We all know about global warming and the poor icebergs melting away into oblivion. We were also told it was mostly our fault for burning fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases. However, most of us have yet to hear about the world-wide phenomenon that is global cooling.
And yes, it’s still our fault.
Global cooling originates in the stratosphere where a collection of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) destroy the ozone. CFC gases are man-made chemicals that are not toxic to us, but in an abundance are detrimental to the environment.
These CFC gases come in the likes of carbon dioxide and methane- meaning, once again, that our over-use of fossil fuels is destroying the world.
In this decade alone, the rate at which the sea level has risen has doubled from the last century, heating up 0.302 degrees Fahrenheit since 1969. This new found heat isn’t limited to the ocean as temperatures have also been rising globally. Ten of the warmest years we’ve ever experienced have been in the last 14 years alone. And the 20 warmest have happened since 1981.
Meanwhile, global cooling has shown itself to the world when Antarctic Sea Ice set a record in size just last year. The polar bear populations have also risen 300% since the 1950’s and they show no sign of stopping.
Now this does not mean that global warming is over and that we as humans collaborated and saved nature. No, quite the opposite actually. Our continuous consumption of fossil fuels have led to drastic climate change around the world.
Global warming and cooling both coexist worldwide creating different disruptions to whatever lies in their wakes. The only proof of a relationship between the two is that they were both unleashed by humans.
Climate change is very much a huge factor on Earth. We cannot deny what is blatantly in front of us, affecting us every day.
We all know how to prevent it. We have all seen recycling bins and go green signs on every corner. But we must adhere to these constant pleas of tree-huggers. Climate change has devastating effects on our planet, starting with an increase of natural disasters: in 1980 there was one hundred natural disasters every year, but since 2000, that number has tripled.
“Climate change is indeed a concern in today’s society, mainly due to the large amount of people on earth at the moment,” said MLEC class of 2011 alumni and upcoming meteorologist, Brian Matilla. “However, I don’t see it occurring as quickly as most speculate. We’ve had various swings in climate over the eons of Earth’s History.”
The population does not need to exaggerate; we are nowhere near a new ice age yet, and it will be a long time before the whole world becomes a single desert tundra. But with 7 billion people on the world- who are constantly changing it in one way or another- we must still be cautious in the years to come.
