This Heatwave is Not a Myth

With the influx of information available on the InternetFact: While a small amount of warming might benefit
and all the hype in the media, it is often difficult tosome select regions, the negative effects of global
discern scientifically accepted facts about globalwarming will far outweigh any positives. Among the
warming from the distorted myths. This article willmany expected results of global warming are: drought,
provide a brief overview of the main facts and mythsflooding rainstorms, forest fire, and species extinctions.
about the causes and effects of global warming. ForMany of the extreme weather events will occur in
even more information, see Global Warming Mythsareas that are already experiencing trouble producing
and Facts from Environmental Defense.their own food because of resource depletion,
Myth #1: Within the scientific community, debatespecifically in the developing world where hunger is
persists as to whether or not anthropogenicalready prevalent. Additionally, rising sea levels are
(human-caused) gases are the primary cause of globalpredicted to displace 13 to 88 million people each year,
warming.placing a greater strain on agricultural lands. More mild
Fact: Worldwide, climate scientists are united incold seasons will invite non-native species, threatening
agreement that the current rise in greenhouse gasesthe livelihood of native plants (which will already be
and global temperatures are directly correlated tounder stress). Harmful insects that eat crops or harbor
human-related causes. Mean temperatures across thedisease will have expanded geographical and seasonal
globe are trending upwards, scientists agree. Since theranges.
Industrial Revolution, the world's consumption of fossilMyth #4: Like examples of the past, humans can
fuels has increased at an alarming rate and climateeasily adapt to the effects of global climate change,
scientists consent that the combustion of these fuelsespecially with current and future technologies.
are the primary culprits of global warming. WhateverFact: While it is true that humans as a species have
debate exists does so in the popular media and politicalsurvived through climate variations in the past, it has
arenas. Skeptics are often spokespeople or "scientists"been the cause of civilization collapse in many proven
hired by industries that have a stake in newcases. If the global warming trend continues without
emission-cutting regulations or changes in consumeraction, the rate of increase and the degree of
buying patterns that would curb global warming.warming will exceed anything experienced since the
Myth #2: The current warming trend is just part of thebeginning of human civilization. The fallout from global
natural cycle of rising and falling climate variation. Awarming will drastically impact all aspects of modern
small shift in degrees is not a big deal.human life, as well as the global economy with which
Fact: While climate change does follow a natural cyclewe are so intertwined. If industrialized nations are able
of fluctuation in global and regional temperatures overto fufill the prophecy spoken by so many media
time, we are experiencing a major increase in the ratepundits and invent their way out of this crisis with
at which climate change is occurring that does not falltechnology, those countries lacking the resources to do
within the normal boundaries of global climate cycles.the same will be left high and dry. The pressure from
While some animals and plants were able to adapt tothe movement of large groups of people displaced by
slow changes over time, many will become extinct asglobal warming will be felt across borders, both political
a result of faster climate changes. Evolution requiresand socio-economic. Additionally, conflict over food and
time to change any given species-successful changeswater will likely have a ripple effect across the globe.
are made over thousands (or millions) of years. InIt is clear that the need to act on global, industrial,
contrast, scientists predict that the average globalpolitical, and individual levels is imperative to address
temperature will increase anywhere from 2.5 to 10.4one of the biggest environmental challenge humans as
degrees F in the 21st century alone. Although this maya species has ever seen. Education is the first step;
seem insignificant, such a shift across the entire globeaction is the next. The future is in our hands.
will dramatically effect the more delicate ecosystemsSources:
which are, in turn, connected to the function of eachWang, James, PhD. and Michael Oppenheimer, PhD.
other system. The last Ice Age was only 5-9 degrees"The Latest Myths and Facts on Global Warming."
colder than today's temperatures.Environmental Defense, 2005. [PDF]
Myth #3: Global warming is a good thing; an extended"Myth Manners Thinks Abrupt Climate Change Would
warm season would be more comfortable and extendBe Rude." Grinning Planet. June 21, 2005.
the growing season, thus increasing global foodYou are encouraged to reprint this article, but please
supplies.include this resource box.