Introduction to Essential Climate Change Information
The NASA and NOAA climate data provide irrefutable evidence of climate changes over the past decades. Although these datasets were accessible in the 1990s and earlier, efforts to suppress or bury this information were made due to its contradiction with the prevailing global warming theory. Today, we rely on peer-reviewed scientific data to understand the current climate situation.
From Natural to Anthropogenic Factors
Historically, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions started influencing climate changes around 1880. Post-1950, according to scientific consensus, human activities are now the dominant cause of global warming. CO2 in the atmosphere carries a unique isotope signal that distinguishes emissions from fossil fuels from those of natural sources. This is akin to a fingerprint or DNA evidence in criminal investigations. Scientists can trace the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere back to its source, indicating that the increase in CO2 since pre-industrial times is primarily from fossil fuel emissions.
Understanding the Natural vs. Anthropogenic Causes
When considering natural causes of climate change, such as changes in solar energy, orbital cycles, volcanic activity, and other geologic phenomena, each has an 'alibi'—evidence showing that they are not the primary drivers of current warming trends. This leaves the responsibility on human activities. The pivotal moment in shifting from natural climate change to anthropogenic global warming can be seen in the sudden spike in CO2 levels, illustrated by data from the NOAA Earth Systems Research Laboratory.
Official Scientific Consensus
The Fourth National Climate Assessment, reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences, provides a comprehensive and authoritative overview of climate science focused on the United States. This massive 600-page document, compiled from inputs by scientists across 13 federal agencies, confirms that human activities, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, are the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century. The report concludes that there is no convincing alternative explanation supported by the extensive observational evidence.
Consequences and Urgency
Failure to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration will have catastrophic consequences. A failure to act decisively could result in billions of deaths, the collapse of civilizations, and even the potential extinction of our species. The physics underlying climate change, while complex, follows well-understood principles of fluid dynamics and radiative transfer. These principles, which govern the functioning of everyday machines like stoves, fridges, and airplanes, are widely accepted by the general public.
Conclusion
Given the overwhelming evidence and the potential dire consequences, individuals must become actively involved in addressing climate change. Reducing our carbon footprint through sustainable practices, supporting policies that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and advocating for scientific research and innovation are crucial steps. Understanding and disseminating the fundamental climate change facts is a societal responsibility that each of us must share.