Unless you've lived under a rock for the past decade I am sure we've all heard about Global Warming and Climate Change. Over the past few decades the world has observed a series of changes in the natural systems of planet Earth that have never been observed as far as our record indicate. These changes are attributed to the phenomenon of Global Warming. Global Warming is the term that is used to illustrate the overall increase in the average temperature at the surface of planet Earth. There has been increase of 1.4°F in temperature observed of since 1880. This may seem minuscule, but the truth of the matter is that even a small increase in global temperature can have a profound effect on climate and our delicate biosphere. It is an indisputable fact, backed by scientific research and by visible changes, that Global Warming is a very real phenomenon that is affecting our planet.
The Greenhouse Effect is the process by which our planet keeps warm. If not for the Greenhouse Effect, Earth would be a much colder and desolate place. Greenhouse gasses like CO2 are naturally occurring in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat generated by solar radiation keeping the temperature at a comfortable level at which all life on Earth has adapted to. Scientific records has indicated an increase in the levels of many Greenhouse gasses since the end of the last Ice Age. However, Since the Industrial Revolution in the middle to late 1700's, Greenhouse gasses, most notably CO2, have increased exponentially. Geologic records indicate that there is a correlation between the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and the overall temperature of the planet. Research has discovered that the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and the over all temperature of the planet are directly proportional. As more CO2 is present in the atmosphere, the temperature of Earth increases. This occurs naturally with erupting volcanoes, however Mankind has been adding CO2 in excess amount on top of what is already a naturally occurring process. This is known as the Enhanced Greenhouse Effect. This, in correlation with deforestation and globalisation, is warming our planet to the brink. If we observe planet Venus we can see the end result crossing the brink. A runaway Greenhouse Effect can take place. This runaway effect has vaporised the oceans and atmosphere of Venus.
The warming that is occurring is responsible for the change in climate on Earth. Severe weather events that normally occur in low frequency are being enhanced. We are seeing an increase in the number of severe weather events as well of the intensities of these storms. This month there has been an unusual set up in the weather pattern across the U.S. The jet stream has been displaced far north. Low pressure systems have become cut off from the jet stream flow and become practically stationary over portions of the Southeast bringing prolonged periods of rain. This rain has also been very intense, this combination has led to grave historical flooding. In 2005 the Atlantic Ocean saw a record 28 named storms! 15 hurricanes, 7 major hurricanes. Compare that to the average of 10 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes in a typical Atlantic hurricane season. In 2005 there has also been a record in terms of the severity of these storms. 4 storms in 2005 reached category 5 strength, the highest category delegated to hurricanes. One very notable storm was Hurricane Katrina which claimed 1800 lives and caused $81 billion in damage, the costliest hurricane by far to affect the U.S. Also in 2005 the strongest hurricane ever to form in the Atlantic basin was observed. Hurricane Wilma experience what is know as rapid intensification. Within a 30 hour period Wilma intensified from a category 2 hurricane to the most intense hurricane ever in the Atlantic basin. The lowest minimum central pressure recorded was 882mb with maximum sustained winds over 175MPH. In the winter of 2001- 2002 record warmth over the Northeastern U.S. kept the great lake from freezing. This allowed historic amounts of lake effect snow to be deposited throughout the Great Lakes region. In Buffalo, NY a record 7 feet of snow fell within the span of a few days. In locations around Oswego, NY over 11 feet of snow! fell within a weeks time.
Warmer temperatures also warm up the Oceans. Ocean currents that displace heat to the poles are causing an unprecedented increase of the rate of melting of the Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets. This in its self poses major problems with elevated sea levels. Ocean waters absorb heat. one property of water is that if heat is added it causes the water to expand in area raising sea levels worldwide, this is known as Thermal Expansion. The melt water from the poles is already causing rising sea levels world wide. This is very alarming as approximately 50% of the 6.5 billion people on Earth live with in 50 miles of of the coast. As these fresh water glaciers melt it will also have an effect on the salinity of Ocean waters. This can cause an interruption or even a shut down of Ocean currents resulting in stark climate change.
Global Warming also affects the habitats of all living things on Earth. This is currently leading to an increase in disease. Disease carrying mosquitoes, which require warm and wet environments are now emerging closer to the polar latitudes as environments become warmer. The spread of the West Nile virus around the world is evidence of this.
Global Warming is a major problem for this generation and generations to come. The cause of Global Warming has been attributed to natural processes of Earth and enhanced by Mankind. However, new research suggest that the Earth isn't the only member of the solar system experiencing warming. In fact it is believed that all of the planets in our solar system are warming, the cause of which still perplexes me and the rest of the scientific community. Could it be that Global Warming is also linked to factors beyond our own atmosphere?
