Remember a few years back, when everyone was interested in environmental issues? Greenpeace finally made it out of the swamp of activist organizations and into mainstream view. Bumper stickers suggesting that we save the whales, seals or whatever animal was most abused came back into style. Oh, and global warming. Everyone wanted to talk about global warming.
And then other stuff happened, and we forgot about it.
Honestly, when's the last time you heard, read or saw anything relating to global warming, short of the obligatory jokes come December? Unless there's something a large number of us have been missing, my guess would be not very often. As it turns out, though, it didn't go away when we ignored it. The planet is still steadily and quietly gathering heat into itself, and it's no less a threat than it was before.
Is global warming really a serious concern? According to most scientists, it certainly is. Since 1850, the average global temperature has risen 0.6 degrees Celsius, and during the past century, sea levels have risen between 4 and 8 inches. On top of this, the concentration of greenhouse gases is nearing its highest level in recorded history. While not unanimous, the overwhelming majority of scientists agree that a significant global warming factor is occurring.
Most predictions suggest the Earth's temperatures will rise somewhere between 1.4 degrees Celsius and 5.8 degrees Celsius by 2100. While predictions of how much, and to what end temperatures will rise are variable, the consensus seems to be that a definite upward shift will occur in the geologically near future. That may not sound like a great deal of difference, but on a global scale, it could be cataclysmic.
More heat is entering our atmosphere than is leaving it. Naturally, things will warm up. That's the same sort of elementary physics we were taught in high school. It's a frightening thought that we are actively altering the atmosphere of an entire planet -- not to mention it being one we rely on for our life and livelihood -- and a number of people, including a few scientists, simply will not consider it. But that's the direction the research is pointing. Medicine may be imperfect, but if nine out of 10 doctors tell me I'm in danger of a heart attack, I'll probably sit up and listen.
More than a few cultures before ours have been struck hard by rapid climate change. As the first culture ever to have access to long-term predictions, we should consider and plan for the kind of world we're going to leave our children's children.
Or at least tell them to dress for warm weather.
Write to Jonathan at
tenement_cellar@msn.com
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
