Debate on is human activity a substantial cause of global change
Answers
Some Facts About the Debate
In the 20th century alone, the global temperature rose by 1.4F. In 2013, some 11,000 peer reviewed studies concluded that 97% of research found that global warming is caused by humans. A 2012 study concluded that 70% of climate change after 1850 is part of multiple solar cycles. In 2013, however, a study showed that the rate of global warming over the past century was faster than it has ever been over the last 11,300 years. Finally, in 2010, a study demonstrated that the last major glaciation (not warming) period happened between 460 and 445 million years ago. Carbon dioxide levels then where five times what they are now.
Arguing that Humans Cause Global Warming
Firstly, there is a great deal of scientific evidence that humans have caused it, with 97% to 98% of scientists agreeing with this. Furthermore, the levels of gases produced by humans that are released into the atmosphere are on the rise and this is creating a greenhouse effect. This, in turn, means that heat is being trapped and global warming is the inevitable result.
It is also obvious that the rise of CO2 levels in the atmosphere over the past 100 years is definitely caused by humans, as natural climate change could not achieve this. Historic evidence supports this. Additionally, the CO2 that is building up in the atmosphere of the earth is a specific type that is proven to be connected to human activity.
Arguing that Humans Do Not Cause Global Warming
While the pro camp is very vocal and cites some impressive sources, the con camp is exactly the same. They start by stating that some 1,000 scientists do not believe humans are responsible for climate change at all. According to them, the climate of the earth has always gone through periods of cooling and warming, and while the earth is warming at present, it is within acceptable ranges.
The con camp also saya that higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere do not cause global warming. This is because ‘carbon sinks’ like forests and oceans absorb the CO2 produced by humans. They also state that saturation levels are already high in the atmosphere, and any additional CO2, whether natural or man-made, will not affect this.