Global Warming
Kirk C. Klingler

The topic of Global Warming is intensely debated due to its possible effects to our existence on the planet and how it could affect global economies. The majority of people in the world will agree that Global Warming is occurring. What is contested is the cause. To some people in the world, the Conventional Wisdom is: Global Warming is caused by human influence through the excessive emission of greenhouse gasses, or some variation to that statement. The argument on the other side is the cause is cyclical and natural, and most likely cause by increases in solar activity.

The five most prevalent Greenhouse gasses are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. In fact, the Greenhouse Effect is what contributes greatly to making Earth inhabitable. The particular gas, carbon dioxide, is being portrayed as the culprit in Global Warming. One side claims the cause is excessive output of carbon dioxide due to burning fossil fuels. The other side claims that the increase of carbon dioxide comes after there are increases in global temperatures. I think the truth is somewhere in the middle ground.

What I think is common sense is: We have proof that the Earth has gone through stages of heating and cooling through its life span. That seems to be a universal truth through out the world. So, what if this is just another temperature increase in the natural progress the planet experiences? I believe the United State has proven, as a whole, Americans are good stewards of the land. If you consider the pollution situations we have faced in this country in the past, and how we have correct these problems is a good testament of our goodwill. Some examples include the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, OH and Boston Harbor in Massachusetts.

Furthermore, the side that pushes the argument that the blame lies in human influence has radical solutions to the problem. They are promoting a type of tax levied on the current industrialized countries such as the United States due to high output of carbon dioxide. Yet, they wouldn’t levy this tax on countries that also produce lots of carbon dioxide, but don’t have a advanced economy such as the United States. If my understanding is incorrect I apologize.

Another reason I am skeptical to making any extreme changes to combat Global Warming is due to the fact that back in the 70’s there was an environmental group warning us about Global Cooling. They too wanted extreme changes to rectify this severe threat to humanity. They suggested melting the Polar Icecaps as a possible solution. That is what the Global Warming alarmists are worried about now!

Common Sense says that the Earth goes through cycles. To get all excited about either Global Warming or Global Cooling demonstrates that we have too much time on our hands. There are other threats to our way of life that are far more perilous. These should be where our attention should be paid.