Evidence of Global Warming

Among the various environmental issues we are facing today, global warming is by far the most grievous one. That, however, doesn't mean that other issues we face are not serious. In fact, all these environmental issues are related to each other, and thus pose a big threat to the planet on the whole. The bad news, though, is that we are not able to understand the seriousness of the issue of global warming. Standing at loggerheads, global warming skeptics and scientists who believe that global warming is happening, are busy in the tussle to get an upper hand on the other. While the scientists continue to provide the evidence of global warming one after another, the skeptics are refuting them at an equally fast pace. In the meanwhile, we are only losing time, and inching towards a disaster with every passing day.

Global Warming Evidence

Over the last decade, scientists have provided substantial scientific evidence to support their stand on the threat of global warming. The skeptics though continue their refuting spree, citing that the evidence provided is based on computer models which are too crude to trust. As laymen, we might not understand anything about these computer models and climatic models, but the evidence we can see with our own eyes is too obvious to ignore. Melting glaciers, submerging low lands, warm decades.... the list is quite long. The only problem, though, is that we have decided to turn a blind eye towards them.

Soaring Temperature
It won't take an Einstein to realize that its getting hotter by the day. If the data compiled by the scientists at NASA is to be believed, the first decade of the 21st century was the warmest decade ever. In fact, this decade had nine out of the ten hottest years the planet has ever witnessed. A report compiled by NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies revealed that the global temperatures have increased by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit ( i.e. 0.8 degree Celsius) over the last century. More recent studies have also revealed that the rate at which global warming is occurring is also increasing. The last two decades of the 20th century were the hottest indeed, but these records have already been broken by the first decade of the 21st century, and the rise is expected to continue, and even worsen.

Rising Levels of Carbon Dioxide
The rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere speaks in volumes about the, till now debated, anthropogenic causes of global warming. The international energy statistics reveal that human carbon emissions have also gone up dramatically. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, get trapped in the atmosphere, and increase the temperature of the planet. A large part of these gases is the atmosphere are released as a result of human activities. Carbon dioxide is released in the atmosphere by human activities such as use of vehicles and production of electricity, while methane is released in the atmosphere as a result of activities such as mining and cattle rearing.

Melting Glaciers
As with rising sea levels, glacial melting is also occurring at a rapid pace. These glaciers have been retreating since a long time, however, the rate at which we are losing them over the last few decades is indeed a matter of grave concern. The problem of melting glaciers is not just restricted to tropical regions, but is also quite prominent in the polar areas. The soaring temperature in Arctic region has been melting the ice in this region, thus resulting in loss of habitat for various animal species inhabiting this region. Glacier melting in tropical areas, such as Himalayas and South America, pose a threat of flash floods to the areas in vicinity. Melting glaciers is a matter of grave concern, also because these glaciers are important sources of fresh water the world over.

Submerging of Low Lying Areas
Melting glaciers is contributing to the rise in sea level, which is continuously increasing and threatening the low lying areas across the world. Rising water is slowly and steadily encroaching upon the low lying coastal areas and small islands, and submerging them. The sinking of Maldives is by far the best example of ocean water encroachment. This is a serious threat to a number of large cities, which lie on the coast, including Mumbai in India, London in England and San Francisco in the United States. Other than these cities, countries like Bangladesh are also bound to bear the brunt of rising sea level.

Rising Number of Storms
Yet another scientific evidence comes in form of the rising instances of storms in the tropical areas. Large-scale melting of glaciers and constant heating of ocean water, due to soaring temperature, provides as ideal environment for storm formation. A recent study by a journal dealing in environmental issues revealed that the intensity of storms has increased over the last three decades. The problem is that they have not just become stronger, but have become long-lasting as well. Researchers state that the intensity of hurricanes increases by 5 percent for every 1ºC rise in temperature. If this trend continues, the storms are just going to be more intense, and cause more destruction.

The 'more-than-obvious' evidence discussed here is something that you are bound to understand, even if you don't have a strong base of scientific process involved. All this while, we have been turning a blind eye to the proof of global warming. If we delay any further though, we are bound to lose the opportunity to curb the crisis associated with it.