While the world might not die in a hell-fiery blaze today or tomorrow it will in the not too distant future if we don’t act. The issue of climate change has been around since it was brought to the public’s attention in 1988 by former NASA climatologist James Hansen. Now whether you believe that climate change is real or that it’s just a hoax created by the Chinese or that there is not sufficient date to prove its existence, the information and studies are proven and documented shown from the rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and unusual weather. Climate change is a constant battle we have fought and possibly have lost if we don’t act.
Some of the most recent and important studies showing the disastrous effects of climate change have been in 2015 and 2016. In 1988 James Hansen and his scientific team predicted through Antarctica coastal data collected that we would see massive sea level rises by 2065 causing economic devastation. Now in 2015 Eric Rignot, a NASA climate scientist and co-author of Hansen’s climate change study, says that while the worst case scenario has not changed it’s now more important to address and to solve. The effects that were predicted in Hansen’s old study now have predictably increased shown in his new study.
The effects of this new information have shown global ocean temperatures being higher than they’ve ever been currently at 93’F. However, this study also shows cooling around arctic oceans. This should be a good thing, right? No! Because of this cooling ocean circulation, currents are gradually reeking havoc on weather patterns. With most of the oceans temperatures higher than ever and a small cooling spot showing up this can increase the power of storms and accelerate the rise of sea levels.
Now just recently a blog was posted on Friday September 30th 2016 by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii where climate scientist has collected information on the levels of CO2 emissions since 1958. The blog shows that we are officially past the 400 ppm (parts per million) in the atmosphere. These findings, based on weekly observations that have lasted a whole year, demonstrate that we will probably not be seeing the CO2 level below 400 ever again. The CO2 level’s lowest point during the end of September sits at a steady 401 ppm. The most devastating effect that can and will be caused by this is extinction of a number of species. The Nature Conservancy predicts that by 2050 over 10,000 species on earth will be extinct, along with rising sea levels where 13 million U.S citizens are predicted to lose their homes because of the rise of sea levels.
Though there are many scientifically proven facts and effects of climate change, there are still some who don’t believe in its existence. In fact, just in America, 30% of the population doesn’t believe in climate change. Why is this you may ask? The spread of false information is a big factor for companies like ExxonMobile who have a lot to lose if climate change is universally accepted because it decreases the demand for fossil fuels and looks towards clean energy means to power the world. Many politicians have been known to deny climate change, with 59% of the House of Representative’s Republicans and 70% of the Senate Republicans denying climate change. Even Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump believes climate change to be a hoax devised by China. Why? Because many politicians who deny climate change are spokespeople for the companies that are affected financially by climate change’s existence. These are the same companies that help fund those politicians to run their campaigns and be reelected.
So how can we stop the end times that will happen if we don’t act on this issue with extreme force? Spread the word, post, snap, and tweet about it, raise awareness, look up more articles about climate change and spread it throughout your community. Lessen your carbon footprint– instead of driving to a store close by, walk or ride your bike and carpool to school. Write to the government and demand change. Sign petitions to help lessen the use of fossil fuels and support clean energy. Be the person future generations will thank for saving their home– our home.
