Thwarting a Potential Disaster

Thwarting A Potential Disaster

A global phenomenon of epic proportions is currently changing the world as we know it. Every human being’s livelihood and quality of life could ultimately be impacted by this phenomenon. The very existence of nations is being threatened. Our futures are in peril if this potential disaster is not averted. It has nothing to do with impending wars nor does it have anything to do with tensions between countries. This disaster is global warming, and it threatens to change our world as we know it. Yes, there are skeptics of this phenomenon who claim the evidence isn’t conclusive. But global warming is indeed a serious, scientifically credible threat to humanity and our environment, and efforts should be made to dispel any skepticism about its validity, to reverse any damage done to our planet thus far, and to pass legislature and make long-term changes to our lifestyles.

Rumors and propaganda against the validity of global warming are rampant in our society. A simple look at CNN.com headlines demonstrates the current, conflicting discussion of global warming: “Global Warming Scandal” (December 3, 2009), “Climate Head Steps Down Over E-mail Leak” (December 2, 2009), “The Distorted Global Warming Debate” (December 7, 2009), “Americans’ Belief In Global Warming Sinks As Republicans Shift” (December 7, 2009), “Climate Change Threatens Life In Shishmaref, Alaska” (December 3, 2009). Recently, leaked e-mails between climate experts and scientists at a British University that appear to show scientists deliberately skewing climate change data only serves to perpetuate the skepticism about global warming. Since 1991, fossil fuel lobbyists have spent “many millions of dollars to persuade the public, the media and policy makers that global warming is a non-issue” (Gelbspan). 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