A Global Problem

[cmedve]

Global warming has become a global issue that can no longer be overlooked. Al Gore, a leader in climate protection, outlines some major problems caused by the warming of our planet. The leading cause of global warming is the burning of fossil fuels and has been directly linked to the increase of melting Arctic ice. The alarming rate at which the Arctic ice cap is melting is of particular concern because it is considered to be at the center of the climate system. As the ice melts it releases trapped CO2 further accelerating the problem.
Increased glacial melt is of equal concern because the glacial ice is diminishing considerably sooner than anticipated; this is unfortunate because much of the world relies on glacial melt for drinking water and this could leave these affected areas in a permanent drought. This has also caused a dryer Earth, directly resulting in an increase of wildfires and natural disasters.
One of the biggest contributors to global warming is the mining and burning of coal. Unfortunately due to the large monetary gains, coal companies attempt to suppress and shield the public from the truth through advertising campaigns on TV. One of the biggest ploys these companies use is the idea of clean coal; however, the idea is false.
Fortunately there is an alternative; clean energy. Not only is clean energy better for the environment and essential in eliminating our dependence on fossil fuels, the cause of global warming, but, it will help the world’s economy through job creation (workers and innovators). Humanity recognizes that we can no longer poison the Earth at the current rate and if the human race is to endure we must tackle the threat of global warming collectively and swiftly.
Ted Talks - http://www.ted.com/talks/al_gore_warns_on_latest_climate_trends.html

Comments

[cereaseb]

What daunting topic. Good for you. Climate change is such an important and huge suject, and if we, the world, don't figure it out soon we will all pay. Did you know that global carbon dioxide levels have now reached a critical atmospheric threshold of 400 parts per million. That’s 50 ppm over what climatologists consider to be the margin of safety to avoid the worst consequences of climate change. Uh oh.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/may/10/carbon-dioxide-highest-level-greenhouse-gas

Sad truth

[teejay27]

What a touchy topic. Climate Change is real, and happening fast. Are you aware of projects like Enbridge and the Keystone pipeline here on the west coast? They are going to really affect global warming. it's terrible that our planet comes second to money.

[english151]

Was there any mention of the sources of clean energy used? I find it interesting that when Arctic ice melts more CO2 is released, I had not known that fact until now.

[bodanna]

I studied Global Warming in high school and was always so sad to learn the persistent terror we continue to cause on our planet. It always surprised me the different opinions I would gather when talking to anyone outside of class. Many people would say that global warming is just part of the Earth's cycle; that the glaciers we melting thousands of years ago. The evidence is undeniable though; we are poisoning our precious planet, people can't have their heads in the sand forever.

[slala_0504]

Global Warming are always the issue we should have to think about. But we didn't find best way to solve this big problem.
I am strong agree with you: "we must tackle the threat of global warming collectively and swiftly."

[83695163]

Global warming is good issues, but now some people said global warming is fake issues. So, I think there a big argument in it.

[agentk1990]

Great topic of choice. Global warming in my opinion has always been overlooked, people payed attention to it briefly when Al Gore released his documentary but their interest faded as time went on. I've learned that more and more people are skeptical about global warming when engaged in a conversation about it, saying they don't believe it even though Al Gore directly lays out scientific evidence that it's happening. This issue is something that should be the focus of all governments, we can only make a difference in the future if the whole world reduces their eco footprint and works together now..

[basketball_girl08]

Great topic, I hope that we will be able to find a solution for this global warming before it is too late.