, we would significantly reduce our emissions of heat-trapping gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2,) methane, and nitrous oxide.

The United States currently produces 70% of its electricity from fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil, but only 2% from renewable sources. Since the burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of CO2, which is the leading cause of global warming, into the atmosphere, increasing the share of electricity generated from renewable resources would be one of the most effective ways to reduce global warming emissions.

Another effective way to reduce global warming emissions would be to reduce the emissions from cars and trucks, since they produce 25% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. A sensible and realistic way of reducing emissions from cars and trucks would be to create better cars, minivans, and bigger cars. They would be just as powerful and safe as the ones currently on the road, but they would get 40 miles per gallon or more.

By having better transmissions and engines, more aerodynamic designs, and stronger yet lighter material for the vehicle's body, these vehicles would increase the average fuel economy of the current automotive fleet from 24 to 40 miles per gallon over 10 years. This would be the equivalent of taking 44 million cars off the road, which not only would save individual drivers thousands of dollars in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle, but also would reduce the CO2 emissions into our atmosphere.

More than 50% of America's electricity is still being produced from outdated, coal-burning power plants that dump pollutants and heat-trapping gases into our atmosphere. Power plants account for one-third of the U.S. total of CO2 emitted into the atmosphere.

By increasing our use of clean renewable energy, investing in energy efficiency, and reducing pollution from fossil fuel plants, consumers will save money, heat-trapping emissions will be reduced, and the U.S. would have less need for new coal and gas power plants.

A study conducted by the Union of Concerned Scientists has found that we could reduce our power plant CO2 emissions by 60% compared with government forecasts for 2020. This would result in a $440 billion savings for consumers, which translates to $350 annually per family by 2020.

Another good solution against global warming is using more major appliances that comply with new or updated standards. Clothes washers, dishwashers, water heaters, furnaces, and boilers all comply with these standards. In 2006, new standards for air conditioners took effect that increased efficiency by 23% over the old standard. This will result in less need for medium-sized power plants in the future. Further progress and gains can be made when it comes to commercial equipment like refrigerators, heaters, furnaces, and public lighting.

Another way to reduce CO2 emissions into our atmosphere is by protecting threatened forests, which store carbon, the base of CO2. When these forests are cut down and/or burned, the trees release their carbon, which raises the level of CO2 in our atmosphere. In fact, tropical deforestation accounts for 20% of all human-caused CO2 emissions each year.

Finally, we can help to reduce CO2 emissions by supporting American ingenuity. The U.S. Government has made some progress in reducing CO2 emissions by developing renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency. Federal research dollars have driven technological advances in fuel cells, which runs engines on hydrogen fuel and emits only water vapour.

However, the US Government can do more to contribute to global warming solutions; while investing roughly $1.4 billion in fossil fuel research and nuclear research in 2001, it only invested $376 million for all renewable energy technologies combined. More vehicle research needs to be conducted on hybrid and fuel cell cars, renewable ethanol fuel, and the cleanest forms of hydrogen production.

As you can see, there are many solutions that can be undertaken, both by the government and by the consumer, in order to reduce the threat of global warming. Steps should be taken as quickly as possible to avert the most damage; the longer we wait to take action, the more damage that will occur from our CO2 emissions and the less effect our CO2-reducing efforts will have in protecting our world from global warming.

Global Warming Solutions - Why Your Business is the key to success

2009-06-17T00:52:00.000-07:00

By David Biddle

The U.S. commercial sector (offices, institutions, stores, entertainment venues, etc.) is responsible for 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas output annually. Add to that the 1.6 billion tons coming from the industrial sector and another 900 million tons generated by commuters and trucking and American businesses are responsible for 3.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide and other hothouse gases -- over half the energy related emissions annually.

Every company in America, then, can make a significant contribution to the war on global warming by cutting energy use. Here are some tried and true ways of doing that:

Develop a company policy for telecommuting - commuting with a second family car can cost employees over $5,000 a year
Retrofit all lighting with compact fluorescents and other high-tech offerings - 20% of all commercial electricity goes to lighting
Buy Energy Star equipment (new standards will be out in 2009) - buying cheap can sometimes mean high energy costs
Maintain heating and cooling equipment properly - building engineers will tell you that no one gives them a decent budget for maintenance procedures
Contribute to employee public transportation expenses - get your local transit authority to help you calculate the benefits to the climate
Hire an energy efficiency consulting firm or an Energy Service Company (ESCO) - experts can guide you to savings well beyond their fees - don't try to re-invent the wheel
Create strategic alliances with vendor partners committed to energy efficiency - vendors investing in reduced energy and transportation costs, zero waste packaging, and strategic planning are partners who will be there for the long-haul
Set recycling goals approaching Zero Waste - through recycling, composting and waste reduction planning, most businesses can now get serious about eliminating waste altogether
Buy recycled-content products, supplies and materials - recycled content materials and supplies use half the energy of non-recycled.
Track your energy use intelligently and communicate this regularly company-wide - if you don't measure it, you aren't managing it

Remember, energy savings and other conservation measures like recycling should always mean reduced costs. If your bottom line matters to you, fighting global warming should be a no-brainer.

David Biddle is a freelance writer and an environmental consultant. He writes about a diverse set of topics including: the cultural implications of global warming; recycling and solid waste policy; and energy efficiency and renewable power sources.

Fight Global Warming by Using Water Powered Car Engine

2009-06-17T00:45:00.000-07:00

By Rita Chatterjee

Is a water powered car really possible? Can it really help prevent global warming from happening?

Without a doubt, it is possible to run your car with water - still with gas, but not 100%. The principle is simple; with water you can split two elements, oxygen and hydrogen. With these and gasoline in your engine, you are running on an Earth-friendly car. Though there are also cars that are running on fuel-cell in the market, but this one is far safer. And not only is this technology good for Mother Nature, it also has a lot of advantages for you.

It increases your gas mileage to up to 35%. This applies to both highway and city driving conditions. One can save money on fuel -- it is estimated, that each car could save at least a thousand bucks a year by running their car on water. And the more cars you use in your family, the bigger your annual savings are.

Water hybrid car eradicates the emission that can harm the environment and thus contribute to global warming. Instead of polluting your surroundings, you will be adding oxygen to the environment. And as we all know, we people need oxygen. It also eliminates carbon deposit and therefore prevents carbon build up in the future.

It is also a fact that the more gas you use, the more the engine of your car gets battered and in effect reduce the performance. This alternative though, can improve your engine's performance instead. You will note a quieter, smoother and much calmer engine operation - because using water has that effect on the engine's combustion cycle. So you may enjoy your car engine's extended life expectancy, especially the rings, valves and the pistons.

And the best thing about this, apart from the advantages to your pocket and to your environment - you can build the device yourself using the conversion kits that are available in the market today. Being environment-friendly is easy nowadays; you just have to want it. So start driving water hybrid cars, not only will you be contributing to your planet; you will also be saving tons of money.

Here are your advantages of using water as a fuel?

1. Prevent global warming and reduce carbon emission
2. You can build hydrogen gas generator in your car with less than $100 investment.

Climate talks giant Global Warming - Where? Home of the solar plants in Bonn, Germany, of course!

2009-06-17T00:40:00.000-07:00

By Lance Winslow

For those who charge the scientists and folks who do not buy into the whole global warming debate as Deniers, it is rather interesting that this political football is being run towards the goal line by alternative energy companies. For instance, in Bonn Germany, groups from around the world are getting together to discuss what limits, regulations, and rules should be placed on World-Wide Industry to curb CO2 output and curtail climate change.

Bonn, Germany also is the home of one of the largest solar cell factories in the world, and obviously, they stand a lot to gain if a carbon trade scheme is implemented in the US and if the WTO puts carbon tax requirements and quotas on competing energy generation sources and coal-fired plants. Of course the group getting together says they are "working to build a treaty to tackle climate change" and whereas, that maybe true, they are also building something that will definitely guarantee their own success and profits.

In other words this group is filled with people and companies that will profit of any regulations imposed on their rivals and competing companies. Now they have joined with the UN's UNFCCC (United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change). It should be quite apparent that this is no longer about clean energy or saving the Earth; this is purely about wrestling away the highly profitable energy sector from competitors, just like Kyoto tried to do.

While the United States is putting together a counter proposal, it is clear that they have a two-fold reason for doing so; first, they want to curtail China's and India's industrial capacity so they can compete. And they also wish to appease the masses which have been brain-washed into believing that Global Warming is real by the world media. Further, I certainly hope no one who is in a leadership position in the US is actually doing this because CO2 is a pollutant or causing the planet's ambient temperatures to heat up, because it's all a bunch of hot air. Please consider this.

Actual Facts about Global Warming

2009-06-17T00:38:00.002-07:00

By Ian Pennington

In spite of the advancement of our technology, why is it that the problem with global warming is yet a big issue? And with the extreme environmental conditions and changing weather patterns, why are the true facts about global warming still being disputed? As we understand how the different global warming facts impact on our lives, we should stop arguing and just keep in mind our respective roles in preventing further damage from occurring like the storm effects of El Nino, La Nina and the havoc brought on our environment.

Being responsible citizens of this planet, we have a pressing duty to communicate the true facts about global warming to all, but how are we going to start such communication? It will be so important to be of great awareness about the accurate facts and we can only do this by continual study. Among the first things that we should know is the correct details on the history of the earth, which is created almost 4 Billion years ago. Our planet's atmosphere contained less than 1% oxygen and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was as low as 190 parts per million as of the last Ice Age, about 21,000 years ago.

In 2007, over 800 Million Motor Vehicles have accounted for 80% of all transport-related energy use. The warmest years on record were 1998 and 2005.

Global warming is also induced once there are changes in land use like when forests are converted from wild agricultural plantations to rangelands then from rangelands to farmed agricultural land, and then finally to urban areas. Deforestation, over cultivation, desertification, overgrazing, and salinity - also reduce the net uptake of carbon dioxide, increasing global warming. The forests in 3rd world countries are shattered and cause carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, letting smoke and embers to take carbon levels in the air to a higher stage. Carbon molecules act together with other chemicals in the air to produce a greenhouse effect. Researches say that in 10 years or so, climate change will significantly bring out worse effects on humans and other living things. So knowing these true facts about global warming, we should take our individual responsibilities seriously before it's too late.

Global Warming Facts

2009-06-17T00:26:00.000-07:00

By George Christodoulou

Global warming is happening and some people still think that you are not going well, but have yet to admit the climate is changing. The planet constantly altering, we have to decide what to do to adapt. Animals and plants are already changing the way we operate and the migration of early flowering. With technology constantly changing, new variables are added to the equation of global warming that pessimistic scientists must take into account before the punishment planet. Now, for all those skeptics who think global warming does not exist, here are 5 facts about global warming.

1. The Planets has increased and the average temperature of 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius in one) in the last 100 years. With the increase of greenhouse gases, the suns rays remain trapped and increase the temperature of the world. It is expected that the temperature will increase in coming years because more and more of the suns heat is trapped here on earth.

2 The cause of increased climate change is human activity causing the pollution and greenhouse gases according to many scientists. Heavy industry strongly emits carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ozone and other gases. With increased competition to create the most products of the highest quality comes an increase in the production of greenhouse gases, but with new laws and filters, the amount of these gases are emitted into the atmosphere has decreased.

3. If the temperature rises to a certain extent, methane from the oceans could be released into the air and dramatically increase the temperature of the Earth to dangerous levels. This is not to scare anyone and do not even have to do with global warming or greenhouse gas production, but scientists believe that methane released from ocean ended the Permian period, ended up with countless creatures of the earth and the sea, and raised the temperature of the planet considerably.

4. People say that deforestation is a contributor to global warming, no? According to the Organization for Food and Agriculture (FAO), deforestation occurs at a speed of 53,000 square kilometers per year. This may adversely affect the atmosphere as the trees are 50% carbon, and cause environmental problems of land that used to take in the great forests.

5. There are more than 50 things you can do to stop or slow global warming, including lowering the thermostat, the choice of energy efficient appliances and taking showers instead of baths. Every little thing you can do to avoid wasting energy can help reduce the impact of human interaction with the earth's climate. Global warming or not, avoiding waste of energy not hurt anyone.

Weather you believe that humans are causing global warming or it is a natural phenomenon that happens, you still have to be aware of its impact on the world. Do some work and learn about both sides of the debate. Now is the time when this topic is at its peak it helps to know some facts.

Climate Change Hoax If You Can Believe It

2009-06-15T08:48:00.000-07:00

By Barry Lough

The climate change hoax is what some people call the theory of global warming. Many people out there do not agree with this theory or its purposed consequences. Is global warming a hoax?

The book, "The Chilling Stars: The New Theory of Climate Change," explains how the sun's cosmic rays have a much larger affect on the earth's climate than the carbon dioxide levels do. We just so happen to be going through a quiet period with the sun right now. During this quiet time the sun does not give us as much protection and allows more rays from outer space to hit us. This causes more clouds which leads to cooler temperatures.

During questioning of NASA scientists recently, all three of them avoided directly answering questions about climate change. All of them would only say that it was not their area of expertise. They would not even give their personal opinion about what they thought. One had even read the book mentioned above and still would not say if he agreed with the book or not. Makes me wonder if they have a gag order on them.

There is also further evidence of a climate change hoax when you look at ancient climates. Look at the average temperature for the mid Paleozoic Era, which ended about 250 million years ago, and you see that it was about 27 degrees C. At the end of the Mesozoic Era, when the dinosaurs ruled, the average temperature also hung around 27 degrees C. We are in the Cenozoic Era which started at about 25 degrees C and at present our average temperature is about 15 degrees C, so we have gone down as far as 12 degrees C. In other words, we are only warming up from a minimum of 12 degrees C but nowhere near warmer than we have been in earth's history.

All of the eras have had their highs and lows, which should make one think that maybe it is a normal cycle of the earth to have these changes. When the temperature dropped right after the mid Paleozoic Era it only stayed low for a little while and then climbed right back to 27 degrees. Back then, the earth did not have the factors that we have today that people blame for global warming.

So why did the earth warm up after cooling? There have been similar ups and downs in the average temps throughout the different eras. Actually, our Cenozoic Era has been low, temperature wise, for the last half of it. We are averaging quite cool temperatures now comparing the overall averages of the other eras.

Another sign that shows that global warming is questionable is that Antarctica's ice is in better shape than reported earlier. In October 2008, the ice extent makes up to 18.1 million square km, up from the measurement taken in October 1979 when it reached 18.0 million square km. The concentration of the ice is 13.9 million square km, a rise from 13.6 million square km. So where is this drastic melting we keep hearing about?

Also, it has been suggested by the Equinox series that some scientists have actually had funding denied because they wanted to try to discredit the present global warming theory.

So is global warming a hoax? Do your own research and discover the facts on this climate change hoax for yourself.

Barry is a weather forecaster who now conducts air quality modeling and research. He has a diversified background in meteorology an likes to use strong intellect and savvy, scientific methods, statistical research and analysis for interesting and unusual things. He also seems to enjoy writing about related topics.

Global Warming Caused By the Green-House Effect

2009-06-15T08:30:00.000-07:00

By George Christodoulou

The green-house effect is the most important cause behind global warming. In fact global warming is known as the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon leads to an increase in the Earth temperature due to certain gases like CO2, nitrous oxide, and methane. These gases trap the energy from the sun and without them the heat would go back into space and Earth would be one massive iceberg. Since these gases warm the Earth, they are known as greenhouse gases.

In the last couple of decades, people have started using glass houses to grow plants in winter and these are called greenhouses. Typically, these houses will trap the heat from the sun. The glasses in the greenhouse let the light through and at the same time prevent the heat from escaping.

As a result, the greenhouse heats up to keep the plants alive in the winter. Similarly, the greenhouse gases in the Earths atmosphere work like the glass and prevent the heat from escaping. The sunlight enters piercing through the cloud of greenhouse gases and when it reaches the Earths surface, it is absorbed by land, water, and air.

After absorption the same energy is sent back into the atmosphere. Some of it remains trapped in the atmosphere due to the greenhouse gases and this energy makes the Earth warmer. Since there has been an increase in CO2 emissions in the last couple of decades, more and more heat is being absorbed in the atmosphere. This is increasing the temperature of the Earth gradually and causing global warming.

Global Greenhouse Effect and C02

2009-06-15T08:25:00.000-07:00

By Lottie Carrot

According to a paper from the Proceedings of the National Economy of Sciences, we are producing too much C02. The C02 has a literal "bath tub" effect on the globe, as it continues to fill and the "drainage" is not working fast enough. To add to this problem is the fact that the environment is experiencing warmth amplification from other greenhouse gases.

Slew of problems:

On the global scale, climate change and its vicissitudes, including amplified warming would have profound effects on the lives of people everywhere. These are all interrelated, and even the ozone hole is not improving.

C02 emissions from the use of oil products and fossil fuels have increased the C02 saturation in the atmosphere, to the point that the natural "sinks" where the C02 can drain are clogging up. Plants and other natural "sinks" cannot absorb or transform the C02 fast enough.

The effect?

Amplified warming in most of the areas of the world that have been used to the cold. Northern Europe is not excluded from this bleak picture. With the problem of peak oil and other significant man-made problems, it seems that there is little to smile about in the coming fifteen or so years.

Job for the Governments:

Scientists and climatologists have been literally "bugging" national governments to take care of the climate and the environment. Now that climate change cannot possibly be a good thing in relation to food production in sensitive regions of the world, science is waiting for human intervention to happen.

The current treaties, such as the Kyoto Protocol are not really helping that much due to the sheer number of people dependent on technologies that produce carbon dioxide emissions. The problem is widespread but not incurable.

However, there is a misconception that if people lower emissions, the warming will stop. This is not the case, since the warming has evolved through hundreds of years the Earth will need more time to stabilize itself. However, not doing something now can speed up the processes. A long term solution is required to control the millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions thrown to the air on a yearly basis.

Tips For Fighting Global Warming

2009-06-15T08:22:00.001-07:00

By Daniel Ambrose

There are many ways to fight global warming and to help the environment, rather than contributing to the ways that are harmful to our environment.

I know many will say they are unable to help, or just do not know how. Well I am happy you are reading this because you have just taken a step towards contributing to the fight of global warming.

Step #1, Acknowledging that there is a problem and taking steps to learn more about it and how to fight it.

That is the most important step, as without it, you will never take the following steps that are so important to the fight to save our planet from plummeting into an irreversable cycle of global warming and chaotic climate change.

The ways to fight global warming are not what is difficult. The difficult part is now past - you have accepted that we must fight and do our part.

Step #2, Did you realize that simply changing your house hold lights to fluorescent, or energy saving bulbs can make a huge differrence in your carbon foot print?

So realizing that simple things can make a huge difference in the fight against global warming. It does not need to be something that throws your whole life out of kilter. But on the bright side, making these simple changes can save you alot of money on your utility bills.

Step #3, Stop throwing our future in the trash.

When I first started to recycle I was worried I would not have a way to store the recycling - because our community use to only collect recycling once every month. Wow! Did I ever get a wake up call.

I soon discovered that instead of setting out two very large cans, with wheels, full of garbage each week, I was setting out one can that was no where near full, each week. So I was adding a lot less to the dumps, and I had an extra can for my recyclables - Except the newspapers that I just stacked neatly until recycling day.

Step #4, Rediscover the joy of walking to the local grocery store.

This is an important step, and I understand that it just is not possible for everyone. But the important part is to realize the need to drive your vehicle less. Think about that trip to the store. Must you go now? Perhaps you can put it off, or combine that trip with something else that you are going to need to do.

Step #5, Consider upgrading your vehicle to a more economical model, or a hybrid.

This final step I through out there in the hopes of catching you in the right frame of mind that you will seriously consider this step. I know this can be a big decision for many people, and I only throw it out there to get you to at least be thinking about it.

As always, here at info2saveearth.com, I make suggestions, and provide simple tips, because I want to do all I can to help in your effort to go green and in providing ways to fight global warming. Because I want my grandchildren, to have the same wonderful world to enjoy watching their grandchildren grow. Thank you!

Effects of Global Warming on Agriculture and Food Supply - Implication For the USA

2009-06-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

By Christophe Catesson

For a long time it has been believed that the effects of global warming on agriculture and food supply is going to be a positive one. This is because the rising level of carbon-dioxide resulted for climate change will help the greeneries for photosynthesis.

Thus there will be a rise of agricultural production and food supply. The theorem received a boost after the evidence of a sharp rise of barley production as one of the effects of temperature increase in Iceland which was quite impossible even few years ago.

But more recent experiments and researches have revealed that the effects of hotter weather on agriculture and food supply are not that good after all. AN UNEP 2001 report on the subject predicted that USA is going to have more droughts, floods, landslides and storms.

Winter will gradually be shortened and sobered down, while summer will rise in expansion and severity. Along with this heavy rain, big storm, heavy snowfall, high sea level, increasing coastal erosion and other problems will occur.

Though as one of the effects of climate change, the overall food supply and production level is supposed to rise in USA, but the Great Plains will suffer with more droughts resulting for these modifications.

Even now many effects of temperature increase on agriculture and food supply have been perceived. The popular maple syrup production of North east USA has diminished by 10%, moving its production zone to farther north for shorter and warmer winter.

On the other hand as one of the effects of global warming the south west USA is suffering from a water shortage which will increase in coming days. The zone has become dry for any standard agricultural production with an apprehension of resettling Dust Bowl of 1930s' by the year 2030 for climate change.

Following a report of IPCC on the weather modification, California's snow covered Sierra Mountains can reduce in near future by up to 60-90%. This will create dire water shortage in summer, making the Central Valley area unsuitable for agricultural production. The State University of Colorado has declared that the area is going to be less productive due to effects of global warming on agriculture and food supply.

Other destructive expected effects include the food supply production in Florida which is going to suffer a lot due to frequent and large scale floods. Also one of the most profitable agricultural products of USA - corn will suffer a bad condition due to dry and hot atmosphere.

As another example of the effects of weather change on agriculture and food supply - with the rise of temperature by 3 to 11 degrees in this century, the production rate of the main crops - the rice, corn, wheat, barley, soybeans and sorghum - will be cut down by 3-5% for each point rise of temperature.

However with all these effects of heat increase on agriculture and food supply, new attempts have been made to adjust the agricultural and food production method according to the changing atmosphere. So to fight the effects of weather alteration, the researchers have established new methods of production with continuous revision of models. But still the best possible process to reduce the effects of global warming on agriculture and food supply is to be established.

Effects of Global Warming on Health

2009-06-15T08:12:00.000-07:00

By Christophe Catesson

A report of the effects of global warming on health published by WHO, has estimated around one million fifty thousand deaths every year due to global warming. Further it declared that each year five million people are suffering from health problems and diseases caused for this climate change. The rising concern over this matter has led many scientists and researchers to take a deeper look and prepare a plan to save human civilization from this onslaught.

Global warming has caused changes in temperature, ocean current flow, sea level, ecosystem, economy, agriculture, industry, settlements and related to all these - the health and living. Warmer world has created congenial atmosphere for the breeding and life expanse of various virus, bacteria and carriers of infectious diseases. Few evidences of global warming leaving negative effects on human health are:

- The vectors distribution of infectious diseases have been altered and increased. - Heat wave resulted causing deaths. - The seasonal distribution of few species of allergenic pollen has been changed. - Various extreme conditions of global warming like droughts, heat and cold wave, storm, flood, fire will increase the death tolls as well as injuries and diseases.

- Malnutrition and disordered development of children.

- It will cause increase of malaria, diarrhea, cholera, dengue, encephalitis and other diseases.

- There will be constant rising rate of mortality due to ground level ozone related diseases as well as high cardio respiratory morbidity.

Thus it will affect human health in two major ways - with extreme weather condition and with rising infectious diseases. IPCC in a study of one of the most global warming affected area of Illinois, Chicago, has provided an apprehensive report that by 2020 extreme climate condition like heat wave will raise the climate average deaths to 400 and to 497 by 2050 from the present average of 191. European heat wave of 2003 is an example of its severity. Heat waves will even cause cardio respiratory complications resulting to high rate of deaths.

The results of ill health due to climate change and infectious diseases are already evident. Houston as well as many tropical countries are experiencing frequent outbreak of malaria, dengue and other encephalitis diseases. Even colder regions like Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Queens are severely suffering from malaria since 1990 as a result of global warming. McAllen of Texas also suffered a dengue epidemic in 1995. Florida, New Orleans, Arizona, Mississippi, Texas, Colorado, and California - all are experiencing encephalitis epidemic for global warming since 1987. According to IPCC, 65% of world population will suffer from high risk of infectious diseases in near future. The risk itself will be increased by 20%, only as a result of global warming.

Facing such an impending calamity due to climate change, the requirement of proper planning and organized adaptation to new and changing condition has received a new dimension. Along with urgent and basic adaptation practices to fight the immediate effects, a longer planning and elaborate gradual methodology are also necessary to address the severity of future conditions resulted from this. A participatory approach to the holistic development of human health is expected to sober down the effects of global warming on health to some extent.

WHAT IS GLOBAL WARMING ??

2009-06-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation. Global surface temperature increased 0.74 ± 0.18 °C (1.33 ± 0.32 °F) during the last century.The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that increasing greenhouse gas concentrations resulting from human activity such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation are responsible for most of the observed temperature increase since the middle of the 20th century.The IPCC also concludes that natural phenomena such as solar variation and volcanoes produced most of the warming from pre-industrial times to 1950 and had a small cooling effect afterward.These basic conclusions have been endorsed by more than 40 scientific societies and academies of science, including all of the national academies of science of the major industrialized countries.

Climate model projections summarized in the latest IPCC report indicate that global surface temperature will probably rise a further 1.1 to 6.4 °C (2.0 to 11.5 °F) during the twenty-first century.The uncertainty in this estimate arises from the use of models with differing sensitivity to greenhouse gas concentrations and the use of differing estimates of future greenhouse gas emissions. Some other uncertainties include how warming and related changes will vary from region to region around the globe. Most studies focus on the period up to 2100. However, warming is expected to continue beyond 2100 even if emissions stop, because of the large heat capacity of the oceans and the long lifetime of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Increasing global temperature will cause sea levels to rise and will change the amount and pattern of precipitation, probably including expansion of subtropical deserts.The continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice is expected, with the Arctic region being particularly affected. Other likely effects include shrinkage of the Amazon rainforest and Boreal forests, increases in the intensity of extreme weather events, species extinctions and changes in agricultural yields.

Political and public debate continues regarding the appropriate response to global warming. The available options are mitigation to reduce further emissions; adaptation to reduce the damage caused by warming; and, more speculatively, geoengineering to reverse global warming. Most national governments have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Radiative forcing

The Earth's climate changes in response to external forcings, such as changes in greenhouse gas concentrations, changes in solar luminosity, and volcanic eruptions. Climate also changes in response to variations in Earth's orbit around the Sun, but as these orbital cycles vary over thousands of years they are too gradual to have affected temperature changes observed in the past century.

Greenhouse gases

The greenhouse effect was discovered by Joseph Fourier in 1824 and first investigated quantitatively by Svante Arrhenius in 1896. It is the process by which absorption and emission of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases warm a planet's lower atmosphere and surface. Existence of the greenhouse effect as such is not disputed even by those who do not agree that the recent temperature increase is attributable to human activity. The

question is instead how the strength of the greenhouse effect changes when human activity increases the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.

Naturally occurring greenhouse gases have a mean warming effect of about 33 °C (59 °F). The major greenhouse gases are water vapor, which causes about 36–70 percent of the greenhouse effect (not including clouds); carbon dioxide (CO2), which causes 9–26 percent; methane (CH4), which causes 4–9 percent; and ozone, which causes 3–7 percent.

Human activity since the industrial revolution has increased the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to increased radiative forcing from CO2, methane, tropospheric ozone, CFCs and nitrous oxide. The concentrations of CO2 and methane have increased by 36% and 148% respectively since the mid-1700s. These levels are considerably higher than at any time during the last 650,000 years, the period for which reliable data has been extracted from ice cores.Less direct geological evidence indicates that CO2 values this high were last seen approximately 20 million years ago.Fossil fuel burning has produced about three-quarters of the increase in CO2 from human activity over the past 20 years. Most of the rest is due to land-use change, in particular deforestation.

CO2 concentrations are continuing to rise due to burning of fossil fuels and land-use change. The future rate of rise will depend on uncertain economic, sociological, technological, and natural developments. Accordingly the IPCC Special Report on Emissions Scenarios gives a wide range of future CO2 scenarios, ranging from 541 to 970 ppm by the year 2100. Fossil fuel reserves are sufficient to reach these levels and continue emissions past 2100 if coal, tar sands or methane clathrates are extensively exploited.

The destruction of stratospheric ozone by chlorofluorocarbons is sometimes mentioned in relation to global warming. Although there are a few areas of linkage the relationship between the two is not strong. Reduction of stratospheric ozone has a cooling influence, but substantial ozone depletion did not occur until the late 1970s. Tropospheric ozone is a positive forcing and contributes to surface warming.

Aerosols and soot

Global dimming, a gradual reduction in the amount of global direct irradiance at the Earth's surface, has partially counteracted global warming from 1960 to the present. The main cause of this dimming is aerosols produced by volcanic activity and emissions of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide. These aerosols exert a cooling effect by increasing the reflection of incoming sunlight. James Hansen and colleagues have proposed that the effects of the products of fossil fuel combustion—CO2 and aerosols—have largely offset one another in recent decades, so that net warming has been driven mainly by non-CO2 greenhouse gases.
In addition to their direct effect by scattering and absorbing solar radiation, aerosols have indirect effects on the radiation budget.Sulfate aerosols act as cloud condensation nuclei and thus lead to clouds that have more and smaller cloud droplets. These clouds reflect solar radiation more efficiently than clouds with fewer and larger droplets. This effect also causes droplets to be of more uniform size, which reduces growth of raindrops by collision-coalescence. Clouds modified by pollution have been shown to produce less drizzle, making the cloud brighter and more reflective to incoming sunlight, especially in the near-infrared part of the spectrum.

Soot may cool or warm, depending on whether it is airborne or deposited. Atmospheric soot aerosols directly absorb solar radiation, which heats the atmosphere and cools the surface. Regionally but not globally, as much as 50% of surface warming due to greenhouse gases may be masked by atmospheric brown clouds.When deposited, especially on glaciers, or on ice in arctic regions, the lower surface albedo can also directly heat the surface.The influences of aerosols, including black carbon, are most pronounced in the tropics and sub-tropics, particularly in Asia, while the effects of greenhouse gases are dominant in the extratropics and southern hemisphere.

It has often been suggested in the popular media that recent climate change may be due to variations in solar output.A few studies indicate that climate models may underestimate the effect of solar forcing, but they nevertheless conclude that even with an enhanced climate sensitivity to solar forcing, most of the warming since the mid-20th century is attributable to the increases in greenhouse gases. Others have proposed that the Sun may have contributed about 45–50 percent of the increase in the average global surface temperature over the period 1900–2000, and about 25–35 percent between 1980 and 2000.Studies of variations in solar output find that there has been no increase of solar brightness over the last 1,000 years Solar cycles have produced changes in brightness of about 0.07% over the last 30 years, which is too small to contribute significantly to global warming. The combined effect of natural climate forcing, solar variation and changes in volcanic activity probably had a warming effect from pre-industrial times to 1950 but a cooling effect since.

Greenhouse gases and solar forcing affect temperatures in different ways. While both increased solar activity and increased greenhouse gases are expected to warm the troposphere, an increase in solar activity should warm the stratosphere while an increase in greenhouse gases should cool the stratosphere. Observations show that temperatures in the stratosphere have been steady or cooling since 1979, when satellite measurements became available. Radiosonde data from the pre-satellite era show cooling since 1958, though there is greater uncertainty in the early radiosonde record.

A related hypothesis is that magnetic activity of the sun deflects cosmic rays that may influence the generation of cloud condensation nuclei and thereby affect the climate. Other research has found no relation between warming in recent decades and cosmic rays. The influence of cosmic rays on cloud cover is about a factor of 100 lower than needed to explain the observed changes in clouds or to be a significant contributor to present-day climate change

Arctic methane release

Warming is also the triggering variable for the release of methane from sources both on land and on the deep ocean floor, making both of these possible feedback effects. Thawing permafrost, such as the frozen peat bogs in Siberia, creates a positive feedback due to the release of CO2 and CH4.

Reduced absorption of CO2 by the oceans

Ocean ecosystems' ability to sequester carbon are expected to decline as the oceans warm. This is because warming reduces the nutrient levels of the mesopelagic zone (about 200 to 1000 m depth), which limits the growth of diatoms in favor of smaller phytoplankton that are poorer biological pumps of carbon.