I heard today that humans are only responsible for 2% of global warming? 98% is actually caused from water vapor? And that the earth temp has only gone up .006 degrees since wwII. If this is true why do people make such a big deal about gas and other things creating global warming when it really seems to have no effect?
136726
There is such a great debate going on about the issue of global warming.\n\nGroup A..says that emissions from cars and industry are effectively changing weather climates and as a result mean temperatures are starting to rise.  For example most of the hottest days on record have occured within the last 50 years.\n\nGroup B...says that global warming is figment of the imagination and that the current rise in mean temperatures is nothing more than part of a larger weather pattern that faciliated the ice age and so on.\n\nEither way, it is up to you and your spending habits about who you choose to believe.
30132
You are absolutely right. It is a cycle.  We last had global cooling around 1650AD.  Did you know that water vapor has more of an effect on global warming than CO2?  In fact 2/3 of the increase in CO2 levels occurred way before we even started burning the fossil fuels!!\n   The good man above me is right that ice ages occur more often than 2 million years. In fact the last "little ice age" occurred around the Maunder minimum which forced the Vikings off of Greenland.  He is right about the sun spot activity too.\n   Wow this is very encouraging that other people have the true facts and aren't being fooled.\n   Did you know that about 99% of the weathermen think like we do?  Only problem is you have to go with the flow to get any funding these days.
617082
I have been wondering if I would see a global warming question up here.  I thought for sure there would just be a bunch of answer blaming Bush for it.  I am glad to see it hasn't gone that way yet.\n\nThis whole global warming thing is a complete sham.  When I was in school they used to run stories on global cooling, we were all going to be under ice, because all the air pollution was going to block out the sun.  Now its global warming, just more nonsense.\n\nUnfortunately they don't teach you kids much in school nowadays.  The Earth goes through climate changes ALL THE TIME.  I know you have all heard of ice ages, probably only because of the cute little kids movie, but we have had them its really true.  It has also been really, really hot here.  We have been completely covered by ice, we have been without even ice at the poles.  The poles themselves actually flip from time to time.  One day the north pole will be the south pole, it has happened before and it will happen again.\n\nWe can't even come close to attempting to try to affect the climate.  And nothing we can do, can stop, or alter where the climate is going.  If it does in fact get warmer, we didn't do it, and we can't stop it.\n\nYou really need to understand what is behind things like this though, because it is truely unAmerican.   A large part of the world and more unfortunately a small but significant percentage of our own people, simply believe we do not deserve to be the world most powerful country.  And everything they can do, to level the playing field, they will do.  This is simply one of those devices.  There are plenty and there will be more.
363808
Without an atmosphere life simply would not be able to survive. It is because of the gases with in the atmosphere mainly nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21) that the earth can sustain its species. Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are known as greenhouse gases. These gases have been given a bad rap because they contribute to global warming but the thing is is that without these gases life wouldnt be able to exist. these gases help trap the heat from the sun and form a blanket around the earth. If not for these gases this heat would escape back into space. If this was to occur the earth would have an average surface temp of 0 degrees. All water would freeze. Thanks to these greenhouse gases which trap some of the heat from the sun it causes the earth to have an average surface temp of 15 degrees. the problem is is that humans are amplifying this effect by burning fossil fuels for energy(coal oil and natural gas). When these fuels are burned their carbon atoms combine with oxygen in the air to make carbondioxide. Ozone is another important gas. This gas helps reflect and absorb the suns Ultraviolet rays. It is made of 3 oxygen atoms.\n\nBasically without an atmosphere life would be in lot of trouble and nothing would be able to survive.
328076
Not really but in fact the bigger problem is not CO2 but CO. Never the less you know that CO2 levels have suffer a cycle since the beginning earth however since the Industrial revolution they climbed hugely the climate has already changed. At least in my part of the planet it is hotter generally I notice it, my parents did and my friends in general, but it is the older people that notice it the most. The climate is cyclic, sometimes it makes things from 100 to 100 years and at the beginning one thought it might be that but it’s not it’s really a matter of global warming. (I am portuguese to now more about the fire in summer consult the web or see it in CNN in the summer), it is real and it is now
171853
Thank you viking I thought I was the only sane person on earth. The worlds climate has changed constantly since the earth was formed. Its simple geology. What about the volcanoes spewing gas into the atmosphere constantly. The earth is under constant change.
338465
The world is not heating up. All this talk about the major hurricanes and global warming is incorrect, what is happening now also happned a hundred years before any pollution. Also the ozone layer is actually getting better. Al Gore just wants you to think republicans are bad. \n\nIf Canada did heat up, so would the rest of the world and there would be major global disasters. (No, Canada would not melt)
41772
Wow, I am totally at a loss to understand what you are asking. \n\nGlobal warming is not due to carbon dioxide? \n\nYou can easily calculate how much warmer the earth is because of the presence of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in its atmosphere, compared to a black body at 1 AU from the sun (about 33 degrees C). Without global warming, mainly due to carbon dioxide and water vapor in the air, the earth would be MUCH colder. \n\nAnd you are correct that carbon dioxide is not the only greenhouse gas. There are many more. Such as water vapor and CFCs and HFCs and nitrous oxide and methane and so on. But CO2 does contribute, a lot. \n\nWe can't see light in a vacuum? Well I guess if I passed light through a vacuum I would not see it until it bounced off something. But if I was in the vacuum and the light went into my eye, then I would see it. I just don't understand your statement. \n\nAnd I have no idea what those two statements have to do with the first question about scientists and quizzes.
143945
It is certainly true that there have been periods in history that have been hotter than it is now before the rise of the combustion engine and heavy deforestation that ultimately lead to the greenhouse effect. Let me say that the 1.2 degrees Celsius increase that we have observed since the rise of the machine and the human effect on the environment is really insufficient to prove what effect of global warming really is. Additionally, the most abundant greenhouse gas is water vapor (making up about 95% of the abundance of all the greenhouse gases). These two facts basically say that there is no support EXPERIMENTALLY for the theory. Yet the theory is correct: with  a build up of greenhouse gases in all the strata of the atmosphere causes infrared light to reflect several more times off of the earth's surface than it normally would, causing a net increase in thermal energy over long periods of time. I am very much a pro-environment scientist, so I can say without bias that the theory is definitely correct, yet we do not currently know what factors (global warming or something else entirely) we can attribute heat changes to, and therefore, we do not know how much global warming will affect us. Only time will really tell...
108502
Neat how the graph excludes prior dates.  20 years ago it was global cooling.\n\nThe temperature varies, greenhouse gasses come from natural occurrences (Krakatoa and Mt. Saint Helens spewed more greenhouse gasses in the air than man has produced in 10,000 years).  The earth recovers.  Liberal activists don't.
562178
Global warming is the term used to describe how the average temperature of the planet is going up. No one denies that the temperature is, in fact, going up. Therefore, no one denies that global warming is a fact.\n\nHowever, according to studies of Antarctic ice, the average temperature of the planet has been rising for 6,000 years, which is well before the Industrial Revolution of 150 years ago. This proves that global warming is not caused by man. In that time, however, the rate of temperature rise has increased, which means that the actions of humanity probably has worsened the situation.\n\nThe critical facts about global warming are these:\n\nWhat are the effects of global warming going to be, and how can we prepare for them? Currently, no model of global atmospheric projection has shown itself to accurately predict to any degree the general weather patterns of the Earth (such as the number and ferocity of hurricanes). Until we come up with an accurate way of predicting the effects of global warming, preparing for them will be difficult and based upon conjectures, which are a difficult sell to taxpayers.\n\nWhat can be done to limit the effect of humanity on global warming in the future WITHOUT putting a major damper on economic growth and development, especially in developing nations? For example, all nations could agree to stop driving vehicles that use internal combustion engines, but to do so at once would devastate the economies of many nations. However, other options, such as diverting tax funds to subsidize the development of alternative-energy propulsion for vehicles, would accelerate the advent of such earth-friendly technology.\n\nAll in all, because of the massive stakes involved when discussing global warming (and the subsequent misinformation flying around about it), many people are confused as to the facts about it. I was hoping to be as informative and unbiased as possible.\n\nPlease let me know what you think!
625995
GLOBAL WARMING/THE ENVIRONMENT IN GENERAL\n\nAny and I mean any environmental cause or approach must be grassroots in nature. Having PhD's talk about global warming and having those representing industry interests debunk these present theories is a high level and almost an entirely futile effort. Don't get me wrong, it is great that someone with Al Gore's connections and exposure is getting the word out. However, people are people they want to see results. \n\nYes, the expression is now trite but still true, "Thing Globally, Act Locally". Watching the sky over a city, town or even a more rural area become darkened by smog has local impact, people take note and actually see A PROBLEM. A problem that can measured in terms of air quality or perhaps an AIR QUALITY HEALTH INDEX like the one that the provincial government in Ontario, Canada is in the process of implementing. You can measure results (however small) in terms of air quality and the affect it has on the health care system (those with breathing problems, doctor's visits, etc). It certainly speaks to the advantage of a UNIVERSAL health care system (however, actually implemented) as it actually makes sense to improve the environment as it keeps people healthy (a humanitarian cause) and when health care it publicly funded it affects the public coffers when people become ill therefore it even makes better financial sense to keep the environment a top priority.\n\nPlus any approach must be entire with a complete overall plan (the big picture). Including recycling initiatives, energy solutions (alternatives/renewables can now present a real potential financial threat to the big oil companies and even power companies...), government involvement at all levels, public transit, greener vehicles in general (Hybrid, Hydrogen, Conventional electric, bio-diesel, ethanol), conservation in all energy arenas, ETC!\n\nEconomic viability is the real sell as many of these solutions are just that economically sensible (ensuring we look at the entire picture). Yes as more people use solar, wind and other renewable energy sources the cheaper the technology will get. Two of the newest billionaires have earned a large portion through renewables Solar (India I believe) and Wind (China I believe). Yes in many ways developing nations and economies will be the first and early adopters of such renewable tech as they are just building much of their infrastructure.\n\nSo what do we all need to do? GET INVOLVED ! Contact your local government about improving your recycling program, contact provincial/state/federal government about the adopting of these new technologies (renewables such as solar/wind), buy gas with ethanol in it and demand it, use and demand bio diesel, buy products with less packaging and demand manufacturers to reduce packaging and to offer a price break as a result. More ECONOMIC VIABILITY! After all energy diversity just like economic diversity is the safest and best bet for good long term results and return on investment.\n\nJoe...\n\n\nKEEP IT UP MR. GORE THE POLAR BEARS NEED YOU FIRST **GRIN**.
521624
Now its the whole universe?  I thought we were only destroying our own planet and now it is the whole universe?  I suppose now your gonna say we are responsible for the whole universe warming and not just the earth!
218591
The greenhouse effect, simply stated, is what keeps this planet habitable. W/o it, life as we know it, would not exist.\n\nGreenhouse gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc. all act to insulate the earth. These gases, however, make up a minute percentage of all the gases in the atmosphere. Less than one percent all together to be exact.\n\nThe planet Venus, has what we would call a "runaway greenhouse effect". Carbon Dioxide makes up most of Venus' atmosphere.\n\nGlobal warming, however, is an increase in average global temperature. How does the greenhouse effect relate to global warming???\n\nIt is not so much the greenhouse effect in itself but rather the increase of greenhouse gases that leads to global warming. Some scientists believe that humans have lead to an unnatural increase in these particular gases. On the flip side, there are other scientists who believe that this is a natural cycle, one of many that the earth has been though since forming.\n\nThere is a lot of controversy on this matter. However, I believe while we should err on the side of caution, I do not believe that giving up cars to ride bikes is the answer. Not yet anyway.
97327
The degree to which humans are effecting the climate is unclear.  There are so many variables that even the most powerful computers or networks of computers can't effectively model them all.  Even if there were computers powerful enough, the honest answer is we don't understand enough about the world around us to know how each system effects the other.\n\nLooking back further than the VERY short timespan that humans have kept climate records, we see that in the past the world has been much much colder during certain periods, but also much, much much warmer during others.  We are now in what you would call "Ice House" conditions, where we cycle between long (100,000 year) glacial periods, and relatively short interglacial (~15,000 year) periods.  Right now we're sitting 2/3rds of the way into one the interglacial periods.  The slight fluctuation that is occuring now may be related to humans, or may be part of the natural cycle.  In any event, it has occured before, when there was no more human CO2 contribution than from campfires.\n\nAll this getting colder stuff happened when the space betwen North and South America closed off, which was once what was called the "Isthmus of Panama".  Before then, times were much much hotter, and correspondingly sea levels were higher too.  This was because the water could go around the equator and exchange hot water from Pacific to Atlantic.  Now, the only seawater exchange is North-South, and around the poles, so you can imagine that this would tend to act to depress temperatures.\n\nAnyways, long story short: We don't really know.  Personally, I think we should worry less about this global warming stuff, and more about reducing air and water pollution and dealing with the increasing water shortages around the world.
430164
It's hard to predict a date that we will all die, but problems are already happening.\n\nCO2 is 30% higher than it has been for 650,000 years. Methane is 130% greater. These are two of the main pollutants humans put into the atmosphere in excess, and they are two of the primary greenhouse gases.\n\nLook at the 'hockeystick', which shows a dramatic warming since 1950 after a fairly stable climate for 1000 years. In fact, the 10 hottest years in recorded history have all happened since 1990, with 2005 being the hottest.\n(see links below)\n\nHow's that for proof of man's fault in this? There is ample proof, any real scientist will tell you that.\n\nThere has NEVER been an article doubting man's influence on global warming published in a peer-reviewed journal. A recent study of almost 1000 proved that.\n\nYes, the earth naturally heats and cools, but the rate and amount we are warming now is unprecedented in the recent geologic past. We are doing this, and we must stop it. This is not some political statement or rhetoric. This is science trying to educate a crass, ignorant public of the damage they are doing. The magnitude of temperature increase ALREADY is about 10x that of the 'little ice age' of the middle ages, and rate and amount are only going up. \n\nJust to be clear, glacial and interglacial cycles are mainly controlled by astronomical fluctuations, but we have a detailed record of the last 7 cycles, and what the climate and CO2 is doing now is way different and extreme. The rate of increase is much higher than in the past AND the value itself is much higher.\n\nHI CO2: \nhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4467420.stm\nHOCKEY STICK: \nhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5109188.stm\nGeneral climate stuff: \nhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3897061.stm
421593
The 'debate' is in the media only.  The data only supports human-caused Global Warming.  It has nothing to do with political party IF you actually look at the data like a scientist.\n\nCO2 is 30% higher than it has been for 650,000 years. Methane is 130% greater. These are two of the main pollutants humans put into the atmosphere in excess, and they are two of the primary greenhouse gases.\n\nLook at the 'hockeystick', which shows a dramatic warming since 1950 after a fairly stable climate for 1000 years. In fact, the 10 hottest years in recorded history have all happened since 1990, with 2005 being the hottest, and 2006 is shaping up to maybe break that record.\n(see links below)\n\nHow's that for proof of man's fault in this? There is ample proof, any real scientist will tell you that.\n\nThere has NEVER been an article doubting man's influence on global warming published in a peer-reviewed journal. A recent study of almost 1000 proved that.\n\nYes, the earth naturally heats and cools, but the rate and amount we are warming now is unprecedented in the recent geologic past. We are doing this, and we must stop it. This is not some political statement or rhetoric. This is science trying to educate a crass, ignorant public of the damage they are doing. The magnitude of temperature increase ALREADY is about 10x that of the 'little ice age' of the middle ages, and rate and amount are only going up. \n\nJust to be clear, glacial and interglacial cycles are mainly controlled by astronomical fluctuations, but we have a detailed record of the last 7 cycles, and what the climate and CO2 is doing now is way different and extreme. The rate of increase is much higher than in the past AND the value itself is much higher.\n\nHI CO2: \nhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4467420.stm\nHOCKEY STICK: \nhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5109188.stm\nGeneral climate stuff: \nhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3897061.stm