A Issue of Greenhouse Gases in the Atmosphere and the Problem of Global Warming

Scientists stated Monday that a mysterious jump in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since 2002 may lead to a devastating acceleration of global warming if it continues at its rate of increase. The abnormal increase of carbon dioxide over the past two years may be connected to forest fires in Siberia or the unusually hot summer in Europe in 2003.

According to Richard Betts, Manager for Ecosystems and Climate Impacts at Britain’s Hadley Center, the rise isn’t caused for alarm. He stated that if the trend continued for 5 years then it would become a cause for alarm.

Carbon dioxide is the primary gas blamed for the increase in global temperatures since the industrial revolution. Carbon dioxide levels have risen over two parts per million (ppm) over these past two years, compared to a recent rate of approximately 1.5ppm. In the southern hemisphere, however, the rise was less significant, possibly due to the lesser concentration of industry. The freak two-year increase in CO2 levels is greater than what was predicted by the United Nations projections for the year 2100.

The higher temperatures caused by global warming could lead to desertification and rising sea levels. Currently, Co2 levels in 2004 are at 365ppm to 385ppm. The levels reach their lowest point during the summer months when plants around the globe absorb carbon dioxide while they grow. What concerns scientists so much is that the extra emissions of CO2 by human factors such as cars, factories, and power plants may be too much for the earth’s absorption abilities?

Flynn, 2

The increase in Carbon Dioxide levels should not be ignored.

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We don’t know what the outcomes of increasing carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere will be. Therefore we should put forth an international effort to maintain a steady amount of carbon dioxide levels and prevent as much increase as possible.

Flynn, 3

1. Works Cited Doyle, Alister. “Greenhouse Gas Jump Spurs Global Warming Fears.” REUTERS. Mon Oct 11, 2004. October 11, 2004.
2. http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=scienceNews&storyID=6468676>