The Realities of Global Warming

At the same time, advocates for global warming action, such as Al Gore, are winning Nobel Peace Prizes and Oscars. It is no wonder that Americans are confused about global warming, as they are constantly being inundated by contradictory information. According to a recent CNN poll, "roughly a third of the people who believe in global warming think it is due to natural causes, rather than manmade causes such as industrial emissions" (Steinhauser). Only 45 percent of people now believe that global warming is caused by humans, compared to 54 percent last summer (Steinhauser).
             Efforts should be made to eradicate any skepticism about global warming. Despite all the critics and propaganda, global warming is real and can be back by hard, scientific data. Currently, carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere are rising to unprecedented levels due to human activity and industrialization (Cooper). In turn, these levels contribute to an increase in global temperatures and are only exacerbated by the greenhouse effect, which traps the carbon dioxide particles in our atmosphere. The average surface temperature on our planet "has increased 0.5 to 1.1°F with nighttime minimums increasing more than daytime maximums" (Union of Concerned Scientists). Furthermore, the ten warmest years since 1860 "have all been since 1980" and the sea level on our planet has risen "between 3.9 and 10 inches because of thermal expansion of the oceans" (Union of Concerned Scientists). The evidence of global warming can also be physically seen. Recently, island countries, such as Fiji and the Maldives, have had some of their citizens displaced by rising ocean waters (Archer). Rising temperatures has caused glaciers to retreat or melt completely, as seen on Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. It is clear that global warming is a valid threat to humanity's existence, and action should be taken to preserve our livelihood and the health of our planet.