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Earth day: The Myths on
Global Warming Exposed - or not?
I was recently invited
to a social gathering and the conversation got into
the subject of global warming. I was surprised to
hear what one of the attendees who did not believe
in global warming had to say. Since I want to keep
an open mind about everything, here it
is:
 "Today,
everybody lives on a planet that has been battered
by careless generations of the past. And we are
still contributing to the earth's eventual loss.
There are so many
factors that could cause the planet's demise.
Water, air, land pollution, also, global warming.
Global warming is defined as the increase in
Earth's temperature (on both its bodies of water
and atmosphere). Scientists have also projected a
continuance on the temperature increase. Most
people believe that global warming has occurred
because of many, harmful human activities. Partly,
of course, it is true. But let us try to look at
all the other factors that lead to this catastrophe
- well, before you start to panic or fuss about
being toasted alive. Know first, that most of them
are myths!
The National Center for
Policy Analysis in the United States has contested
the common myth that humans are the primary cause
of global warming. According to them, there is no
known scientific consensus in the globe that
establishes the fact that humans have made a major
contribution to global warming. That sort of eases
the burden on our conscience, doesn't
it?
There are so many myths
about global warming that we are now led to think
that they are facts. Let's start busting them one
by one:
1. Scientists all over
the world agree that there is global warming. Myth.
Although the earth's surface is a bit warmer (by
0.3 degrees Celsius) since the 1800's, no known
scientific organization or group have agreed on
that fact. In fact, scientists have recorded that
over the past 18 years, there was no increase in
earth's temperature.
2. Humans caused global
warming. Yet another myth. In fact, the burning of
fossil fuels alone is not enough to cause earth's
global warming. And scientists agree on that fact.
This is not a denial of man's negligence rather,
they dare to establish the fact that humans
comprise just a small percentage on the cause of
global warming.
3. There will be major
natural catastrophes that will occur on the
planet's surface as the condition worsens. Myth
number 3. Globally, scientists agree that no major
hurricanes are on their way just because the
earth's temperature rose slightly. They also stated
that the ocean levels would not rise to consume
humankind. The sea levels have risen, yes. But this
is just within normal bounds. Also, the ice caps
are not melting at an alarming rate.
 4.
The government should act fast in global warming
legislations. Myth. While it is true that the
government should try to protect the planet from
further damage, there should be no rush on our
legislators. The effects of global warming haven't
reached the point where extinction should be
feared. According to scientists, the government can
wait until the year 2020 to cut on emissions, that
is, if they want to wait until that
year.
5. This next myth could
be attributed to humankind's denial of global
warming. People say that global warming is not true
because winters are much colder than what they use
to be. Although more and more people are bundling
up during the winter season, this does not erase
the scientific fact that the earth's surface is
warmer now than in the previous years. But then
again, there is no cause for panic.
6. The level of carbon
dioxide on planet earth is at a staggering rate.
Myth number 6 now. With or without the help of
humans, the levels of carbon dioxide do rise and
fall. And just so you would be appeased, carbon
dioxide levels were much higher in the past when
industrial developments were non-existent, than
they are now.
7. The fluctuation of
carbon dioxide levels cause global warming. Busted
again! It is the other way around. Global warming
can cause a shift in the levels of carbon dioxide.
8. Walking or using
bikes would help save the planet from global
warming. That is a false idea. Giving up all the
gas-driven vehicles in the world would not make a
major change on the earth's temperature. Remember
that it is the solar activities that cause major
changes on the earth's temperature and not carbon
dioxide (or monoxide for that
matter).
These are globally
accepted ideas about global warming but are
actually myths. Why don't you go about and tell the
Œreal facts' to your loved
ones."
Although he seemed to
strongly believe that there was no threat, we
agreed to disagree on the topic of global warming.
On the other hand, we both agreed that earth day is
something that must be celebrated as a strong
reminder that behind every myth, there is some
truth.
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