GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE

GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE

According to Astronomer Carl Sagan (1934-1996), Europe experienced a “Mini Ice Age” between 1560 and 1850. It is safe to assume that during this period, there were no Green House Gases to initiate a climate change, therefore the drop in temperatures have to be a result of, either a decline in the overall energy output of our Sun or a change in an unknown cosmic phenomenon. We now know that the energy output of our Sun is not constant, because the number of spots on our Sun’s surface increase and then decrease within an 11 year cycle. During periods of high Sun spot activity, the level of Gamma Ray Radiation from our Sun increases corresponding to the release of higher levels of energy. Is it possible that our Sun, in addition to its 11 year cycle, has a secondary cycle of a longer period that can be correlated with long term changes in atmospheric temperature?

A close investigation of our planet’s geologic record clearly shows that there have been several sea level changes in the natural history of Earth. If these sea level changes can be explained by significant temperature changes in Earth’s atmosphere, then it is possible to conclude that our planet has experienced climate changes throughout its history. The evidence that can support this theory is the sudden extinction of species throughout the geologic time frame. As the climate changed, the species that were not able to adapt perished in large numbers. The fossil records support this possibility.

Nevertheless, today, there is no denying that industrial pollution has an increasingly significant effect on our climate. However, what percentage of our climate change is the result of industrial pollution? Is there more to the climate change than just pollution? This is a question that has not been aggressively investigated. It is a sad reality that human activities are constantly changing our environment in ways that have never been foreseen before. As humans, we are constantly destroying eco systems that are so vital to the future of our planet. Areas that were once lush forests are now highways and shopping malls. The magnitude of this self destruction is also the degree of our own ignorance in the face of catastrophe.

 If we are to survive, as human species, a certain extinction as a result of climate change, like many species before us, we must act now and act decisively. We must reinstate and protect our forests and wild life habitats. To that end, we must start planting millions of trees and plants every year in every possible land available to us to reverse the current climate change. In that respect, governments at every level, have an undeniable responsibility. During the period of Carboniferous, large plants might have played an important role to stabilize the Earth’s atmosphere. We must also limit our uncontrolled and ever accelerating expansion into our environment. The lands available for development must be regulated and, if necessary, must be limited. If we fail to do so, we will be the next species whose fossil records will be unearthed in the future by those who could act decisively.