OK. We all have a basic idea what Global Warming is, but do we really know what is being done about it, or what even causes it. This issue of Questions Answered will attempt to clear up those foggy areas.

1. What exactly is Global Warming?
Global Warming is a phenomenon thought by many to have been brought on from air pollution. Our atmosphere has the ability to trap radiation from the sun to keep the Earth at a fairly constant temperature. Gases from this air pollution help in trapping that radiation, and as they build up, the temperature is thought to rise.

2. What types of gases cause this and how?
Many of the polluting, or greenhouse, gases that cause this contain the element carbon. This means that any fossilized fuel gives off carbon when burned. It is also important to know that we naturally give off Carbon Dioxide when exhaling, but that doesn't mean that we are polluting, it's a natural part of life. How Carbon Dioxide keeps the heat in is a bit more complicated. When heat bounces off the surface of the Earth and back into space, some of it leaves. The rest bombards with Carbon Dioxide molecules. This makes the molecules unstable, and they release that energy, with some of it returning to Earth. Essentially, with higher amounts of this gas, the more heat that returns to Earth, causing it to warm up.

3. What are the effects of Global Warming?
Truthfully, we cannot predict what exactly will happen to the Earth, or if Global Warming really 100% exists. If it turns out to be true, and no initiative is taken, every part of the Earth will experience climate change to some degree. If you have ever seen "The Day After Tomorrow", then you can get a basic idea of what could happen, though don't expect any giant snowstorms that turn New York into a big freezer. Basically, extremes of flooding and drought will be the norm. In the Atlantic region, there is a possibility of the shutting down of the Gulf Stream, which keeps Western Europe from plunging into another ice age through the movement of warm water. So, life would pretty much suck for us for that to happen.

4. Are our governments doing anything to deal with this?
For the most part, yes. Many world leaders have recognized this as a serious issue and are funding alternative fuel source projects. The problems with these projects are possible job layoffs and the costs involved. So now you're saying,"So what? What's a few bucks for the entire human race?" It turns out to be a bit more complicated than that. As said before, we cannot fully prove the existence of global warming because we have nothing to model the Earth after. If Global Warming turns out to be false, then we have wasted quite a big amount of money for nothing. This is where the American issue come in to play, which has probably the lowest standards of the big countries on economic impact. Right now we are arguing more on the existence or this phenomenon rather than if we should do something about it.

5. What are the projects involved with combating Global Warming?
Many of the projects involved including the reduction of fossil fuel dependence. Hybrid cars, E85 ethanol, and wind and solar power are a few of the better known projects. Some lesser knowns are the use of tidal movement, harnessing the power of nuclear fusion(which is way safer than fission)and the use of refined, clean methane as a fuel.

6. Is there really a controversy among scientists as to Global Warming's existence?
Actually, no, there is very little controversy. Unfortunately, much of what we read and hear is caused by media hype and political battles. Although not all media is bad, many just want to sell more than tell, so they create a buzz by making an argument against it. Is this bad, well maybe, maybe not. This generally has the potential to confuse the public and stall any action from being taken, but at times it causes us to check over ourselves to make sure we are not wasting time and money on useless projects.

7. Writer's Comments
You do not have to believe any of the statements made in this article, though I have tried as hard as possible to be objective. Personally, I do believe that these projects are worthwhile, and even if Global Warming turns out to be a farce, then at least we have more available energy sources, so there is no harm in trying.



Questions or comments about the article? Want to suggest a future topic? Just send a note to ~Bssnst06.