James Hansen said “Global warming isn’t a prediction. It is happening.” (Hansen, n.d., “Global Warming Quotes”). It seems that many of us don’t put a lot thought into how our actions impacts global warming. Taking a look at what our current CO2 level is at and comparing it over time and discussing what three main sources contribute to the CO2 levels will be presented. Also, discussing two sources that take CO2 out of the atmosphere will be presented as well. Then moving into deforestation and how it affects the global warming process. Lastly, a personal opinion on whether or not humans are contributing to global warming.
Current CO2 Levels and History
The Mauna Loa Observatory has reported our current CO2 level is at 399.09 ppm as of 18 December 2014 (Keeling Curve, 2014). Looking at this level and comparing it over the last 450,000 years , CO2 levels are at an all-time high (Lutgens, Tarbuck, & Tasa, 2014). Prior to our current day and age it appears the highest that it has ever been is was just under 300 ppm (Lutgens, Tarbuck, & Tasa, 2014). This shows a substantial increase to levels thus indicating something is happening that is causing the numbers to increase, which leads to human sources.
Three Sources from Humans For most of us the thought of our actions and how it …show more content…
However, an article in National Geographic reported that each year patches approximately the size of Panama are cleared and should this rate continue the world’s rain forest could completely disappear in time (Deforestation, n.d.). Astounding news; to know that rain forests work hard for our environment but being destroyed for human desire for wealth. With the loss of trees we lose a source that helps the environment hence more CO2 will be released into the atmosphere. With the clearing of the forest, more farming or livestock may move into those areas which are also contributors of
Current CO2 Levels and History
The Mauna Loa Observatory has reported our current CO2 level is at 399.09 ppm as of 18 December 2014 (Keeling Curve, 2014). Looking at this level and comparing it over the last 450,000 years , CO2 levels are at an all-time high (Lutgens, Tarbuck, & Tasa, 2014). Prior to our current day and age it appears the highest that it has ever been is was just under 300 ppm (Lutgens, Tarbuck, & Tasa, 2014). This shows a substantial increase to levels thus indicating something is happening that is causing the numbers to increase, which leads to human sources.
Three Sources from Humans For most of us the thought of our actions and how it …show more content…
However, an article in National Geographic reported that each year patches approximately the size of Panama are cleared and should this rate continue the world’s rain forest could completely disappear in time (Deforestation, n.d.). Astounding news; to know that rain forests work hard for our environment but being destroyed for human desire for wealth. With the loss of trees we lose a source that helps the environment hence more CO2 will be released into the atmosphere. With the clearing of the forest, more farming or livestock may move into those areas which are also contributors of