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The Debate: Humans or Nature?

Why are people still arguing about global warming – isn’t it a fact?

There are many debates which are ongoing. First, there are still some who argue that the current warming trend is actually a natural recovery from what was called the “Little Ice Age”. This ice age came to an end toward the end of the 1800’s. These scientists argue that we have simply returned to the climate of the medieval period. There is also an argument about the actual impact of the increasing greenhouse effect on climate change. There are people who say that natural factors such as astronomical causes (such as sunspots), atmospheric causes (greenhouse gases, as well as volcanic dust and polar ice caps), and even tectonic causes (shifting continents, changes in undersea ridges) play an equal, if not much greater role. They also argue that the greenhouse effect was already increasing, even before the introduction of coal burning factories, etc. The scientists who emphasize this larger list of causes also suggest that those arguing for global warming may be relying only on short term trends.

However, the majority of people are saying that there is a warming trend for which human activity is largely responsible. Public opinion is certainly leaning in the direction of a strong element of human responsibility for global warming. Whether or not this is the absolute truth, the outcome will probably be positive, because it has led to a political debate about what we can do about global warming. In other words, even if global warming is not mostly due to human activity, the fact that we are all now talking about what people can do to help slow down the process will be good for the Earth and for all of us. The more each of us can be thinking about ways to cut down our use of fossil fuels, the better it will be for the Earth.

references

Atmospheric Global Warming Theory

History of Little Ice Age

Information About Global Warming

Global Warming Controversy

glossary

astronomical causes

Astronomical causes are things caused by space.

atmospheric causes

Atmospheric causes are natural occurring things due to regular functions of Earth.

climate change

Climate change is the generally prevailing weather conditions of a region, as temperature, air pressure, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, cloudiness, and winds, throughout the year, averaged over a series of years.

debate

A debate is when a subject matter is discussed by using two different view points.

fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are energy sources such as oil, coal, and natural gas that come from the Earth.

Fossil fuels are one type of energy source. Learn about all energy sources here.

Click on these links to watch interactive movies about coal, gas, or oil.

greenhouse effect

The greenhouse effect is the warming of the atmosphere due to trapping long waves of radiation so they cannot radiate back into space.

Click here to see an interactive movie explaining how the greenhouse works.

For more information on the greenhouse effect, see the Climate page.

medieval period

The medieval period refers to the years between 1000-1450.

tectonic causes

Tectonic causes are a result of the tectonic plates moving, which changes the currents of the oceans.

trend

A trend is a general direction taken.