Glen Luckman, Global Warming Issues

By Napoleon Miles

Global warming has an effect on tourism and the economies of many nations. Scientists are forecasting that the Caribbean and its surrounding areas will register a constant increase in temperature. The same can be said about the Mediterranean basin. Global warming has interesting effects on the tourism industry.

A characteristic of the northern countries is their low temperatures. With an increase in temperature their climate may be much warmer. This has very important consequences on the tourism industry.

Some counties may suffer from droughts in the near future. Many plants may not resist such high temperatures and many countries may become more similar to a desert. On the other hand, by the increase in temperature, countries like Canada and northern Europe will be more habitable than nowadays and so attract tourists and settlers.

Avalanches may also increase. Places used for skiing may no longer be appropriate for such an activity. So such places will no longer be a tourist attraction. On the other hand new areas may become adequate for skiing. In general we will be witnessing to a shift in the tourism industry.

The consequences of global warming are therefore a general shift in tourism from the Caribbean and the Mediterranean countries to that of Canada and the northern European countries. Countries like Italy, Spain and Greece may become too hot to live comfortably in. Presently these countries have a highly developed tourism industry because of their favorable climate. On the other hand countries like Canada, Great Britain, Sweden and Norway may develop booming tourist industries in the coming years.

Such a shift in the tourism industry will mean also a shift in resources. Northern countries will have to shift more resources from other industries to cater for the booming tourism industry. On the other hand Caribbean and Mediterranean countries must adapt to the new situation and shift resources from the now declining tourism industry to other more profitable industries.

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Author: Nathalie Fiset

What do you think could come in as more important to our basic human needs such as food, shelter, medicine, education or even the need for affection? There could be one issue that would predetermine everything that will transpire on the planet, and that is the planet’s condition. If the world were on the brink of destruction, saving it would be the priority of every single individual. And save it we must. Although the threat is still not at a life and death level, there is an alarming truth that there are several problems that are now bugging the place that we live in. Say hello to global warming. And try to say bye - stop global warming!

Global warming, which is also known as the greenhouse effect, has been here long before you or anybody else out there existed. It’s been here for thousands of years. And through those thousands of years, the earth’s temperature has increased, and so has the effects of global warming. Time magazine has actually coined this problem as a planetary emergency.

There are major solutions that have been done worldwide to cope, alleviate or altogether stop the effects of this major problem. But among these choices, the obvious choice that the human race is supposed to concentrate on is how to stop global warming. Since we have all contributed to the occurrence of global warming (in our own little ways), then we should also join forces in combating this dilemma.

1. Join organizations that promise to educate you about the effects of global warming and what you can do to put a stop to this problem. Be an activist on this matter. After all, everything begins with you.

2. The next step is to conserve energy. And yes, there are so many ways that an individual can save energy. Let’s list some here: car pooling, turning off appliances that are not in use; unplugging any electronic devices that are not in use; buying energy-efficient lamps; keeping the filters of your air-conditioning unit clean; taking a walk (instead of driving); turn off the faucet when enough water has been consumed; do not use appliances or products that release chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere (examples are hairsprays and refrigerators that have CFCs); use EEF appliances; start planting trees, etc. These are basic things that we have learned even from grade school and yet, tend to forget the most.

3. If you are a slave of your profession, then, cut on those work hours to help save energy. For every individual that would cut down an hour from his work, there would be millions worth of energy saved. Learn to maximize your time and to properly manage it. I guess you never imagined before that this could also stop global warming, huh?

4. Recycle. Need we elaborate on that?

5. Use environment-friendly fuels and vehicles. They may be a little bit more expensive but they do not contribute to pollution. Honda was the first to come up with a vehicle that is cell-powered, thus, there are no harmful emissions. If you cannot afford cell-powered vehicles just yet, you can opt for those that can run thirty miles in just a gallon of fuel. This way, carbon monoxide is greatly reduced.

6. If you can, harness the power of the sun, wind and water to generate electricity. There are equipments in the market that can be used to harness solar, wind or geothermal energy. These sources of energy are clean and reusable. If, again, you can’t afford to tap on the power of these sources, then, at least, choose an electric provider that does not pollute the environment by the use of fossil fuels.

7. Insulate your home to prevent excessive use of heaters. During summer, dress lightly to minimize the use of air-conditioning units.

Most people would argue that these, altogether, would not stop global warming. Well, maybe for now that is true. But with the collective efforts of each and everyone in the planet, and if everyone would be disciplined enough to care for environmental issues such as this, then even two degrees off the present global temperature would be such a major feat.

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By: Rich Johnson

Global Warming is a term denoting a gradual warming of the Earths average temperature. The term has become synonymous to the Earths warming exclusively due to man-made effects, especially carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide concentrations have increased from 300 parts per million to 384 parts per million since 1900, with the most accelerated increase during the past 40 years. Some scientists have drawn the conclusion that the increase in the Earths average temperature (about 1°F since 1975) is essentially solely based on man-made activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, biomass burning, and deforestation

Causes of Global Warming

The Earths atmosphere is made up of different gases. Nitrogen makes up 78% of the total composition, Oxygen 21%, Argon 1% and traces gases .1%. Carbon dioxide makes up most of the volume of the rare gases. Water vapor varies from almost 0% over the deserts to 4% over the oceans. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, ozone, and nitrous oxide are the gases of interest since these are the greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases can reradiate heat or trap heat absorbed by the Earth from the sun. Water vapor is by far the largest mechanism for heat retention out of the greenhouse gases.

In the past, the Earths orbital eccentricity, variance of the tilt and wobble have led to periods of warmer weather. Even though the solar energy from the sun is considered a constant, a slight change could cause temperature fluctuations. Recently, Mars has also shown a decrease in ice coverage without greenhouse gas changes. The cause for the reduction in aerial coverage is unknown.

In summary, there are three mechanisms which would cause global warming, or in other words allow for a warming of the Earths average temperature. These are: (1) solar energy variance, (2) gradual changes in the Earths orbit, tilt, and wobble, and (3) greenhouse gas changes. It is difficult to calculate what percentage of the recent warming could be attributed to human activities. We can eliminate changes in the Earths orbit, tilt, and wobble causing a temperature increase since these are long term effects.

What are the Effects of Global Warming on Hurricanes?

There is a common misconception that since the global temperature has increased, hurricanes also must increase in number and intensity. The primary factor in the ability of a hurricane to strengthen or weaken is the wind shear profile of the atmosphere - not water temperature. It always has been warm enough in the tropics to produce hurricanes. This temperature equates to a sea surface temperature of about 80°F. If you study the behavior of hurricanes you can find cases where hurricanes have strengthened over cooler water and have weakened over warmer water. There may be a small “boost” to a hurricanes strength as it moves over the Gulf Stream, if upper air wind profiles do not change much. Some of the computer generated hurricane models have this bias built in and will rapidly strengthen a tropical cyclone if predicted to go over a warm pool of water.

The recent upturn in tropical cyclone activity was predicted long before Global Warming became a household name. The tropical Atlantic has been known to vary in cycles, and this recent upturn was expected. If you were to compare the period from 1900 to about 1950, with the 1950s until now, you would find an actual decrease in the average number of hurricanes and their intensity. It also is noted that the upswing in hurricane numbers over the past ten years or more has been only in the North Atlantic basin. Other hurricane formation regions have not shown this same trend.

The Effects of Global Warming on Hurricanes: Summary

There has been a noted increase in the number of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico since the mid-1990s. The long term average is that ten tropical storms will form per year, of which about six will become hurricanes. Since the mid-1990s the average has been fifteen tropical storms, of which eight have become hurricanes. There has also been an upward trend in the concentration of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide due to mans activities over the past 100 years. During this time, hurricanes have gone through cycles where they have been more numerous, such as the cycle that we are in now.

Some scientists have drawn a one to one correlation between the Earths temperature increase and the number of hurricanes and their intensity. As we have noted, the number one factor in tropical cyclone intensity is related to the atmospheric wind shear profile. There is even some research that suggests that higher temperatures could actually increase the wind shear profile resulting in a decrease in hurricane activity. The upward cycle in hurricane numbers is expected to continue for several more years. If this trend were to continue for a considerably longer period, only then could one draw a conclusion that warmer temperatures have played some part to cause an increase in tropical cyclone formation.

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Lance Winslow

Are the Global Warming alarmists all washed up in their own acid rain? A couple of new research papers seem to indicate that pollution prevents Global Warming as it prevents the sun from getting through and heating up the concrete in cities which causes Urban Heat. Well, there is much more to the report than just that, you’ll have to read it all for yourself.

The evidence is pretty overwhelming that the scientist “do not” agree that Global Warming, which by definition means that it is being caused by human pollution output of CO2, is real. This new evidence seems to indicate that additional pollution will indeed, slow climate change or heating of the Earth, even during times of severe solar activity. But is this report true?

Apparently, the team of scientists who worked on this research and report have proof, unlike Al Gore’s “Inconvenient” movie, in which he received a Nobel Prize for. If pollution is preventing Global Warming and if the Earth’s atmosphere really is heating up uncontrollably then maybe it is time that all nations start paying Beijing royalty payments for polluting the air, which then is blown by the trade winds around the world.

No one should be surprised by all this. 300-years ago we had the mini-ice age, in the 1950s it was hotter than hell, in the 1970s scientists believed we were entering an ice age again, and today, well, it’s back to the climate change issue again, this time we are calling it Global Warming. At this point one would have to ask the question, what makes you so sure you are right this time?

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Author: AUGUST Leo

At this moment, there are a lot of natural disaster or bad effect of global warming happen in our environment. There are several kinds of regions that have rainy day that much harder than usual. On the other hand, there are several kinds of regions that have sunny day much hotter than usual. More than that, there is also bad impact that caused from those kinds of unusual condition, such as: big flood, land slide in every where, and so on. Actually, you may think how all of those disasters happen in our life. There are several kinds of indicator that can give signal to us about the real threat of global warming.

First indicator of global warming is the melting of ice in the North and South Pole. Currently we can see that there is rapid change of condition in those poles where the ice is melting faster than before. This condition is also threatening the creatures who live at those poles. Second is the increasing of sea surface level. There is an amazing result of research done by environment experts which they said that if all of Greenland were melting down, it can increase the level of sea surface more than 7 meters.

Beside of that, there are also several kinds of motive that caused global warming exist in our life, such as: the extreme change of climate, hot waves that become wilder than before, and the glacier is running out periodically.

We now can see that storm is getting bigger and could trigger a disaster. So what are we waiting for?

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By: Marcel Van Brienen

Global warming has become a hot topic over the past few years. While some may assume that the discussion of global warming effects is a new one, it has actually been around for a number of decades. The main difference today is that the conversation has grown to include millions of people throughout the globe. Part of the reason that so many people are concerned about global warming is due to a number of alarming points put forth by research organizations.

Here are some of the issues they have raised alarm over:

Probably the most alarming point many have made is the notion that carbon dioxide emissions cause great harm to the environment. As the studious know, human beings emit carbon dioxide when they breathe. Since human beings will always emit carbon dioxide, this would make the reduction of carbon dioxide very difficult since humans can not be taken out of the equation.

Fossil Fuels and Global Warming

The relationship between fossil fuels and the causes of global warming has also created alarm among many. Fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide and other emissions into the air when they are burned. This creates a very complex situation because the top three fossil fuels - oil, coal, and natural gas - are the primary sources of energy in the world. Then again, many people take a number of simple steps to reduce such emissions. Turning the lights off in the home and not driving as much all are all habits that can reduce energy consumption. The more people who do this the less energy resources will need to be tapped.

Effects on the animal kingdom

If there was one aspect of global warming news that has pulled on the heartstrings of people it has been the effect of global warming on the animal kingdom. Or, more specifically, it is the effect global warming has had on the polar bear community. Since people have always had a fondness for these exotic animals, many have sympathy for the animal’s plight. While many are familiar with the reports that global warming has had a negative effect on the polar bear community they may not understand what exactly occurs.

Essentially, polar bears live in a habitat that is comprised of sea ice. If global warming can cause this ice to melt it reduces the habitat in which the polar bears live on. This could radically impact polar bears in the same way urbanization affected grizzly bears. In the early 1800’s, Grizzly bears lived in all fifty US states. As the human population grew and cities were developed, Grizzly bears died off since their habitat disappeared. A similar effect is possible with polar bears and other animals that live in the same habitat if sea ice continues to melt.

Effects on the human kingdom

If anything, the effects of global warming on the animal kingdom concerns people over what type of effect it may have on the “human kingdom”. Yes, there is fear of a potential all encompassing ripple effect and this fear fuels much of the alarmism over global warming. How the story will eventually play out over the next several years is not predictable.

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Author: Remy Lebeau

No matter how much you deny it, global warming exists. It’s real. It’s happening. And its effects are global in scale.

According to scientists studying the effects of global warming, one of its deadliest effects is the melting of polar ice caps, which will throw the ecosystem out of balance. Sea levels will rise and the melted ice will make the ocean less salty. Temperatures will rise, which will change the landscape and endanger certain animal species.

In other parts of the world, there will be intense droughts and heat waves, and since water is a rare commodity in some parts of the world, this may result in conflicts and even war.

To combat global warming, we need to implement real change. If the previous administration had been weak in its position on climate change, we hope that with the new president Barack Obama, legislation requiring sharp cuts in greenhouse gas emissions will be passed. It’s the best change we need in this lifetime, and a change we believe that will really matter in our future.

You need not be a scientist or a government official to fight climate change. You can be part of the solution by spreading the word about global warming and awareness building through promotional items.

- Encourage those around you to drive less and take the public transport. Biking, walking, or carpooling are good alternatives that minimize your carbon footprint. By not using the car, you minimize your contribution of carbon monoxide to the atmosphere. A greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide has important indirect effects on global warming. Awareness promotional items such as pedometers will encourage people to walk more.

- Educate people on energy-efficient alternatives such as switching from conventional incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents. Maximizing the use of natural sunlight will not only bring down your monthly electric bills, but it will also lessen your contribution to global warming.

- Plant trees in your neighborhood. This makes a good corporate team-building activity as well. An average tree cleans up 330 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thus lessening global warming. Promotional wearable items will help spread your advocacy.

- Inform other people about global warming through awareness promotional items. Support candidates who will further the cause. Write legislators and inform them of the importance of the fight against climate change.

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By: David Yuri

There has been a lot of talk on the subject of global warming. Specialists believe that human activities in the past 50 years have given a negative boost to climate change. After a long series of tests and chart observations, it seems that the primary culprit for global warming is the emission of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide). These gases have altered the composition of the atmosphere and raised the planet’s temperature with almost 1?C since 1950.

The problem is not that these gases exist. They have always been in the atmosphere, but there is a major increase in their concentration. The planet started to heat up and the climate change appeared simultaneously with the beginning of industrial revolution. Then, at the start of a new era, the concentrations of carbon dioxide increased with nearly 30%, methane almost doubled and nitrous oxide with 15% making global warming a serious, even deadly matter.

These figures are truly concerning due to the fact that we rely on fossil fuels to drive, to heat and to power factories not thinking of the harsh reality: burned fossil fuels are the main reason for the rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leading to global warming and accelerating the rate of climate change.

Still, the combustion of fuel is not the only one to blame for global warming. Researchers consider that the development of agriculture, deforestation, landfills, industrial production and mining are also to blame. Each one of them has ‘helped’ induce large, global, abrupt climate change leading to a warmer planet, making it more difficult for us to live.

The statistics in climate change are frightening. Almost 98% of the greenhouses emissions are due to pollution and it is no surprise that the most powerful and rich country (U.S) on the continent is mainly responsible for global warming. 1998 has been declared the warmest year on record and scientistists are concerned that the snow cover in northern hemisphere and floating ice in the Arctic Ocean have decreased. Do we really pay enough attention to the climate change and do we want the planet to become too warm for us to live in?

We are all threathened by this sudden climate change. Global warming is not a joke and we should start paying more attention to it. Not only wildlife, forests and coastal areas are vulnerable to the climate change that the greenhouse gas may bring, but also water resources, animals and most important our health.

What should we expect from global warming? First of all, a change that will have a major impact on the way we live will be a warmer weather. Climate change will appear in the form of increased precipations worldwide, with acid rainfalls that will damage the natural habitat, with more frequent and intense storms that will build up and result in powerful hurricanes. And this is just the top of the ‘iceberg’ called global warming. The hurricanes will be stronger than usual with greater devastating powers.

The population of the globe should be taught more about these greenhouse gases that are held responsible for climate change and more specific, global warming. Carbon dioxide is realeased into the atmosphere when wood, fossil fuels (oil, gas and coal) and solid waste are burned. Methane is emitted during the production and transport of oil, gas and coal, but it also results from decomposition of solid, organic waste. Nitrous oxide is the product of: agricultural and industrial activities, combustion of fossil fuels and solid waste. So, do we still have to wonder why these greenhouse gases have such a strong impact on climate change?

Unfortunately, there are not many options to reduce the effects of global warming. Lately, in order to predict climate change, specialists have put up what is called an emission inventory which registers the quantity of air pollutants in the atmosphere. It also establishes the identity of the polluting agent (chemical/physical), the geographic area covered, the time period over which emissions are appreciated and the type of activities that cause the emissions. This way, the scientific community is making an effort to reduce the serious consequences of global warming.

Another solution for the problem of global warming is recycling. It started years ago in powerful and well developed states and it is a novelty for poor, undergoing tranzition states that are struggling to survive. But, slowly, people all over the world are learning about the strong effects of recycling newspapers, plastic, glass, metal. It is a healthy action that makes the world a better place. By recycling, we not only help ourselves, but also the forests, crop yields and water supplies which are severely affected by climate change. We also keep in mind the animals and the ecosystems - another sector badly damaged by climate change. We make the difference.

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