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Is it realistic to think our climate is in a fragile state What does burning fossil fuels have to do with global warming and melting ice caps?
Climate scientists agree that global warming is a very serious condition for our planet and we are not working fast enough to slow it.
Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) releases carbon dioxide that has been hidden away for millions of years, so this is EXTRA greenhouse gas, NOT part of the normal carbon cycle. This extra gas has been building up gradually over the past 200 years and is causing global warming, the unusual and speedy warming of the Earth. This warming is causing climate change, which can mean colder weather in some places, and more severe storms, as well as droughts and crop failures. The warming is causing serious melting of glaciers and ice caps, particularly in the Arctic.
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Another Answer:
It is short sighted, naive and unrealistic to believe that the planet is as fragile as many political pundits claim. To claim consensus on the subject is hardy valid and to claim we have an understanding of the situation shows a shallow and self absorbed view of the planet.
The common consensus in the 1970's was that the planet was cooling due to man. This is because from 1934 until 1974 we had steady and non stop cooling. This, in spite of increases in CO2 production. If we use the year 1934 and compare to today we are within the range of error for equal temps. (0.2 plus or minus 1.4)
The planet is very capable of handling the 0.007% change in CO2 that man has added over the past 150 years. Many studies are available stating that even if this were not factual, levels above 100 ppm of CO2 re above saturation and would not change our environment.
Remember that historically every cooling period has started during unusually high CO2 periods and every warming period (including this one) has started during low CO2 periods.
Having said this, man is not absolved from the responsibility of being a steward of his planet. The concept that it is this fragile though is a political concept that does not carry through with fact or historical data. Remember that man produces less than 0.3% of all greenhouse gases and that our atmosphere has changed less then 0.007% in terms of our overall gas makeup since 1850. Ask yourself is a change of 0.007% is significant.
As to the portion of the question about melting ice caps, we only have one cap that is showing an overall decrease. The Arctic has indeed lost about 4% of the overall ice since 1979, when we started observing this situation. the Antarctic has gained ice over this same time period.
What else can I help you with?
What are some causes and effects of glacial melting?
Causes of glacial melting include increased temperatures due to climate change and human activities such as deforestation and burning of fossil fuels. Effects of glacial melting include rising sea levels, loss of freshwater sources, altered ecosystems, and increased risks of natural disasters like floods and landslides.
Why is Antarctica melting and what are the implications of this phenomenon on the global climate?
Antarctica is melting due to rising global temperatures caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels. The melting ice in Antarctica contributes to rising sea levels, which can lead to coastal flooding, loss of habitats, and disruptions to ecosystems worldwide. This phenomenon also affects ocean currents and weather patterns, potentially leading to more extreme weather events and changes in global climate.
Is the ice melting in the Arctic at an alarming rate?
Yes, the ice in the Arctic is melting at an alarming rate due to climate change.
What is a phenomenon that may be caused by the burning of fossil fuels which increases the CO2 content in the earth's atmosphere.?
One phenomenon caused by burning fossil fuels and increasing CO2 levels in the atmosphere is climate change. This leads to rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, changing weather patterns, and more severe natural disasters.
How has the Earth's climate changed over time?
The Earth's climate has undergone natural fluctuations over millions of years, but in recent decades, human activities such as burning fossil fuels have led to significant changes. The current rate of climate change is unprecedented, with rising temperatures, melting ice caps, and more extreme weather events serving as key indicators of this ongoing shift.
Why are the polar ice caps so fragile?
They are melting because it is hot
What is the melting point of papyrus?
Not melting of papyrus but a rapid burning.
What name is given to a process such as a burning a candle?
melting and burning
Why is antarctica so fragile?
it's because the ice is melting because of globle warming.
What is the antonym of freezing?
Melting, boiling, burning, hot.
Why is asia called melting pot?
climate
Is burning a diamond a physical change?
Burning is always a chemical change. Melting is a physical change.
Why is a candle melting a chemical change?
Melting is accompanied by burning and thermal degradation - two chemical reactions.
Are humans responsible for polar ice caps melting?
The arctic ice caps are melting because of global warming. The strong consensus of climate scientists is that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, and deforestation, are responsible for gloabal warming. So, yes, humans are responsible for polar ice caps melting.
What happens when glass-wool is burnt?
Not burning, but a melting process.
What kinds of properties are melting and burning?
Matter breaking down.
Explain why burning butter is a chemical change but melting is not?
Melting: change of phase, a physical phenomenon without change of the composition. Burning: a reaction of oxydation, a change of composition - a chemical change.
