Climate Change - A Global Debate

The above title will inspire a wide variety of emotionsincreases have led to a warmer planet.
and opinions amongst and across diverseNow it is clear that we cannot reverse the
communities. Each and every person on this planetadvancements of the industrial revolution and nor
cannot escape the debate, so what I would like toshould we wish to. What I believe to be plainly
achieve through this page, is an open debate aboutobvious is that, we should not deny the possibility of
the topic. In the forthcoming paragraphs I shall outlinethe existence of global warming as a direct result of
the subject as I see it, which is by no means athe release of excess levels of greenhouse gases
testament of how it is, and then I hope that asinto our atmosphere. However, I am not about to
many people as possible will comment showing theirignore the factual data showing that our planet has
particular views, theories and critics of the issue. Sobeen far hotter, and has had levels of carbon dioxide
please read on and reply.that are far higher than they are currently; most
To this point I am completely aware of thenotably in the time of the dinosaurs, when the
disagreements that exist among the scientific beliefsCO2level was 2 to 4 times higher. Nevertheless we all
of the highly educated scientific elite across ourknow what happened to the dinosaurs, or at least
planet. My particular opinion has been formed afterwe think we do. Nor should we ignore that the
reading and analysing a large, but actually significantlyearth's life cycle clearly shows higher and lower levels
small amount, of the immense available informationof ice due to the heating and cooling of the planet
relating to the issue of climate change.over time. However, we must remember that human
Greenhouse gases come in various forms, the mosthistory is relatively short in terms of the scientific
commonly and publicised of these being Carbondata that supports a natural warming and cooling of
Dioxide CO2 and others less publicly demonised suchthe earth, and although there is a clear natural
as, Sulphur Hexafluoride SF6, Methane CH4, Nitrouselement to the warming and cooling of the earth, do
Oxide N20, Hydro Fluorocarbons HFCs and Perwe risk extinction in the wake of the result
Fluorocarbons PFCs, are all natural contributors to theregardless?
greenhouse effect.It seems apparent that we simply have little control,
The simple science that underpins these gases is thatso surely we should concentrate our efforts away
without them our planet would be unable to sustainfrom the ifs, buts or maybes, and move toward the
life, as it does currently. So actually we should all bepositive impact that can be achieved through
extremely thankful for their existence. The mathconcerted and collective cooperation. Even the
behind it shows that the above greenhouse gasessimplest of efforts can go a long way to reducing
make up 0.5% of the earth's atmosphere and atthe excess release of greenhouse gases into our
these levels warm our earth by an additionalatmosphere and many of them are financially
30°C. Imagine our planet being 30°C cooler.beneficial. Some simple steps include; general
The undeniable fact is that since the beginning of therecycling, insulation of housing, walking or cycling
industrial revolution in the early to mid 18th century,rather than driving, buying organic produce and
we as citizens of our planet employed new andplanting trees. The list is long and not exhaustive,
increasingly technical means by which to achievecontinue the innovation. Ironically, although very
economic and industrial diversification, through whichdifficult to quantify, the bureaucracy and lobbying
many of the world's industrialised nations reaped thethat surrounds the climate change debate is most
rewards. Through this natural development it becamelikely adding to the problem. With the carbon
necessary to make use of natural resources such asfootprint of every climate conference impacted by;
coal, oil and its derivatives and natural gas. This wasflights and travel, document printing, energy usage
and remains a commendable use of the humanand so on.
intelligence and should in no way be vilified.Nonetheless, the intentions are positive, and through
Throughout the industrial revolution and up to theglobal state action our great nations can achieve a
very recent history, the possible adversewinning result for the greater good. Even if our
consequences of the industrial revolution were notefforts prove to have no effect on the natural
fully considered or understood. It does howeverwarming and cooling of our earth cycle, we will have
clearly correlate that due to the increased use ofachieved great success due to progressive thought,
fossil fuels and the consequent release of previouslydevelopment and involvement of industrialised and
absorbed greenhouse gases, such an increase innon-industrialised nations alike. What is this greater
levels that was not present pre the industrialgood? It is the positive impact on the future lives of
revolution, could have a detrimental effect upon themillions of people with whom we share our planet.
fine balance of 0.5% greenhouse gases present inWho am I and why do I have a right to voice my
the earth's atmosphere.opinion? Well I, like you, am a citizen of this beautiful
Data shows that the concentration of Carbon Dioxideplanet and like you have the right to voice an opinion
in the earth's atmosphere currently stands at 387so please, if you wish, add your voice here.
parts per million, a 31% increase in the period 1750 toPlease comment directly or email to put your view
2009. Subsequently the belief exists that suchacross.