Global warming has become a hot topic over the past few years.
While some may assume that the discussion of global warming effects is a new one, it has actually been around for a number of decades.
The main difference today is that the conversation has grown to include millions of people throughout the globe.
Part of the reason that so many people are concerned about global warming is due to a number of alarming points put forth by research organizations.
Here are some of the issues they have raised alarm over: Probably the most alarming point many have made is the notion that carbon dioxide emissions cause great harm to the environment.
As the studious know, human beings emit carbon dioxide when they breathe.
Since human beings will always emit carbon dioxide, this would make the reduction of carbon dioxide very difficult since humans can not be taken out of the equation.
Fossil Fuels and Global Warming The relationship between fossil fuels and the causes of global warming has also created alarm among many.
Fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide and other emissions into the air when they are burned.
This creates a very complex situation because the top three fossil fuels - oil, coal, and natural gas - are the primary sources of energy in the world.
Then again, many people take a number of simple steps to reduce such emissions.
Turning the lights off in the home and not driving as much all are all habits that can reduce energy consumption.
The more people who do this the less energy resources will need to be tapped.
Effects on the animal kingdom If there was one aspect of global warming news that has pulled on the heartstrings of people it has been the effect of global warming on the animal kingdom.
Or, more specifically, it is the effect global warming has had on the polar bear community.
Since people have always had a fondness for these exotic animals, many have sympathy for the animal's plight.
While many are familiar with the reports that global warming has had a negative effect on the polar bear community they may not understand what exactly occurs.
Essentially, polar bears live in a habitat that is comprised of sea ice.
If global warming can cause this ice to melt it reduces the habitat in which the polar bears live on.
This could radically impact polar bears in the same way urbanization affected grizzly bears.
In the early 1800's, Grizzly bears lived in all fifty US states.
As the human population grew and cities were developed, Grizzly bears died off since their habitat disappeared.
A similar effect is possible with polar bears and other animals that live in the same habitat if sea ice continues to melt.
Effects on the human kingdom If anything, the effects of global warming on the animal kingdom concerns people over what type of effect it may have on the "human kingdom".
Yes, there is fear of a potential all encompassing ripple effect and this fear fuels much of the alarmism over global warming.
How the story will eventually play out over the next several years is not predictable.
It is, however, predictable that people will address their alarmism with calls to action.
Hopefully, this will yield a positive effect.