Global Warming: Unraveling the Confusion

In summary, Global warming is a phenomenon whereby the Earth's temperature is rising. This is due to increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere, which is attributed to human activities like increased emissions. There are two sides to the argument - those who believe that the rising temperature is a natural occurrence that has happened before, and those who believe that the rise in temperature is due to human activity and is being caused by increased CO2 levels. There is still much debate surrounding the topic, but the evidence seems to suggest that there is a link.
  • #1
anonymoussome
59
0
I've been watching many documentaries on global warming these days.
One of them said that:
It was a BBC channel documentary.
Global warming is causing the temperature of the Earth to rise.
Global warming is due to increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
This CO2 is attributed to human activities like increased emissions and all that.

Well another one is opposed to this idea of blaming the humans for all this phenomenon. The Documentary was named "Global Warming Swindle".
They attributed this phenomenon to the Sun and said that it was normal and had happened before also. Sunspots reflected the activity and the temperature trends on Earth followed them closely. And also due to the clouds. They are deadly opposed to the idea that human activities are causing all this and that out of all the green house gases CO2 is a very small fraction. Water Vapours comprise of a very large fraction of green house gases. And the amount of CO2 that humans put into the atmosphere is much less than what is being poured in by nature itself.

Then Mr. Al Gore also blames this rise in temperature to human activities in his famous documentary presentation "An Inconvenient Truth".

Then yet in another documentary from BBC again...called "Global Warming-The Big Chill", they say that the global warming may be leading us to dropping temperatures. It was mainly focused on UK and mentioned about the conveyor convection belt of the Ocean. But it was predicted that UK might be heading towards very cold and frequent winters like somewhat of the past(I don't remember the year but it was not very distant). This stopping of the belt was due to addition of fresh water from fast melting greenland. They also attributed it to the sun but not sunspots in particular and also the cosmic rays.




So this thought is whirling inside me like a hurricane and I need explanation. All Documentaries seem pretty convincing and have there own set of experts.


So tell me :

What basically is global warming? Though I know this but still these all theories have confused me.
How far is the increasing CO2 level to blame for this effect?
What role is the sun playing in it?
And if anybody has seen these documentaries please do comment on their acceptibility. Are these proven facts or just material for the media to sell?
 
Earth sciences news on Phys.org
  • #2
http://http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn11650-climate-myths-global-warming-is-down-to-the-sun-not-humans.html" [Broken]

I think this is quite good:
http://http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20227081.500-the-man-who-discovered-greenhouse-gases.html" [Broken]

I saw an excellent documentary on the BBC a few months ago which explained where all of these myths came about, and gave a very good account of the evidence. I can't remember what it was called though.

While there is some evidence to show that the Earth would be warming up without our impact, the rate of change in the last century has exceeded all possible forcasting based on trends for before 1800.

Global warming basically says thiat when short-wavelength IR passes through the layer of greenhouse gases, it hits the Earth and is absorbed. It is then emitted as a slightly longer wavelength. This longer wavelength can be reflected back to the Earth by the gas layer, and so the amount of heat energy the Earth has increases, thus increasing surface temperature.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
Last edited by a moderator:

What is global warming?

Global warming is the gradual increase in the Earth's average temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space and causing the Earth's temperature to rise.

What causes global warming?

The main cause of global warming is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, which release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Other factors, such as deforestation and agricultural practices, also contribute to the increase in greenhouse gases.

Is global warming really happening?

Yes, global warming is a scientifically proven phenomenon. Multiple studies have shown that the Earth's average temperature has been steadily rising over the past century and that the increase is directly linked to human activities.

What are the effects of global warming?

The effects of global warming are extensive and include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe natural disasters, loss of biodiversity, and changes in weather patterns. These impacts not only affect the environment but also have economic and social consequences.

What can we do to stop global warming?

There are many actions we can take to reduce our contribution to global warming, such as using renewable energy sources, driving less, and eating a plant-based diet. It is also important for governments and industries to implement policies and technologies that decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Every individual can make a difference in combating global warming.

Similar threads

  • Earth Sciences
Replies
28
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • Mechanics
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
25
Views
7K
  • Earth Sciences
3
Replies
75
Views
20K
  • DIY Projects
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
4
Views
6K
  • Earth Sciences
6
Replies
184
Views
43K
Back
Top