Climate change has been one of the central topics in mass media for more than four decades. Still, the opinion of scientists traditionally varies and remains skeptical when it comes to evaluating the real consequences of global warming. On the other side, some small changes known as the greenhouse effect have been noticed, and it might prove the suggestions about possible climate changes.
There is a general opinion that the sun causes warming by throwing large amounts of energy out into space. Indeed, there are occasional bursts of sun activity resulting in magnetic storms, and extreme temperature increases. It is stated that “during the course of research on the effects of UV radiation, much emphasis has been placed on the potential detrimental impacts on plants and ecosystems” (Bornman et al. 90). Still, the earth experienced periods of ice ages and warm periods many times before, which caused the extinction of some kinds of animals and the appearance of new ones. It is believed that greenhouse gasses controlled all ancient climate changes. Some researchers note that “anthropogenic climate change is rapidly altering biological systems, and winter conditions are changing particularly rapidly” (Williams et al. 215). Thus, it is possible to say that the climate is gradually changing all the time due to external conditions.
Nevertheless, scientists are reluctant to claim that climate changes really take place. This uncertainty is reported to be caused by the lack of agreement about specific processes and aspects of nature (Zehr 90). The contradictions in scientific circles result in occasional suggestions that the global temperature might increase by several degrees in the nearest future, which makes many people concern about possible changes in climate and their negative impact. It should be noted that “people generally have a strong preference for the current state of affairs over change” (Lewandowsky et al. 9). Therefore, some people tend to emphasize that it has not warmed since 1998, and that is why global warming does not exist. Still, it is possible to say that the climate system of the Earth is slowly changing, which can be proved by global surface temperatures.
It is also a spread myth that Antarctica is gaining ice. In fact, people just ignore the difference between sea and land ice. Sea ice is bigger in winter, but it melts during summer periods, which makes an overall balance. There are also arguments that severe winters might evidence global cooling instead of warming. Still, occasional extreme winters cannot compete with global trends in gradual warming. It is not visible but still happening. It is noted that climate averages the weather over some period of time, resulting in the interest of meteorologists in its changes (Kirtley).
Some people also argue that temperature records are not reliable and can vary depending on city or rural areas. Nevertheless, when it comes to global warming, the history of temperature measurement should be relied on as it shows the main tendencies over the decades. The process of warming is very slow, and a lot of generations might come before it becomes obvious. Still, it is true that the temperature in the cities is usually higher, which proves the impact that human activity has on Earth. Some researchers state that “among members whose area of expertise was climate science, with a publication focus on climate, 78% agreed that the cause of global warming over the past 150 years was mostly human, with an additional 10%” (Cook et al. 48002).
The review of common claims about global warming made it possible to say that in spite of some skeptical opinions, it might be really happening. Still, this process is rather slow and might take centuries. Therefore, people can observe only minor changes that are not sufficient to make strong judgments.
Works Cited
Bornman, Janet F., et al. “Solar Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone Depletion-Driven Climate Change: Effects on Terrestrial Ecosystems.” Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, vol. 14, no.1, 2015, pp. 88-107.
Cook, John, et al. “Consensus on Consensus: A synthesis of Consensus Estimates on Human-Caused Global Warming.” Environmental Research Letters, vol. 11, no. 4, 2016, pp. 48002.
Kirtley, David. “How to Change Your Mind About Climate Change.” Skeptical Science, 2018.
Lewandowsky, Stephan, et al. “Seepage: Climate Change Denial and its Effect on the Scientific Community.” Global Environmental Change, vol. 33, no. 1, 2015, pp. 1-13.
Williams, Caroline M. et al. “Cold Truths: How Winter Drives Responses of Terrestrial Organisms to Climate Change.” Biological Reviews, vol. 90, no. 1, 2015, pp. 214-235.
Zehr, Stephen C. “Public Representations of Scientific Uncertainty About Global Climate Change.” Public Understanding of Science, vol. 9, no. 2, 2016, pp. 85-103.