Evaluating Contrasting Human Perceptions of the Issue of Global Warming

There are many different postures regarding the global warming phenomenon. Some state that global warming is a myth. Others do not deny it, but simply hold that the temperature rise is normal and is even beneficial to the Earth. Personally, I believe that there is enough scientific data to prove that the Earth's temperature is in fact rising. Also, regarding the point of view that it benefits our ecosystems, I believe it may be true in certain places. However, the changes in temperature are also harming other ecosystems that are just as important as the ones that are being benefited.

Another important issue that needs to be addressed when talking about global warming is the extinction and loss of biodiversity. Massive extinctions result from global warming, and the drastic changes in the environment can lead to loss of habitat which in turn limit the biodiversity in a given ecosystem.

I believe global warming is something that occurs naturally, but scientific and historic records clearly demonstrate that the rate at which the Earth is heating up is faster, and it is human activity that which is accelerating this process. I also hold that the planet is resilient enough to recover from the damages it suffers, but again, the damage is being done constantly and we are not giving the Earth enough time to absorb the pressures we are putting on it.

While I believe that global warming is a threat, I also consider that there are things that can be done. CO2 emissions are a major contributor to the temperature rise and while we cannot stop them completely, we could greatly reduce them. Corporations and governments should work at a large scale to reduce emissions, but also individuals and society as a whole should become more conscious and aware of the impact that each of our actions has on the planet. Only when we have reached true awareness will we be able to say that we are doing all we can to help the Earth.