Global warming is the term used to describe an increase in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
Climate change will have a significant impact on things such as sea ice, agriculture and human health. According to the UN, those most affected by climate change will be developing countries and poorer regions; however, developed nations have already emitted more greenhouse gases than their share of emissions.
Climate denial
When people read news reports about climate change, they often encounter denialist views. Unfortunately, this can shape their perspective of the issue.
They may feel that the climate isn’t as dire as they think it is, leading them to avoid taking action or trying to solve the problem.
Recent research revealed that social media was a major source of climate denial. Twitter, owned by Facebook, banned ads that promote climate denial in April.
Researchers have noted a shift in tactics employed by climate denialists. Instead of refuting that climate change exists, they now prioritize delaying action and attacking environmentalists – this strategy being known as “soft denial.”
Snowstorms
Following last winter’s devastating snowstorm that blanketed much of the US, many asked: If global warming is occurring, shouldn’t there be less snow? To answer this question we turned to Kevin Reed – an associate professor at Stony Brook University on Long Island.
He replied that the answer to this question is complex, dependent on a region’s climate system. For instance, warmer ocean waters in the Gulf of Maine could increase storms’ ability to hold and release moisture more effectively.
Additionally, climate change increases the probability that storms will intensify. Scientists have noted a pattern whereby many of America’s most intense snowstorms have occurred since 2000.
Climate change myths
One of the greatest obstacles facing those fighting climate change is filtering through misinformation. Even a quick Google search can make it difficult to distinguish fact from fiction when there are a few organized deniers who deny global warming altogether.
Many still subscribe to some common climate myths, and these misconceptions can be a major hindrance in our efforts to combat global warming. They drain the motivation of those striving for action and undermine political willpower.
Climate change facts
Climate change occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants are released into the atmosphere. These particles trap sunlight, warming Earth’s surface in the process.
This process is known as the greenhouse effect and it has a profound impact on everything from weather patterns to ocean currents.
Climate change also has a significant effect on human health. Increased temperatures make it harder to get enough water for drinking and irrigation purposes, potentially worsening conditions that lead to diseases like malaria or HIV/AIDS.
Climate change is having a greater impact than anticipated, and people around the world are feeling its effects in various ways. These include sea ice loss, rapid sea level rise and longer, more intense heat waves.
