Global Warming

6 Pages 1437 Words

Is global warming a problem? The answer to this question is a resounding .... maybe. The reason I say maybe is that the debate over global warming is a mix of solid scientific facts and subjective interpretations of those facts. Aside from the uncertainties in the scientific information on the physical aspects of global warming, there is considerable 'wiggle room' for a wide range of subjective interpretations of the science and the implications of its uncertainties. During conferences, in the hallowed halls of Congress, in the media, and, increasingly, around the dinner table, people are discussing whether global warming IS a problem and, if so, is it a problem societies can cope with either through prevention or adaptation? The outcome of much of this discussion becomes centered on what the meaning of the word "is" is.

The following paragraphs are responses to questions often raised by one group or another, either to clarify or to undermine the various opposing views on global warming of the atmosphere and the role, if any, of human activities in that warming trend.

Is global warming happening, as we speak?

It appears that all observers agree that the global climate has warmed up in the past few decades. However, some argue that the warming began with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, in the early 1800s, and continues today. They agree that there have been ups and downs in the trends of global average temperature, but those fluctuations do not undermine the basic tenet that the global climate is warmer today than in past decades. Others (the "naysayers" or non-believers in climate change) agree that there is a warming trend over the past few decades but that the variability of recent global climate falls within the range that might be expected from the behavior of "normal" climatic conditions over longer periods of time, such as centuries. Thus, they downplay the view that human activities are affecting global climate.
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