Global Warming Exists Debates

1. DDO should change the "global warming exists" big issue to "Man-made global warming exists"
2. Human induced global warming exists
3. Global Warming Exists
4. Global Warming exists and mankind is responsible for it.
5. Global Warming Exists and we as a country need to do something about it!
6. Resolved: Global Warming Exists

Global Warming Exists Debates

History and Debate of Global Warming Exists

Global warming is defined as an increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere. This trend began in the middle of the 20th century and is one of the major environmental concerns of scientists and governmental officials worldwide. The changes in temperature result mostly from the effect of increased concentrations of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. These gasses, which include carbon dioxide and methane, are mostly produced through human activity.

Global Warming Debate Controversy

The global warming debate has quickly become a source of controversy. People disagree on how to address the problem and some simply do not believe that global warming is even occurring at all. Global warming is an internationally recognized problem and many nations are on board with addressing the issue in the most effective manner possible. The Kyoto Agreement was called for a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and, as of November 2009, was signed by 187 nations. Since 1750, there has been an overall increase of 90-250 percent in the release of carbon dioxide.

Climate Change

If global warming continues at the rate it is right now, scientists warn against a large number of ill effects. Decreases in the amounts of ice and snow in some regions have already endangered many species and continue to do so. Further global warming will also result in a melting of the polar ice caps, which is already occurring. This will lead not only to loss of habitats, but also to a rise in the level of the ocean. A rise in ocean levels could bury some of the coastal cities and islands under miles of water and greatly reduce the amount of land available for human life.

Climate change already impacts a large number of species. For example, coral reefs and mangrove trees have declined in numbers. There is also significant evidence to support changes in forestry over the last 100 years. As global warming has sped up, there have been a number of responses, both innate and planned. Many animal species have responded by migrating to cooler climates. Others have adapted and some are simply close to extinction.

Political & Scientific Reaction

As far as politics go, the responses are just as varied. Mitigation is common and calls for a reduction of emissions and less reliance on fossil fuels. Coal burning power plants are now replaced with hydraulic power plants and electrical cars are replacing some gasoline efficient cars. Many people, however, feel that this is not enough. These "environmental radicals" want to see a complete overhaul of the system and severe reduction of any reliance on factories or machines that produce greenhouse gasses. Some environmental radicals have proposed a system called geo-engineering. This would involve engineering the climate of the earth artificially through removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or blocking incoming sunlight. These techniques would be particularly costly to develop, so they are strongly opposed by supporters of mediation and simple policy change.

When it comes down to it, most politicians and scientists agree that the power to stop global warming lies mostly with the people. Whether a supporter of simple mediation and reduction of use or a believer in dramatic overhauls such as geo-engineering, most scientists agree that the more people who are on board, the better. One survey found that over one-third of people were completely unaware of global warming and its effects. A great first step toward changing the environment would be to educate these people.