Despite any confusion that you might be facing, the facts on global warming are not up for debate.
–> Highly recommended: What is Causing Global Warming?
Update (2012): This article was written a couple years ago. The links above and below contain some recommended updates on this matter (also check our sidebar and on new articles for more climate science stories):
- What is Causing Global Warming? Human versus Natural Causes
- 119 One-Liners to Respond to Climate Science Myths
- Humans Cause Global Warming: 10 Indicators
- 255 Leading Scientists, 11 Nobel Laureates Write Letter Supporting Climate Scientists & Climate Science
- 17 Nobel Laureates Call for “fundamental transformation and innovation in all spheres and at all scales in order to stop and reverse global environmental change”
- Yes, Climategate was Science Denier B.S.
Proof From the Experts
Human activities are most likely causing global warming according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report. The results of this report are significant since the IPCC is the leading group of scientist that evaluate climate change-related research.
There’s no reason for you to doubt the scientists. There are some people who will attempt to confuse you by claiming that the idea that humans cause climate change is “just a theory” and therefore shouldn’t be taken seriously. But this is a dangerous misrepresentation of how scientists use the word ‘theory’.
The evidence is overwhelming in its support of the theory that humans cause climate change. The most important piece of evidence for you to understand is the direct correlation between the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and global average temperatures. As carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased, so has the average temperature on Earth. In fact, many of the activities you do every day contribute to this problem.
You need to understand the basics of scientific theories
You’re probably used to using the word ‘theory’ to indicate that you are uncertain about something. When scientists use the word ‘theory’, they mean it in a different way than you are probably used to using it in casual conversation.
Scientific theories are like facts. Scientific theories are well-tested and generally believed to be true by the scientific community. You don’t doubt the scientific ‘theory’ of gravity because the evidence so overwhelmingly supports it, and popular culture has come to accept it as a fact. However, scientists wouldn’t consider gravity’s existence a fact because they always leave open the possibility that new evidence will lead to a new theory.
Global warming is as accepted as gravity in the sense that human-caused global warming has been researched extensively and almost all scientists believe it is happening.
Are Catastrophic Effects Around the Corner?
There are many dangerous effects from global warming that have the potential to cause the extinction of humanity. Fortunately, there is still time to reduce these effects, but you must take action.
You should start by making sure that everyone has access to good information. That is why it is critically important that you learn to share this proof before it’s too late.
- How Do Humans Cause Global Warming
- How to Prevent Global Warming with Straw Bale Construction
- Decrease Your Carbon Footprint Living in a Tiny House