Global Warming: What it Means for Us (image from suneko on Flickr)

Whether or not you “believe” in global warming, if the planet does continue to get warmer than it currently is – only by a degree or two – there could be some serious consequences.  Some people claim that the current weather aberrations are just normal climate fluctuations.  Still, I cannot help but wonder whether less time should be spent arguing about its cause (my bet is that its a combination of man-made and “natural” events), and more time responding to the crisis that faces our planet.

This National Geographic video contains a primer of global warming and what it may mean for us in the future:

It almost seems nonsensical to deny the global climate change that is already underway.  Scientists from reputable organizations like the BBC and National Geographic consistently report on melting glaciers, diminishing ice caps and rising sea levels.  And, its hard to explain away the haunting images of drowning polar bears and other victims of global warming.

Global Climate change is hard to deny (image from monado on Flickr)

Don’t believe me?  Here’s an example of global warming directly impacting U.S. residents:  shrinking beachfront property on the Atlantic Coast is just the beginning:

Oh sure – I get it.  Its just erosion.  Its only natural, right?  But what if its not?

National Geographic notes that if the Earth’s temperature rises a mere 6 degrees, it will wreak havoc on eco-systems around the globe, threatening mass extinction.

Don’t just stand there helpless.  Considering global warming and what it may mean for us, its prime time to make strides towards reducing our CO2 emissions by increasing renewable energy resources.  Alternative energy is clean, abundant and relatively inexpensive, compared to the fossil fuels we have burned so rapidly and destructively for the past 150 years.

You can do your part by installing wind or solar on your property, and/or supporting renewable energy development in your hometown.  Its a lot easier than trying to debate whether global warming is “real.”

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Related posts:

1. Impacts of Global Warming on Food Supply