Fact or Fiction?

Fiction: Even though the earth is heating up, there is no surety if any of the activities is caused by humans.

Fact: An international scientific record states that, for the last 50 years, warming has been caused due to human activities and not naturally. Plants and animals living and dead over a million of year were compresses to form oil deposits. Coal and gas were also produced. But those million years resources were burned in little more time than 300 years. The by-products of these fossil fuels are methane, carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. They form a thick blanket around the earth. This blanket traps heat from the sun and raises the ground temperature.
Impact: Few areas receive heavy rainfall while few areas suffer drought conditions. Melting of glaciers, warming of oceans and dying coral reefs are other effects.

Fiction: The warming of earth cannot be due to greenhouse gases. This is because the changes in temperature and greenhouse gas emissions over the century did not occur in simulation (at the same time).

Fact: The warming of the oceans makes a significant time lag between carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases. They get emitted in the atmosphere when temperature changes.
This is the main reason why we don’t see much change in temperature as it changes during greenhouse gas emission. Other factor for change is temperature is volcanic eruptions. But scientific proof shows that human made greenhouse gases are the main reason for climatic changes.

Fiction: It is very easy to remove Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. So if global warming turns out as a problem, we can take action to remove greenhouse gases at that point of time.

Fact: Carbon dioxide is a gas formed by burning of fossil fuels and is the main human-made greenhouse gas. It is produced in large quantities. It can stay in the atmosphere for around 200 years. This shows that if we halt carbon dioxide emissions now, it would still stay in the atmosphere for centuries.

There is an increased rate in global climatic changes in this century. These changes are foretold to increase and would impact the earth’s oceans in a great way. The rapid rise in temperature is affecting the sea grasses. It is altering their growth rate and other psychological functions.

There would be a major impact of these changes on the sea grasses. The habitats of freshwater plants would also be redistributed. As a result the plants would relocate themselves to stay in their tolerance zones. Since, sea grass is also the food for many aquatic animals; this would also have a huge impact on it.

Related News:

• The report from Switzerland’s IUCN says that the submerged meadows (area of grass land) could be saved through efforts from governments and scientists.
• IUCN specialist Mats Njork says that the sea grass habitats have already decreased a lot due to increase in water temperatures and light reduction.
• If the sea grasses keep on disappearing, species like dugongs, sea turtle and sea birds would also face threat.  This is because they feed on sea grasses.
• The healthiest of sea grasses are found in North African regions of Libya and Tunisia. This is due to very less number of industries and tourism over there.
• Sea grasses can be saved by introducing protected areas. Underwater areas should be linked to nearby mangrove plantations. This would give a big boost for the grasses to survive.

Last Word:

But these ways are possible only if there is co-operation between governments and scientists. Sea grass is a link for the survival of many aquatic species. Saving them is a tedious (hard and time taking) task but is not impossible.

]]> 0 Administrator http:// http://globalwarming.ygoy.com/2009/07/31/ozone-and-global-warming/ 2009-07-31T06:09:46Z 2009-07-31T06:08:40Z
The subject of ozone depletion and global warming has always been a tricky one to understand. The ozone layer is a layer of the ozone gas- which is an allotrope of oxygen- which envelops the earth. It has traditionally saved us from the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun.

However in the last few decades, scientists across the world confirm a hole in the ozone layer around the south pole above the continent of Antarctica. In view of the rising propaganda around climate change and global warming, many people have begun to associate the hole in the ozone as a consequence of global warming. This is not true.

The source of the confusion is this. CFC’s or ChloroFlouro Carbons are known to cause the hole in the ozone layer. CFC’s also act as a green house gas thus contributing to the phenomenon of global warming. Ozone is also a green house gas which traps infra-red radiation in the atmosphere, thus increasing the temperature of the earth. The formation of the ozone hole is a direct result of the effect of CFC’s on the ozone layer and not a consequence of global warming. The effect of CFC’s in the contribution towards global warming is often said to be neutralized on the account of the mitigating consequence of the depletion of the green house gas- ozone.

Lin J

]]> 0 Administrator http:// http://globalwarming.ygoy.com/2009/07/30/green-house-gases/ 2009-07-30T10:46:03Z 2009-07-30T10:46:03Z
Green house gases refer to the gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, ozone and methane. Of these prominent contributors to the phenomenon of the green house effect are water vapor and carbon dioxide.

The green house effect refers to the phenomenon of the heating up of the earth. Just like in a green house, heat is trapped for artificial breeding of crops saplings, the green houses gases contribute towards keeping the earth warm. In the absence of these gases, the earth’s temperature will be 39 degrees Celsius lower than it is now.

People often mistakenly account gases such as oxygen and nitrogen to be green house gases as well. Such is not true. These gases only take part in the formation of the compound gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide which result in the green house effect.

Naturally produced carbon di oxide is supposed to be at least 20 times larger than the carbon dioxide produced through human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and changing land use. However, the gradual disappearance of carbon sinks such as forests and other sanctuaries is increasing the effect of such anthropogenic activities on the balance of gases in the atmosphere.

In the light of the increased dependency of human life on high-intensity energy sources, carbon sequestration is proving to be a major problem. The carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere today stands at close to 380 parts per million. This is about 100 units higher than the count in pre-historic times. The global campaign against climate change and global warming is targeted at reducing this concentration.

For this, we need to change our energy consumption patterns and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels based energy sources. Additionally, a massive campaign for afforestation as well as saving the present green lungs of the earth has to be taken up.

]]> 0 Administrator http:// http://globalwarming.ygoy.com/2009/07/23/global-warming-what-you-can-do/ 2009-07-23T06:34:30Z 2009-07-23T05:25:14Z
Scientists today, the world over, acknowledge the reality of global warming. The layer of atmosphere surrounding the earth is being heated up fast as the carbon emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum increase. Electricity, though popularly propagated as a clean source of energy, is also derived from from fossil fuels and thus contributes significantly to the phenomenon of the warming up of the earth. The count of carbon particles in the atmosphere today stands at 389ppm whereas the ideal level of carbon concentration in the atmosphere for sustainable living on earth is 350ppm.

You can do your own bit to save the earth and give your future generations and yourself a cleaner planet.

1) Use a car pool system where 3-4 people share the car to work, college or other destinations. Whenever possible use public means of transport because it is a much cheaper and cleaner alternative.

2) Turn off the engine of your car at traffic lights.

3)  Use the air conditioner and other accessories consuming fuel in the car only at necessary levels. When the weather is pleasant, turn down your windows and switch off the air conditioner of the car and appreciate the beauty of nature’s gifts.

4) Use energy efficient appliances at home. They may come at a price but overtime the reduction in your electricity bill will more than compensate for the higher price.

5) Adopt a tree today. There is no better mitigation measure for global warming than afforestation.

6) Avoid indigenous methods of cooking which use fuels like firewood, charcoal etc and switch to cleaner fuels such as bio-gas and pipe-gas.

7) Avoid indulging in exotic indulgences such as imported fruits, clothing, accessories, gadgets and cars. The earth coughs a lot of carbon dioxide to have your favorite fruit of handbag exported to you across the seas. As far as possible use products which are produced locally.

Quit smoking and encourage your friends, relatives and passers by on the road to do the same. The earth doesn’t need more chimneys.

9) Take a carbon footprint test today and see if your footprint is larger than the world average. Analyze your lifestyle and see where you can cut down your extravagances.

10) Get involved. Give your support to green movements and campaigns. Every hand and signature helps.

-Lin

]]> 0 Administrator http:// http://globalwarming.ygoy.com/2009/07/02/deforestation-and-global-warming/ 2009-07-02T09:11:02Z 2009-07-02T09:09:27Z
Deforestation – the act of cutting trees to generate farmland,  has a great impact on global warming.  The cutting of trees is mainly done for paper production, livestock farming etc. Deforestation is responsible for about 20% emission of global warming. Experts opine that deforestation has greater impact on global warming than emissions from factories and automobiles.

Relationship Between Deforestation and Global Warming:
Forests absorb the carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. When the trees are cut, less CO2  is absorbed, thereby increasing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.  Carbondioxide is a greenhouse gas, which traps the heat and contributes towards global warming.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and they are about 50% carbon. When the trees are burnt or cut down, the stored carbondioxide escapes into air, further increasing the global warming. It is said that the rapid cutting and burning of tropical forests is the second highest source of global warming, only next to emission by factories, planes, and automobiles.

Reasons Behind Deforestation
Deforestation is caused due to the following reasons:

• To create larger farmlands
• For production of paper
• For firewood
• Cattle ranching
• Capitalistic endeavors

Overpopulation and global warming are closely related. Overpopulation has resulted in increased need for farmlands to feed growing number of people. The need for land also has encouraged people to cut down trees.

Tips to Control the Global Warming Due to Deforestation:
Here are a few tips to control global warming due to deforestation:

• Plant a garden
• Encourage tree plantation programs in your area
• Avoid unnecessary use of paper, as production of paper involves cutting of trees. Prefer e-mails rather than normal ones

Government can take steps to control the excessive cutting of trees due to cattle ranching, industries or capitalistic ventures. This can help in controlling deforestation and reduce global warming.

]]> 2 Administrator http:// http://globalwarming.ygoy.com/2009/06/23/methane-%e2%80%93global-warming-effects/ 2009-06-23T10:57:13Z 2009-06-23T10:30:55Z
Apart from carbon dioxide, many other gases are responsible for global warming – and these gases are usually neglected. One such gas is methane, which is an important non-CO2  greenhouse gas. Methane can aggravate global warming and thereby lead to floods, stronger hurricanes, and put mankind at a risk.  The effect of methane on global warming is high and ways should be devised to decrease methane gas production.

The Dangers of Methane –Global Warming
Why is Methane dangerous? Methane is 21 times more powerful greenhouse gas than CO2.  The concentrations of methane gas have been increasing rapidly in atmosphere when compared to CO2. Methane can stay in the atmosphere for about 7 years, trapping the heat and reflecting it back to earth. The infrared radiations are reflected to the earth by the methane, thereby increasing the global warming.

The effect of methane, however, is shorter than that of CO2. While CO2 can affect the earth for 100 years,  the impact of methane is for  7 years. However, it should be remembered that its effect is 21 times the effect of CO2.

The sources of methane include combustion of petroleum, natural gas. Coal mining, animal agriculture, waste water sludge, manure, agricultural waste, land fills, the decay of silt in rivers oceans are other sources of methane.

How to decrease the effect of methane on global warming? Stopping those activities which produce methane can help in decreasing the effects of methane. The use of fuels which are not derived from petroleum should be encouraged. Methane can be burned, especially in landfills to produce CO2. Animal agriculture and meat production should be regulated to reduce the production of methane.

Electrolysis, utilization of metal catalysts can be done to minimize the production of methane. Methane is a greenhouse gas which can have severe impact on the earth’s atmosphere and it should be minimized to reduce the impact of global warming.

]]> 0 Administrator http:// http://globalwarming.ygoy.com/2009/06/22/stop-global-warming-bracelet/ 2009-06-22T07:17:18Z 2009-06-22T07:15:13Z
Stop global warming bracelets are bracelets manufactured to spread awareness about global warming. The profits earned through the sale of these bracelets are donated to the Stop Global Warming Fund.

The Stop Global Warming Fund is an organization which promotes grassroots movements and active citizen participation to resolve issues concerning global warming.

The stop global warming bracelets are manufactured by a Toronto based company called Roots. This company has an excellent track record of manufacturing products that are environmentally sustainable.

The bracelet is made from 100% recycled scrap leather (leather scraps left over after manufacturing other leather goods). The company even offers zero carbon shipping option.

The stop global warming bracelets are available in five colors – black, brown, green, olive and yellow. The letters ‘STOP GLOBAL WARMING’ are embroidered in a large size around the bracelet. The bracelet has a push button to fasten it.

The bracelet is not only to show to others the importance of fighting against global warming, but it will also serve as a reminder to you. When you are thinking about taking your car to the nearby store or you are too lazy to switch that light off, the bracelet around your wrist will urge you to walk to the store and get up to switch that light off.

These bracelets not only send a message about global warming, they are also extremely fashionable and stylish. The look and feel of the bracelet is really high quality. You can use the bracelet as an accessory to enhance your style quotient.

The bracelet will also help in starting a conversation. If a global warming conscious person sees the message on your wrist or you see it on somebody else’s, both of you will have something to talk about immediately. You can also exchange information and experiences about global warming with each other. This will help spread awareness. What’s more, you will have a new friend.

You can order on the net on roots.com if you want some bracelets. Each bracelet costs $5. You can order lots of them to sell at charity and awareness events.

]]> 0 Administrator http:// http://globalwarming.ygoy.com/2009/06/20/global-warming-and-coral-reefs/ 2009-06-20T13:44:57Z 2009-06-20T13:44:57Z
A coral reef is basically a collection of calcium carbonate deposits of marine organisms. These organisms make their home in the deposits.

Though corals are the predominant organisms in a coral reef, it supports a whole lot of other organisms like algae, fish, starfish etc.

Corals get their nutrients through a symbiotic relationship with single celled organisms living within them. The single celled organisms make food through photosynthesis, and they make more food than they use. The corals take the extra food to live. The single celled organisms also give the corals their color.

Coral reefs are important for the existence of many species of marine life. They provide shelter and food to these organisms. Coral reefs are also important for people as they provide fish, protection from storm waves and are an attraction for tourists.

Effects of global warming on coral reefs

Coral reefs may be disappearing from the face of the earth due to global warming. If the present rate of destruction continues, coral reefs will become extinct in our own lifetime.

Coral reefs can only survive in a narrow temperature. A little increase or decrease in temperature, and they will be gone.

Coral bleaching

Global warming leads to a phenomenon called coral bleaching.

When the temperature of the ocean increases, the single celled organisms on which the corals rely on for nutrition die. This kills the corals and endangers other organisms which depend on them for survival. With the death of the single celled organisms, the color of the corals also goes away. This gives an effect of bleaching.

Ocean acidification

The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. When the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, the absorption also increases. This results in an increase in the acidity of ocean water. Increase in acidity encourages growth of algae, which in turn choke the corals.

Diseases

Increase in temperature also brings about various communicable diseases in the corals, leading to their death.

Seychelles Coral Reef and the Great Barrier Reef

Research had shown that already 90% of the Seychelles coral reef and 30% of the Great Barrier Reef have already been destroyed. The chances of their recovering are also slim, due to continuing warming of the oceans.

]]> 0 Administrator http:// http://globalwarming.ygoy.com/2009/06/18/global-warming-pros-cons/ 2009-06-18T13:01:35Z 2009-06-18T13:01:35Z
Global warming is result of green house gases in the atmosphere. These gases trap radiation from sun and hold them from being released back into space. This causes rise in temperature at few places on earth. It is not much noticeable in western part of earth but in eastern parts like North Pole, Alaska and others slight increase in temperatures makes a huge difference. Scientists believe that if current situation continues many kinds of changes will take place which can be either beneficial or harmful for the living beings.

Global Warming: Disadvantages
Global warming can have more of the adverse effect. Some of them can be summarized in following points:

• Global warming melts the ice peaks which increase the level of sea.
• Increase in sea level greatly disturbs the marine life .
• Precipitation patterns changes turning lush green areas to dry lands
• Increase in sea level also results floods in low-lying areas and hence loss of life and property in large numbers
• Cause change sin weather patterns creating storms, super storms and hurricanes to appear.
• Global warming also gives rise to many types of allergies, asthma
• The continuous drying of forest leads them on fire which destroys natural resources greatly.

Thus, Global Warming can bring about a severe change in atmosphere which could lead to loss of human and animal life and would also affect natural resources greatly.

Global Warming: Advantages
Although, Global Warming has more number of disadvantages it few of the advantages too. Some of them are:

• Lands of acute cold can now experience milder climate and some plant growth too.
• Since the temperatures in frozen zones will go down less consumption of energy will be required to warm them.
• The increase in growing season will also increase the productivity of the crop.
• Increase in floods will result in carrying large amount of silt to distant areas which will result in making barren lands at distant place productive.
• Huge amount of money which is spent on cleaning up of road blockage due high snow fall will be saved.
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