The percentage of CO2 in the atmosphere has been steadily increasing for more than a century, but most sharply after the 1950s.
CO2 concentrations:
1855 = 287 parts per million
1955 = 315 parts per million
2013 = 395 parts per million
CO2 is produced naturally through animal respiration, volcanic eruptions, and decaying organic material. It is also human induced by the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation.
We are already in a period of cooling due to the Milankovitch Cycles. So, those cycles (obiquity, tilt, precessions, etc.) could account for climate change in the past 150 years. However, it's changing so quickly now that it might not be due to the natural variability of the Earth's cycles. Because of the recent RAPID increase in CO2 concentrations, we should be concerned. If they continue to rise at the current rate, and it reaches 450-550 parts per million, we could potentially expect a 1.5-4.5 degree (Celsius) increase in the Earth's average temperature by the year 2050.
This is terrible news since it affects weather patterns. There will be longer and more severe droughts, as well as hurricanes/typhoons/cyclones, flooding, and perpetual El Ninos. This rapid change in climate could also force us into the next ice age. The last time CO2 concentrations increase this much they precipitated the Pleistocene epoch (the most recent ice age in history).
Another event to consider would be how the Greenland glaciers (where polar bears live) are currently melting due to the increasing temperatures. They will flood the ocean waters off the coast of Europe with cold fresh (non-salty) water. The last time something like that happened was during the Younger Dryas. Back then when deglaciation occurred, it cooled the average temperature of the climate in Europe to 15 degrees (Celsius) lower than it is today.
What are your thoughts on climate change?
← View full post
It is definitely real.
The percentage of CO2 in the atmosphere has been steadily increasing for more than a century, but most sharply after the 1950s.
CO2 concentrations:
1855 = 287 parts per million
1955 = 315 parts per million
2013 = 395 parts per million
CO2 is produced naturally through animal respiration, volcanic eruptions, and decaying organic material. It is also human induced by the combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation.
We are already in a period of cooling due to the Milankovitch Cycles. So, those cycles (obiquity, tilt, precessions, etc.) could account for climate change in the past 150 years. However, it's changing so quickly now that it might not be due to the natural variability of the Earth's cycles. Because of the recent RAPID increase in CO2 concentrations, we should be concerned. If they continue to rise at the current rate, and it reaches 450-550 parts per million, we could potentially expect a 1.5-4.5 degree (Celsius) increase in the Earth's average temperature by the year 2050.
This is terrible news since it affects weather patterns. There will be longer and more severe droughts, as well as hurricanes/typhoons/cyclones, flooding, and perpetual El Ninos. This rapid change in climate could also force us into the next ice age. The last time CO2 concentrations increase this much they precipitated the Pleistocene epoch (the most recent ice age in history).
Another event to consider would be how the Greenland glaciers (where polar bears live) are currently melting due to the increasing temperatures. They will flood the ocean waters off the coast of Europe with cold fresh (non-salty) water. The last time something like that happened was during the Younger Dryas. Back then when deglaciation occurred, it cooled the average temperature of the climate in Europe to 15 degrees (Celsius) lower than it is today.
I'm concerned.
--
dirtybirdy
9 years ago
|
pl
Comment Hidden (
show
)
Report
3
3
'Scuse me miss, but how do you expect me to listen to this brainy talk with your (.)(.) In my face??
--
(.)(.)boobies
9 years ago
|
pl
Comment Hidden (
show
)
Report
0
0
I should change my username, shouldn't I?
--
dirtybirdy
9 years ago
|
pl
Comment Hidden (
show
)
Report
1
1
Perhaps (°)(°)myeyesareuphere ?
--
VirgilManly
9 years ago
|
pl
Comment Hidden (
show
)
Report
0
0
Oh, those are eyes...I thought they were really perky (.)(.)'s.
--
dirtybirdy
9 years ago
|
pl
Comment Hidden (
show
)
Report
0
0
Its all, yet nothing at the same time. Its rather complex really, I'm just not sure you see my vision.