The Theory of Global Warming
Tori Townsend
The validity of global warming is an increasingly controversial topic. In my opinion global
warming is a very real and a very immediate threat to the earth and its’ inhabitants. The proof of
global warming is evident in the rise and effect of green house gases in the atmosphere, the
already noticeable effects of the rising temperatures on the planet and the research of credible
scientific organizations. These proofs of global warming discredit those who disagree with the
belief that global warming is a real threat.
To begin with, the levels of green house gases, such as CO2 and methane, in the
atmosphere have been and continue to be steadily rising. These types of gases influence the
climate of the earth by keeping heat from leaving the earth’s atmosphere therefore warming the
earth’s surface. The abundance of water vapor in the air also traps heat in the atmosphere. The
amount of water vapor in the air is determined by the heat in the atmosphere so green house
gases that warm the air create more water vapor which traps more heat in the atmosphere and
further accelerates global warming (Environmental Defense Fund). The increase in
concentration of these gasses is due to increased human activity such as burning fossil fuels
and deforestation (Watson). Burning fossil fuels releases extra carbon dioxide (CO2) into the
atmosphere increasing the concentration of the green house gasses. Deforestation is the act of
cutting down entire forest for the benefit of humans. Since trees use CO2 in respiration and in
photosynthesis the depletion of such an abundant amount at once leaves more CO2 in the
atmosphere because the trees are not there to use up the CO2 (Union of Concerned Scientist).
Some scientist would say that the rise in CO2 is natural and they do have some validity. Natural
amounts of CO2 have varied from 180 to 300 parts per million (ppm) but today’s levels are 25%
higher, up to 380ppm, than the natural levels over the past 650,000 years (Environmental
Defense Fund)
Those who do not believe in the threat of global warming will try to argue that this degree
of warming has happened before, in the Medieval Warm Period (950AD-1300AD) (Avery), and
that much of the warming occurred during the late nineteenth century before human industrial
activity (Inhofe). Scientific and statistical facts say otherwise though. The Union of Concerned
The Theory of Global Warming
Tori Townsend
scientist says that “the mean temperature of 1901-1990 is higher than any ninety year interval
since 914 AD.” This disproves the theory that the earth has experienced a rise in temperature
that matches the rise of today’s temperature because the Medieval Warm Period is said to have
happened after the year 914 AD. The belief that much of the global warming took place during
the late nineteenth century is also disproved with the statistical fact that the ten warmest years
since 1860 have all been since 1980. This shows that most of the warming has occurred during
the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries not the late nineteenth century (Union of
Concerned Scientist).
Additionally, the effects of global warming are already noticeably threatening the earth.
The opposing view is that a warmer earth will be beneficial to the human race with a decrease in
climate related disasters and a healthier human race. Those who believe this also believe that a
warmer earth will be a plant heaven with longer growing seasons, more rainfall and higher
levels of CO2 (Avery). However these people do not take into account the rapid depletion of
forest which regulate the level of CO2 and which without the levels will rise too high. The effects
of global warming are already recordable and there is no evidence of the results being
beneficial. In fact the results are opposite of beneficial. Already Greenland and west Antarctica
are losing 150 cubic kilometers of ice per year. If the temperature rises two to three more
degrees, it is likely that the Antarctica and Greenland ice sheets will continue to melt at a faster
rate (Hassen). This will result in a massive sea level rise. A rise in the sea level would destroy
coastal cities such New Orleans, Tampa and Anchorage. It would also contaminate water
supplies with salt water from the ocean and increase the risk of flooding by storm surge
(Environmental Defense Fund).
Furthermore, the theory of global warming is supported by several credible
scientific organizations. Climatologist and their research, which shows that the green house
gasses in the atmosphere are an effect of human activity is supported by the US National
Academy of Science (Union of Concerned Scientists). The US National Academy of Science
also released a joint statement with ten other National Academies of science saying “the
The Theory of Global Warming
Tori Townsend
scientific understanding of climate change is now sufficiently clear to justify nations taking
prompt actions.” In other words, the evidence of global warming is so accurate that the
academies are suggesting nations start to take the required steps in reducing the green house
gas emissions (Environmental Defense Fund). A second well respected organization dedicated
to science, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The IPPC is known for
making the effort to have the broadest possible range of scientific opinion. In the 1995 “Second
Assessment Report” the IPCC stated that the balance of evidence suggest human influence on
global climate. The collaboration of 2,500 scientists who represented eighty countries shows
that much of the science community is in agreement that the global climate change is real and is
a result of human activity and not just natural causes (Union of Concerned Scientist).
In conclusion, Global warming is a valid threat to the earth and the human race.
By looking at the rise in the levels of green house gasses in the atmosphere, research shows
that the while natural amounts of CO2 have varied, they have never been as high as they are
today. As a result of the rising CO2 levels, the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere also
rises increasing the rate of global warming. This abnormal rise in green house gasses is caused
by human activity such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Secondly, the effect of global
warming can already be seen in the depletion of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. If the
temperatures of the earth rises two to three degrees more the effects would be detrimental to
the coastal cites of the world. And thirdly, there is a plethora of credible and well respected
scientist, like the National Academies of Science and the IPCC, who contribute research to and
support the theory that global warming is due to human activity.
The Theory of Global Warming
Tori Townsend