Is the Planet Earth Under Threat?

Is the Planet Earth Under Threat?

Global Warming

Is Planet Earth Under Threat?

By: Candace Simas

Global warming is the increase in the average measured temperature of the Earth’s near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century, and it is projected continuation.

It is true, many agree that the earth is warming, but they are uncertain of both the causes and the consequences. Human activities may be a factor, they say, but not necessarily the primary one. For one thing the physical processes that underline global climate systems are complex and not fully understood. In addition some groups tend to put their own spin on the scientific data.

Many believe that humans are a major cause of global warming, which may have catastrophic consequences for the climate and the environment. For example, large-scale melting of land-based ice and the expansion of the oceans as water warms could cause sea levels to rise drastically. Islands such as Tuvalu could disappear, as could large parts of the Netherlands and Florida, to name just two other areas. Millions of people could be displaced from such places as Shanghai and Calcutta, as well as parts of Bangladesh.

At the same time rising temperatures may also foster the spread of disease by enabling mosquitoes, ticks, and other disease-carrying organisms, including fungi, to spread farther, spread far and wide. It is very possible that if you went outside, right now for about ten minuets, you would get bite about two to three times at lease. Also we have seen a rise in the number of West Nile virus, even in Tennessee.

What is hurting the animals?

Also at risk are thousands of species of animals, including Polar Bears, Adelie Penguins, Caribou, Monarch Butterflies, Migratory Songbirds, Trout, Coral Reefs, and the Arctic Foxes. Now let go back to the Polar Bears, whose hunting grounds are largely indicate that many bears are losing weight and some are even starving. Also with rising temperatures, the thinning...

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