Sunday, December 16, 2007

Global Warming - Hype or Real?

Much is being written and said about global warming. The drastic increase in wild fires in the western United States, consuming thousands of acres and hundreds of homes in recent years is just one example cited. Is the evidence for global warming convincing on a world-wide basis or is much of it just hype? What are the major concerns in terms of the economic and human devastation that global climate change could bring? Are there ways to reverse or minimize the trend, and how could humankind "weather" the decades ahead if planetary warming cannot be halted?

If the world population is to move from hype to understanding, there must be a great deal of education involved. The discovery channel, PBS, Al Gore’s movie “An Inconvenient Truth” has started the long process of educating both the young and adults. My personal feeling is that the younger generation is much more inclined to believe the evidence and truly strive to make a difference. I have witnessed the older generations scoffing at the evidence and stating that media, TV, and politicians are causing the hype around the subject of global warming.

If these concerns are not heeded and global warming continues, the potential devastation of all sea-level cities and communities is guaranteed. Climate changes will alter growing seasons and crops in all countries world-wide. In addition, a potential mass extinction of animals and plants that are not adapted for warmer climates is nearly guaranteed.

Alternate energy sources that reduce global warming emissions are of course a high priority for those concerned. Even if we are not able to stop or slow down the warming trend of our planet, it would be wise to continue to adapt cleaner technology to be implemented in the present and future.

What are your thoughts, input, and suggestions?

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