Need help writing
essays like this one?
An Overview of the Increasing Issue of Global Warming
# of Words: 543
Introduction
This article will be the first in a set of articles which will take the reader
on an alphabetic trip on global warming, starting with A for Amazon. The phrase
global warming is really a term that has been in common use for some time and
generally refers to the warming of Earth's atmosphere, and which suggests a
manmade or individual influence.
Earth's atmosphere consists of gases, oxygen, nitrogenand carbon dioxide and water vapour to name a couple. These are called greenhouse gases and they keep the planet's temperature in a comfortable 15 degrees Celsius, without them Earth would be a cold - 18 degrees Celsius.
Considering that pre-industrial times, usually taken to be around 1750 people know from ice core records that Co2 levels were around 280 ppm, that's 280 parts of Co2 per million parts of air. As industrialisation got underway mankind started to farm the property before, deforest for agriculture and settlements, and since around 1850 or so, burnt fossil fuels for energy and transportation which have added considerably to greenhouse gas levels, particularly Co2. This has resulted in Co2 rates increasing to around 385 ppm, an increase of around 37% over levels chiefly as a result of burning fossil fuels.
Just how do we know this? Nicely, data from ice core records that return at least 650, 000 years today show us that levels have fluctuated naturally in this time between 280 and 300 ppm. Levels also have been measured accurately from the top of Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii since 1958, and also results reveal an increase in Co2 levels from 315 ppm to 385 ppm since that time. Therefore Co2 stands at 85 ppm over it has been for at least 650, 000 years of Earth's history. It's a known scientific fact that high quantities of greenhouse gases will lead to high temperatures, and this appears to be happening.
The planet has warmed by an average of 0.74 levels during the last 100 years or so. The Amazon therefore can help recycle carbon dioxide by turning it into oxygen, and its estimated that the Amazon produces about 20% of this essential gas for Earth's atmosphere. Trees, plants and Co2. Levels of co2 in the atmosphere have been measured since 1958 by a monitoring station situated on Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii and they reveal sharp annual increases and decreases in co2 amounts, similar to the tooth on a saw. The readings seemingly mimic a breath of air being taken out and in; it is almost as if the Earth is breathing.
The readings correspond to the quantity of vegetation on the planet (most of which is contained in the Northern Hemisphere, as the landmass there is higher), carrying in co2, and giving out oxygen. During the Northern Hemisphere summer, when the Earth is tilted toward the sun, the planet's vegetation is able to photosynthesise resulting in an uptake of co2, inducing global levels to drop. During wintermonths, when Earth's axis is tilted away from the sun, the opposite happens inducing co2 levels to rise. When one becomes aware of the correlation between the planet's vegetation and co2 amounts, it's easy to understand why the Amazon, along with rainforests in general are such a significant part of Earth's ecosystem. If global warming is to be handled, the Amazon, along with other rainforests must be stored. Copyright (c) 2008 Simon Rosser.
Related Papers
The Issue of Global Warming
It's troubling that the appropriate techniques of scientific debate are not being brought to bear on the issue of global warming. This matter is meant to be based on good science trainingevidence and the evaluation of that evidence. Briefly to run over the background science, the existence of carbon dioxide in the air produces a greenhouse effect that contributes to keeping the air warm. This is accepted by all scientists. The global warming scenario then arises because we've injected a great......Read More
Global Warming is a Fact, Not a Theory
The global warming Alarmists could have us believe that the present drought in Australia is due to climate change. By conveniently ignoring history, the Alarmists have been able to convince many young people which man's industrial activities cause droughts. Australia in the mercy of Mother Nature. Of all the countries in the western world, Australia is the one that suffers most from the vagaries of the weather. At any time, part of the country is currently experiencing drought. Never, however,......Read More
Global Warming is a Theory, Not a Fact
Scientific proof behind Global warming is being severely contested. In contrast to the theory that we face disasters across the planet, a few scientists question that humanity causes global warming. They believe Global warming is a natural occurring event which follows this procedure. They also believe the predicted disasters won't be as intense as we have been led to believe. Neither party is in the position to refute the fact that Global warming is increasing. We are therefore in the horns of......Read More
Related Topics
Essay on Global Warming: Is it a Real Problem?
The Dangers and Causes of Global Warming
Global Warming is a Theory, Not a Fact
Global Warming: The Greenhouse Effect and Our Response
Understanding What Causes Global Warming
Extended Definition of Global Warming