Is it hot in here? Global warming's to blame!

One of the major concerns with fossil fuel energy is the emission of greenhouse gases. The issue with greenhouse gases is called global warming. It is a hotly contested issue. My goal is to discuss some of concerns, theories, and possible solutions to this problem.

Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth's near-surface air and oceans, both in recent decades and its projected continuity. In the last 100 years or so, the temperature has risen approximately 1.33 ± 0.32 °F. There is a high probability that a main factor for this increase is due to human activity, mainly the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Before 1950, volcanoes and solar variance might have played a minor role in warming the Earth. Post 1950, it is believed they may have had a cooling effect. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has studied models which predict a rise in temperature ranging from 2.0 - 11.5 °F between 1990 and 2100.
Greenhouse gases, the culprits behind global warming, are divided into four categories. They are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide make up the largest segment of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A large percentage of these gases come from the burning of fossil fuels, the decomposition of matter, and other sources. These gases exist naturally. However, dangerous as they are, these are not the most powerful greenhouse gases. The fluorinated gases, like hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons, are powerful synthetic gases considered to be high global warming potential (GWP) gases. They are released during a number of industrial processes, such as the production of aluminum and magnesium, semiconductor manufacturing, and electric power transmission. In recent years, they have been used to replace various gases that deplete the ozone layer, like CFC's. Thankfully, despite their potency, they are released only in minor quantities.Major industrial countries burning coal for power tend to produce more greenhouse gases than less industrialized countries. However, there are several theories concerning the buildup of these gases, as well as theories concerning the warming of the Earth. One of the major theories is that the warming of the planet is completely natural, since we are coming out of the "Little Ice Age." Proponents of this theory believe the warming is a part of the natural temperature variation, that is has an established trend, and need not be explained by outside sources. While some of this might be true, the existence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere cannot be ignored.

Another theory concerning global warming is based on deforestation. As any botanist knows, trees and other plants utilize CO2 as a part of their respiration. A byproduct of this process is oxygen, which is released back into the atmosphere. The process of photosynthesis carried out by plants is essential to reducing the CO2 concentration. However, with more and more forest being cleared for farmland, especially in the tropics, there are fewer trees to leech carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This reduction in the number of trees is thought to have led, in part, to the increased concentration of carbon dioxide. It should be noted, as well, that the oceans play a part in removing CO2 by absorbing it. The process is balanced between natural CO2 production and the amount of the gas the ocean can absorb. But with humans pumping large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, the oceans cannot keep up with the increased percentage.

And yet, in some ways, global warming can be positive. Oddly enough, parts of the northern hemisphere have shown a certain amount of increased productivity. Despite this, the productivity is believe to be of finite proportions. Another possible benefit could be the emergence of the fabled Northwest Passage, which could cut thousands of nautical miles off voyages from Europe to Asia. However, the detriments appear to largely overpower the few possible benefits. For example, the rise in temperature is affecting various ecosystems. In the affected ecosystems, animal habitats are also being altered. At some point, these habitats may changed sufficiently that they are no longer suitable to the organisms which reside there. In that case, they will either die out or be forced to migrate to habitats more similar to their original one. One final possible effect of global warming is the spread of disease. It has been hypothesized that the increased temperatures have been expedient to the spread of diseases. At this point, though, that is just speculation as no-one is certain that this is true.

Finally, what can be done to help the situation? Some countries have put a tax on carbon, hoping to prompt companies to utilize less of the element, thereby producing less CO2. Other legal actions have been taken to reduce the output of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. For example, in the United States, regulation of gas emissions have been given to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act is designed to help reduce air pollution. One way to achieve this is the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind, hyrdo, and solar power. While not available in all areas, wind and hydroelectric power plants can help. With more efficient absorption and storage, solar power can be extremely economical. Problems might occur on cloudy days, but those can be bypassed by storing electrical power.

The use of Energy Star appliances and turning them off while they're not in use can also reduce the production of greenhouse gases. This is a rather roundabout method, as the less electricity used mean less power needs to be generated. The purchase and use of more efficient, less polluting cars is another way to reduce emissions. Better sources of energy and transport will be developed in the future, but this is the now. Do you have any other suggestions or comments?

(For articles concerning global warming check out the New York Times science page.)