Changes in the Earth’s climate can be attributed to the following factors: ocean currents, solar variations, volcanic eruptions, orbital changes of the earth and man-made activities.
The oceans are a significant part of Earth’s climate system. Interactions between the atmosphere and the oceans lead to the El Niño phenomenon which happens every two to six years. Also, changes in the circulation of the ocean could affect the climate by the movement of carbon dioxide out or into the atmosphere.
In a volcanic eruption, large amounts of gases (sulfur dioxide, dust, water vapour and ash released into the atmosphere could influence patterns in the climate for years. Volcanoes also produce aerosols that cause a cooling effect on Earth. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is also produced by volcanoes. However, the amount of this gas produced by volcanoes is relatively insignificant when compared to the carbon dioxide that is produced by man.
The Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees at right angles with its orbital path. Any change in the tilt angle, however small it may be, can cause changes in the climate pattern of the Earth. A large tilt results to colder winters and warmer summers. A small tilt results to milder winters and cooler summers.
Prolonged small changes in the sun’s output of energy can lead to climate changes. Scientific studies have shown that solar variations were responsible for the climatic changes in the previous years.
However, much of the cause of the Earth’s climate change in recent years can be attributed to man-made activities that create or generate greenhouse gasses, and not because of solar variations. Human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation and agriculture all release greenhouse gases that contribute to changes in the Earth’s climate.
A cynic’s view of climate change
The fact is human activities are affecting the earth in numerous ways, many of which are positive and essential to the survival of the human species as we know it. However some the vital means of our survival are degrading the earth, making it hazardous for not only humans but also all the other species earth. Species of animals as well as plants have become extinct due to encroachment on their habitats. Others like the polar bears and the pandas are holding on to their dear existence as our activities slowly but surely degrade the earth. The ice caps at the poles are melting, forests are being destroyed and animals are being hunted to extinction. The situation is so bleak that one would not be wrong to say that our own greed is going to lead to our extinction.
However are we simply over reacting or is what is happening simply the norm of life on the universe, survival for the fittest. History shows that the earth has had higher temperatures than it has right now and species have become extinct long before even humans came into existence. Case in point are the dinosaurs, a meteorite that hit the earth millions of years ago resulted in change of its climate thus their extinction. More so, incoming data shows that the melting of the ice at the polls is not only going to expose more minerals but also ease transport between North America, Russia and Europe. On top of that, it will create more land for cultivation in some areas plus change of seasons. With the increasing world population, the need for energy has never been so dire to ensure proper functioning societies, which makes it unrealistic to reduce energy consumption.
Considering the above, is the fight against climate change worth the attention it’s receiving? Do we have what it takes to make a long lasting impact on the temperatures of our globe? That is an analysis for another time, for now let us chew on the above-mentioned facts. Note that, regardless of what happens, the earth always takes care of itself regardless of how that affects its inhabitants.
