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Amanda Jennings

Writing for College - 4

Mr. Smith

23 January 2018

What’s Really Happening to Our Planet: The Dangers of Climate Change

Section 1: Introduction

Is global warming real? And is human activity the cause of global warming? These

questions have been a topic of debate for a great number of years, yet scientists continue to

collect data which provide the answer to these questions: yes, global warming is real, but no,

human activity is not the only reason for global warming, although it has sped up the process. A

great deal of government officials are considerably uninformed about this topic, including the

President of the United States. President Trump continually denies that the climate is warming,

and has even appointed a climate change skeptic to be his Top Environmental Advisor.

As it turns out, from years of consistent research and data collections, our planet is

trapped in a constant cycle of rising temperatures intensifying the polar ice melt. Polar ice can be

thought of as the Earth’s air conditioner: its white surface reflects some of the sun’s rays, cooling

the Earth. The much darker ocean water absorbs these rays, causing the water to warm. In turn,

this causes more sea ice to melt, which means less sunlight is reflected off the Earth. This cycle

of warming and melting is harmful to the planet because it will continue to strengthen itself as

time goes on until eventually, the ice will cease to exist.

How does climate change affect the future of the Earth? First of all, what exactly is

happening? The Earth’s rising temperatures melt extensive amounts of polar ice, causing sea

levels to rise worldwide. Scientists at NOAA, NASA, and other organizations have collected
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data that prove the Earth’s average temperatures and sea levels have been rising in recent

decades. Second of all, what problems are being caused by this change in climate? Shorelines are

threatening to move further inland, putting coastal cities in danger. But humans are not the only

ones in danger. Arctic animals, like polar bears, are gravely affected by global warming too.

Lastly, what can people do to protect the Earth and the life it harbors? There is a multitude of

simple alterations people can make to their everyday lives that will benefit the Earth and its

future populations. Making these everyday changes will not be the “cure” for climate change, but

they will help all life on Earth thrive for longer than what is currently expected. Climate change

and global warming are being enhanced every day, putting life on Earth in danger, but as the

most advanced species, only humans can help to protect and take care of the Earth.

Section 2: Climate Change Proof

Global warming and climate change don’t seem like such pressing issues because they

are not things that can be witnessed in real time. We must literally dig deeper to find evidence of

Earth’s ever-changing climate. So far, scientists have discovered information about Earth’s past

atmosphere within lakes, oceans, trees, and polar ice. NASA has engineered new technologies to

study ocean patterns and average sea levels. Based on data collected, it has been theorized that

Earth undergoes natural heating and cooling periods, although the current heating period that

Earth is experiencing is being accelerated by harmful human activity. Climate change and global

warming are real, and the Earth itself holds the evidence.

The most flat-out evidence of global warming are records of average temperatures.

“Around the world, the Earth's average temperature has risen more than 1 degree Fahrenheit (0.8

degrees Celsius) over the last century, and about twice that in parts of the Arctic” (National

Geographic). Some people might argue that a 1-degree change in temperature over 100 years is
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nothing to be concerned about, especially when some of the record lowest temperatures have

occurred in recent years. These cold temperatures are records of weather, not climate. Weather is

the state of the atmosphere at a particular time and place, while climate refers to the average

weather of a broader area over a longer period of time. Graphs that show the rate of change in

temperature, also show that seasonal changes have occurred. The Arctic seasons have warmed,

adding ten to seventeen days to the melting seasons each decade. This brings attention to the fact

that a longer melting period could produce thinner sea ice at the end of winter, making the ice

more liable to early thawing.

To examine the Earth’s atmosphere from before humans had the ability to record data and

take samples, scientists can look deep within oceans, lakes, and even trees for preserved

evidence. According to a surprising article published by National Geographic, “trees store

information about the climate in the place where they live. Each year, trees grow thicker and

form new rings. In warmer and wetter years, the rings are thicker.” With this knowledge,

scientists are able to understand what the atmosphere was like in that region several hundred or

thousand years ago. The same article also explains how lakes and oceans hold information about

the past atmosphere: “Pollen, creatures, and particles fall to the bottom of oceans and lakes each

year, forming sediments. Sediments preserve all these bits and pieces, which contain a wealth of

information about what was in the air and water when they fell” (National Geographic). To

access these sediments, scientists insert hollow tubes into the bottoms of lakes and oceans,

collecting distinct layers that could date back millions of years.

Similar to the bottoms of lakes and oceans, polar ice caps contain tiny bubbles trapped in

the ice, which are actually frozen pieces of the Earth’s past atmosphere. According to National

Geographic, “each layer of ice tells a story about what Earth was like when that layer of snow
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fell … as snow deposits onto a growing glacier, the temperature of the air imprints onto the water

molecules.” The ice contains other particles that were present in the atmosphere at the time that

layer of snow fell, and remain perfectly preserved. By drilling holes into polar ice sheets and

analyzing the unique layers, scientists have already been able to determine that concentrations of

greenhouse gases have increased since the Industrial Revolution. In addition to being able to

analyze how the climate has changed over time, scientists are also able to make predictions about

the future of Earth’s climate.

As polar ice melts in large quantities, sea-level fingerprints occur. Pat Brennan, a writer

for NASA’s Sea Level Change Portal, explains that “as ice vanishes, the loss of its gravitational

pull lowers sea level nearby, even as sea level rises farther away.” Basically, sea-level

fingerprints occur when large ice masses melt, but gravitational forces lower sea levels near the

melt, and raise sea levels further away from the melt. A new tool developed by NASA “links

changes in sea level in 293 global port cities to specific regions of melting land ice, such as

southern Greenland and the Antarctic Peninsula” (Brennan). The melting of these large ice

masses produce sea-level fingerprints all over the world and tell scientists that more glaciers are

at risk of accelerated melting. James Davis and Nadya Vinogradova of the NASA Sea Level

Change Team conducted a study that eliminates a large area of uncertainty: post-glacial rebound,

which is “the gradual rise of land in a region that is no longer burdened by the massive glaciers

of the last ice age” (Brennan). The results of their study indicated that the global average sea

level is increasing, and also supplied evidence of the gravitational effects of the melting of large

polar ice masses.

Many factors, both natural and anthropogenic, contribute to the dwindling polar ice on

the sea and on land. Natural factors that enhanced global warming are atmospheric pressure
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systems and wind patterns. Researchers at the University of Washington have linked the

decreasing sea ice trend to a cyclical atmospheric pressure system called the Arctic Oscillation.

Krishna Ramanujan of NASA’s Earth Observatory explains that “when the oscillation is in its

positive phase, as it has been generally over the last 20 years, air pressure tends to be low over

the Arctic Ocean. This pattern pulls in warmer air from the surrounding area in a low-level

counter-clockwise spiral and helps to break up the sea ice and blow it out of the Arctic.” The

natural forces that cause the Earth to warm are being enhanced and accelerated by harmful

human activity.

Although global warming and climate change are heavily debated topics, scientists

continue to gather data that proves the Earth is undergoing a period of warming. Evidence has

been found deep within lakes, oceans, ice caps, and even inside trees. By recording temperatures,

studying Arctic air patterns, and measuring polar ice extents, scientists can see first hand just

how much the Earth’s climate is changing. All this evidence only suggests that warming will

continue to intensify. Although much of global warming is due to natural factors, human activity

has had a huge impact on the acceleration of warming, and as warming accelerates, it will have a

huge impact on all life on Earth.

Section 3: Climate Change Dangers/Threats

Now that scientists know the Earth’s climate is warming, they must ask, what impact will

Earth’s change in climate have on the life it harbors? The Earth is trapped in a cycle of warming

and melting which will continue to intensify itself and put lives in danger. Recent sea ice extents

have been some of the lowest in history, and new maps of Greenland show that even more

glaciers are at risk of accelerated melting. Many wildlife habitats have been gravely affected by

rising waters and temperatures, putting more species on the endangered list. Although humans
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are also being affected by the warming climate, our situation is not as dire as other species that

do not have the ability to adapt quickly. Ultimately, rising sea levels and temperatures threaten

life on Earth.

“The layer of frozen seawater covering much of the Arctic Ocean and neighboring seas,

is often referred to as the planet’s air conditioner: its white surface bounces solar energy back to

space, cooling the globe” (Viñas). Since the warming of the Earth causes polar sea ice to

disappear for longer durations of time, this means less surface area is available to reflect the

sun’s rays, so the darker ocean water absorbs the heat. Thermal expansion also plays a part

because an increase in temperature causes water to expand, or take up more volume. The warmer

water then encourages more sea ice to melt, and the cycle intensifies.

Viñas also provides evidence that although the yearly sea ice extents are unstable, they

still follow a decreasing trend: “Adding the Antarctic and Arctic sea ice extents month by month

through the satellite record shows that globally the Earth has been losing sea ice since the late

1970s.” Some of the lowest ice extents in recorded history are also accompanied by some of the

highest in recent years, but the amount of ice is still decreasing. Engineers at NASA have now

developed new technology which showed more accurate images of Greenland’s coastal sea floor.

The new maps show that “two to four times as many coastal glaciers are at risk of accelerated

melting as previously thought” (Rassmusen). These glaciers are more susceptible to an

accelerated melting rate because they extend deeper into the ocean than previously thought,

where the water temperature is six to eight degrees warmer than the water above it. Deeper

seated glaciers which are exposed to this warmer water would melt at a faster rate, contributing

to the global sea level rise.

Much of the life on Earth has already been affected by the warming climate. The most

directly affected species is the polar bear. Christine Dell’Amore of National Geographic clarifies

why polar bears have been so heavily impacted by the changing climate: “Polar bears depend on

sea ice, which is forming later in the fall and disappearing earlier in the spring.” The polar bears

primarily use sea ice to hunt, but the ice is remaining melted for longer periods of time, forcing

the animals into a longer period of hunger unless they find luck on land. Some desperate and

brave polar bears have turned to goose eggs secured on the steep, rocky cliffs that plunge into the

Arctic waters. The early arrival of spring at the poles of the Earth also shifts the nesting,

breeding, and migration patterns of birds to occur earlier than normal. Peter Alpert, a program

director in environmental biology at the U.S. National Science Foundation in Arlington, Virginia

says that climate change has the greatest effect on animals that are “highly specialized in what

they eat or where they live, especially those whose habitats disappear completely.” Some of the

Earth’s most beautiful creatures, habitats, and landscapes are in danger of disappearing due to the

effects of global warming.

Animals aren’t the only ones being affected. A multitude of coastal cities face

encroaching sea levels which rise at a rate of about one-eighth of an inch, or 3.2 millimeters each

year (NOAA). Such a small number may seem like nothing to be concerned about, but if at every

point on the surface of the ocean, the water rises by 3.2 millimeters, that is a considerable

amount of water that is added to the ocean each year. “Almost 40 percent of the population lives

in relatively high-population-density coastal areas” (NOAA). This means that a large number of

people will be forced out of their homes as sea levels continue to rise. Rising sea levels will also

affect the infrastructure of urban coastal cities, which is necessary for local jobs and regional

industries. “Roads, bridges, subways, water supplies, oil and gas wells, power plants, sewage
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treatment plants, landfills—virtually all human infrastructure—is at risk from sea level rise”

(NOAA).

Wildlife, as well as parts of the human population, are in danger due to rising

temperatures and sea levels. Sea ice extent records and new maps of Greenland’s coast show that

ice is melting at an accelerated rate which also causes sea levels to rise at a faster rate. As a result

of rising sea levels and rising temperatures, many natural habitats have been and will continue to

be put in danger. Only animals that are highly adaptive, or unspecialized in what they eat or

where they live, will have the greatest chance of survival as the climate warms. Although the

human species is highly adaptive, encroaching sea levels still threaten the infrastructure of

coastal cities. We are also the only ones that can protect the endangered life, and slow down the

effects of global warming.

Section 4: Climate Change Solutions

The cause of global warming is an ongoing debate, but the facts are that Earth’s climate is

warming, and it is up to the human population to find the solutions to the dangers global

warming poses. As it turns out, climate change is not purely natural. Anthropogenic forcing, or

harmful human activity, has played a major role in accelerating the Earth’s naturally occurring

change in climate. Hope for our planet is not lost, there are many changes we can make to our

public and private energy policies, as well as our everyday lifestyles. Although anthropogenic

forcing has contributed a great deal to global warming, there are still things we can do slow

climate change, and protect the affected wildlife.

Human activity has played a massive part in the acceleration of global warming through

the greenhouse effect. This phenomenon occurs as gases in the Earth’s atmosphere let sunlight

in, but keep heat from escaping. Our rapid increase in the output of greenhouse gases, such as
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carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, has warmed the Earth at an alarming rate. “The

burning of fossil fuels [has] increased the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by more than a third

since the Industrial Revolution” (National Geographic). As more greenhouse gases are emitted,

more heat is trapped, and the climate of our planet warms significantly. In addition to excessive

combustion of fossil fuels, humans also negatively impact the Earth through deforestation,

desertification, urbanization, overpopulation, and numerous forms of pollution. Through each of

these, the biodiversity of many ecosystems is decreased. “Ecosystems with high biodiversity are

way more resilient to disturbances than those with low biodiversity” (Crash Course). The

consequences of global warming are seen throughout nature, but there are still positive changes

that can be made to slow or reverse the harmful effects of global warming.

It is our privilege, as the most capable and intelligent species, to protect and take care of

the Earth. Although humans have had a heavy negative impact on the climate, we can still make

healthier changes to benefit the Earth. “Potential climate change solutions include making

vehicles, homes, and buildings more energy efficient and increasing the use of wind and solar

power, hydrogen produced from renewable sources, and other alternative energies”

(Dell’Amore). The most important change to be made is replacing fossil fuels with renewable

energy, such as wind, solar, and geothermal. These types of renewable energy do not release

harmful amounts of greenhouse gases as burning fossil fuels does. Each person can make small,

yet crucial changes to their everyday lifestyle to help the planet. Some of these include recycling

and reusing things, walking, biking, or using public transportation, and turning off electronics

when they are not being used. “In Denmark, 18 percent of local trips are done by bicycle. In the

Netherlands, it is 27 percent. But in the U.S., the figure is just 1 percent” (Worrall). By walking
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and using forms of public transportation, you limit the amount of greenhouse gases that are

released into the atmosphere by motor vehicles.

Cool roofs are another innovative way to combat global warming. “A cool roof is one that

has been designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof” (US

Department of Energy). Cool roofs can save more energy and money by making buildings much

cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning. As more cool roofs are added to a community,

electricity demand is lowered, power plant emissions are reduced, and local air temperatures may

be cooled. Green roofs are a similar option, but instead of reflecting sunlight and heat, it is

absorbed by plants. Green roofs are ideal for urban settings because they “provide insulation,

lower the need for heating and cooling, and can reduce the urban heat island effect” (US

Department of Energy). The urban heat island effect is simply talking about how the average

temperature of an urban area is greater than that of neighboring rural areas. As the use of cool

roofs in cities increases, average temperatures of those cities will decrease, and benefit the Earth

in the long run.

Despite the fact that humans are partially responsible for global warming, we also have

the responsibility to protect and take care of our home. Since the Industrial Revolution, the

number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have increased at alarming rates due to the

burning of fossil fuels. Although we have greatly harmed the Earth, we can still help it. There are

many solutions to global warming, some of which include using renewable energy, recycling

things, reusing things, walking more, driving less, and even using “cool roofs.” We can make the

simplest changes to our everyday lifestyles to benefit our planet. Everything we do in our

everyday lives will end up having either a positive or a negative impact on the Earth. We must
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start making positive changes, if not for the planet itself, then for the benefit of future

generations.

Section 5: Conclusion

Through years of heavy debate on whether climate change and global warming are real,

and if humans have played a part, new evidence is constantly emerging that stresses the threats of

rising temperatures and sea levels. Global warming is being enhanced every day, putting life on

Earth in danger, but only humans have the capability to find the solutions to combat the

dangerous change in climate. Every single species on Earth will soon feel the effects of the

changing climate. Some have already gone extinct, while others will soon follow unless we alter

our unhealthy lifestyles to better the Earth. A change as simple as recycling everyday plastics

will ultimately benefit the planet, but more direct fixes must be made, such as the switch from

fossil fuels to healthier forms of renewable energy. As the most capable and advanced species,

we have done a great deal to hurt our planet, but now we must aid the Earth in its battle against

global warming.

Works Cited

Brennan, Pat. “Greenland Melt Speeds East Coast Sea Level Rise.” Global Climate Change:

Vital Signs of the Planet, 2017. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2651/greenland-melt-

speeds-east-coast-sea-level-rise/.

Brennan, Pat. “NASA Links Port-City Sea Levels to Regional Ice Melt.” Global Climate

Change: Vital Signs of the Planet, 2017. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2658/nasa-links-

port-city-sea-levels-to-regional-ice-melt/.
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Crash Course. 5 Impacts On The Environment: Crash Course Ecology #10. 2013.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eTCZ9L834s. Accessed 22 Apr 2018.

Dell'Amore, Christine. "7 Species Hit Hard By Climate Change—Including One That's Already

Extinct". National Geographic, 2014.

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/03/140331-global-warming-climate-

change-ipcc-animals-science-environment/.

National Geographic. Causes and Effects of Climate Change.

https://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/101-videos/climate-101-causes-and-effects.

Accesses 22 Apr 2018.

National Geographic. “Is Global Warming Real?.” National Geographic, 2017.

http://nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming-real/.

NOAA. “Is Sea Level Rising?.” National Ocean Service, 2017.

https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/sealevel.html.

Ramanujan, Krishna. “Dwindling Arctic Ice.” NASA Earth Observatory, 2003.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/ArcticIce/.

Rassmusen, Carol. “New Greenland Maps Show More Glaciers at Risk.” Global Climate

Change: Vital Signs of the Planet, 2017. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2646/new-

greenland-maps-show-more-glaciers-at-risk/.

US Department of Energy. "Cool Roofs". Energy.Gov.

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-home-design/cool-roofs.

Viñas, Maria-José. “End-of-Summer Arctic Sea Ice Extent is Eighth Lowest on Record.” Climate

Change: Vital Signs of the Planet, 2017. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2633/end-of-

summer-arctic-sea-ice-extent-is-eighth-lowest-on-record/.
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Worrall, Simon. "100 Practical Ways To Reverse Climate Change". National Geographic, 2017.

https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2017/05/climate-change-global-warming-

drawdown-hawken/.