These days, there seems to be a lot of controversy about Global Warming.

Some say that Global Warming is a fact, others say it’s not. But regardless of whether or not Global Warming is a fact, let’s step aside from the arguments on the subject, and take a common-sense approach.

In this article we will take a look at some of the issues involved.

What is Global Warming?

We can take a look at the definition of global warming – without taking sides or getting into vested interests, political motivations, reasons, or causes.

The definition of global warming in its purity is “an overall increase in world temperatures.” As you can see, whether this has to do with greenhouse emissions, or whether it is caused by a natural phenomena, has no bearing on whether there is an average temperature increase.

Is There an Overall Increase in World Temperatures?

Alright, now we can take a look at what scientists say about world temperatures.

Again, we are going to leave out the reasons why, and simply look at whether or not the Earth’s general temperature is rising.

According to NASA scientists, the average temperature of the earth rose by one degree Celsius, over the last century. This is based on actual measurements taken with exact measuring instruments.

Another report, compiled and submitted by 600 scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, issued the following statement:

“Warming of the climate system is unequivocal.”

These 600 scientists sifted through thousands of studies and reports, in order to come to the above conclusion.

Even scientists who are “opposed” to the global warming theory are not contradicting the fact that the earth’s temperature is rising. These scientists are only saying that global warming is a natural phenomena, and is not caused by man.

The Causes of Global Warming There are several factors that could contribute to or influence global warming.

Greenhouse gases are gases that prevent heat from escaping from the Earth’s atmosphere. A few examples of greenhouse gases are:

• Carbon Dioxide – A minor but important part of the Earth’s atmosphere. Carbon dioxide prevents heat from escaping the earth, by blocking the infrared radiation reflected off the Earth’s surface from leaving the atmosphere.
• Methane – A gas produced through the decomposition of waste (in landfills, animal waste, and decomposition of food in human and animal digestive systems). It is created by the production and distribution of natural gas, oil and coal. It is also is produced by incomplete fossil-fuel combustion.
• Nitrous Oxide – Another gas produced through the use of commercial fertilizers, natural fertilizers, and fossil fuel combustion (cars, airplanes, and conventional power plants, to name a few).
• Chlorofluorocarbons – Commonly referred to as CFC gases, these are produced primarily by our industries, and are used for products such as, styrofoam, spray-can propellants, refrigerants, electronic circuit boards, and many more.
• Water Vapor – This is a completely natural gas, caused by the sun evaporating water from our oceans.

As you can see, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are produced mainly by human resources, whereas chlorofluorocarbons are exclusively produced by industrial installations.

Out of all the above, interestingly enough, the greenhouse gases which have the largest effect on global warming are water vapors. This fact will no doubt please all critics of the “global warming theory”.

You have to keep in mind, however, the cyclic effect of global warming. A slight increase in temperature will increase the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere, which in turn will increase the temperature, and so on. Thus, a slight effect created by other greenhouse gases has a much larger impact, due to the creation of additional water vapor in the atmosphere.

Greenhouse Gases: Facts and Figures

let’s go over some facts and figures here. Again, keep in mind that these are measurements taken by scientific tools. They are not statements for or against global warming.

• The amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere has increased by 25 percent since the early 1800s. Ten percent of this increase has occurred between 1958 and the present day.
• There are two main factors that responsible for the increase of carbon dioxide. The leading cause is the burning of fossil fuels. Next in line is deforestation.
• Methane content in the world’s atmosphere increases at a rate of 0.6 percent per year, by current measurements. The atmospheric methane content is now more than twice as high as it was before the Industrial Age, which started in the early 1800s.

The Effects of Global Warming

I am not the doom-and-gloom sort of person, so I am going to spare you the details here. But I do have an opinion on this subject, so I will share it with you.

Regardless of whether the globe is warming or not, it is simply common sense to take care of the environment you live in.

The plain truth of the matter is that carbon monoxide is unhealthy, methane makes for unpleasant breathing, and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere is no laughing matter.

While the lack of ozone might make for faster tanning at the beach, the long term effects are not as desirable.

What You Can do About Global Warming

Believe it or not, you are important – what you do and say is listened to by others, and does make a difference. It doesn’t require a lot of effort to do something about conditions in the environment. A little extra care will go quite a long way. Many are already doing it, and all of us need to get aboard.

It starts as simply as recycling your waste, saving energy where you can, or even planting a tree.

About the Author:

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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Global Warming Facts

The issue about global warming rages around us and blankets our lives with its facts and fiction. Both sides, pro and con offer their propaganda to influence our thinking. Why do you suppose that is? Each side has an agenda that seems to be backed up by facts. The Internet offers up facts on both sides. There is some extremely laughable information available as well as some very plausible information. It is up to us to understand what applies to our daily actions and what we can do about global warming.

It seems to be all around us. It is certainly on all the weather stations. It faces us when we decide to purchase a new car or even a cleaning product. The real issues come when trying to learn about global warming. There is so much conflicting information on the internet and, unfortunately, there is not one group that can agree on all aspects of the global warming debate.

It is apparent, from data gathered, that the first thing that can be agreed on is that global temperatures have risen over the past century. Granted, the rise in temperature has been only a degree or so but the issue is whether or not the temperatures of the earth will continue to rise and the exact effect it will have on the environment. The debate about global warming comes from conflicting evidence within the past.

Science has proven that global warming also occurred in or around prehistoric times. It is thought that a global catastrophe such as a meteor impacting the earth caused a temperature shift. Did it kill off the dinosaurs? Science does not know this to be the fact. This is just one hypothesis. Political and Industrial facets further complicate the issues about global warming. These groups argue that there is not sufficient information regarding the effects of global warming to limit industrial emissions.

When will we know the full facts about global warming and will the global warming issue be resolved anytime soon? Unfortunately the answer is probably, no. There will continue to be studies performed and there will always be a measure of doubt clouding the minds of citizens around the world. Perhaps, when enough data comes through, we will be able to make a determination based on scientific fact rather than theory. Until then we can continue to monitor the progress of scientists and try to do our part in conserving the environment.

About the Author
www.tellmeaboutglobalwarming.com brings you thought provoking information about global warming. Be sure to check out all the pages and decide for yourself. © 2007 copyright by DSquare Marketing and Della Franklin.

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Global Warming Facts No One Else Will Tell You About.

1. 2005 was the HOTTEST year ever on record. Average world temperatures have climbed over 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900.

2. Arctic ice is rapidly disappearing and may have its first completely ice free summer by 2040.

3. Humans are pouring “CO2″ (carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere faster than plants and oceans can absorb it.

4. Glaciers are melting fast, plants and animals are being forced from their habitat.

5. The number of severe storms and droughts is increasing and the number of category 4 and 5 hurricans has almost doubled in the last 30 years.

6. 30 years ago the global warming scientist James Lovelock worked out that the Earth possessed a planetary scale control system which kept the enviroment fit for life. He called it “GAIA” and the theory has become widely accepted. The ugly truth is that climate change is already insoluble and life on earth will never be the same again. Other Renowned climate scientists still have some hope.. but they say we have less than 10years before the damage is irreversible.

7. Global warming caused principally by the large scale emissions of industrial gases such as carbon dioxide or “CO2″ is almost certainly the greatest threat mankind has ever faced, because it puts a question mark over the very habitability of the earth.

8. The Bush administration has been accused of editing official scientific studies about global warming and asking NASA to refrain from speaking out on the phenomen.

9. Deaths from global warming will double in just 25 years to over 350 000 people a year.

10 More than a million species worldwide could be driven to extinction by 2050.

This is the ugly truth.. However some strongly asserts that global warming is a Hoax. What do you think?

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