Post by Acer on Jul 15, 2006 10:17:23 GMT -5
Researchers collecting data from thousands of meteorological stations around the world have concluded that global warming is happening. In other words, air and water temperatures around the world are rising and weather patterns are changing.
Global warming is believed to be at least partly a consequence of increased concentrations of human-made gases such as carbon monoxide from the burning of fossil fuels.
According to reports from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the meteorogical year which ran from December 1, 1997 to December 1, 1998 was the warmest on record.
The warmth during this particular period was associated with a strong El Nino phenomenon which warmed the air and water of the eastern Pacific and influenced weather patterns all around the world.
But scientists say El Nino alone cannot account for either the long-term global warming trend or the extreme warmth of 1998.
"There should no longer be an issue about whether global warming is occurring," said NASA scientist Dr James Hansen. "(It should be about) the rate of warming, what is its practical significance and what should be done about it."
However, some "greenhouse skeptics" believe most of the earth's global warming occurred early this century while greenhouse gases were increasing more slowly. As well, they claim recent temperature rises aren't substantial enough to cause any real concern.
Read these articles that I have obtained here so far and tell me what you think. Here they are:
*** URL Works *** a.) NPR: Al Gore Sounds Global Warming Alert
*** URL Works *** b.) On Point: Nasa And Global Warming
*** URL Works *** c.) NPR: National Academy: Earth's Climate History Mixed
*** URL Doesn't Work *** d.) dsc.discovery.com/convergence/globa...k=netmain_feat1
Global warming is believed to be at least partly a consequence of increased concentrations of human-made gases such as carbon monoxide from the burning of fossil fuels.
According to reports from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the meteorogical year which ran from December 1, 1997 to December 1, 1998 was the warmest on record.
The warmth during this particular period was associated with a strong El Nino phenomenon which warmed the air and water of the eastern Pacific and influenced weather patterns all around the world.
But scientists say El Nino alone cannot account for either the long-term global warming trend or the extreme warmth of 1998.
"There should no longer be an issue about whether global warming is occurring," said NASA scientist Dr James Hansen. "(It should be about) the rate of warming, what is its practical significance and what should be done about it."
However, some "greenhouse skeptics" believe most of the earth's global warming occurred early this century while greenhouse gases were increasing more slowly. As well, they claim recent temperature rises aren't substantial enough to cause any real concern.
Read these articles that I have obtained here so far and tell me what you think. Here they are:
*** URL Works *** a.) NPR: Al Gore Sounds Global Warming Alert
*** URL Works *** b.) On Point: Nasa And Global Warming
*** URL Works *** c.) NPR: National Academy: Earth's Climate History Mixed
*** URL Doesn't Work *** d.) dsc.discovery.com/convergence/globa...k=netmain_feat1