By Mike DuBose
Our initial article focused on Global Warming’s natural causes. Now, let’s examine human actions’ evidence.
When the sun shines rays toward Earth, radiation is absorbed by the environment or bounces back into space. Unfortunately, heated-reflective-rays are trapped by atmospheric gases known as the “Greenhouse Effect” which increase Earth’s temperature. The most dangerous, invisible gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous-oxide accumulating 200+ years forming a harmful dome over the Earth. Many see beautiful American blue skies and not invisible greenhouse gases.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology regularly measures atmospheric gases. Scientists determined when the Ice Ages ended, it took 5,000 years for the Earth to warm 45-degrees. However, during the past 100 years, temperatures have risen eight times faster than ice-age-recoveries. Nine of the hottest periods in US weather history occurred in the last 15 years, with 2024 breaking records. Why is this occurring?
Earth began to warm faster with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in mid-1700’s when European countries moved from farming to manufacturing, followed by the US in 1800’s. Coal was the main fuel source that powered ships and trains, heated homes and businesses, manufactured steel, and generated electricity. By 1900, half the world’s energy came from cheap, abundant coal which unfortunately produced 20-toxic chemicals and gases that accelerated the Greenhouse Effect.
If Global Warming exists because of dangerous gas emissions, which countries are main polluters? China leads with 26 percent of the CO2 since coal is their primary fuel source. Surprisingly, America (with only 4 percent of the world’s population) is second highest (13 percent) while European Union nations ranked 3rd and India 4th. In the US, most greenhouse gases are generated by cars/trucks, electricity production, and industries. Fossil fuels contribute 80 percent of greenhouse gases. Other issues add to Global Warming: (1) Forest Elimination: Trees absorb CO2 and convert dangerous gases to Oxygen known as photosynthesis. However, 40,000 square-miles of forests are eliminated annually to create 5,000 different products, housing developments, livestock pastures, and farmlands. South America and Africa are leading tree-cutting-countries; (2) Agriculture provides critical foods, but farming is the third-highest methane contributor. In addition, fertilizers contain Nitrogen which emit nitrous-oxide; (3) Manufacturing releases methane and other gases (cement accounts for significant CO2); and (4) Waste Management, particularly trash landfills, produce methane. Of course, we can’t eliminate all these gas generators since most are needed.
According to NASA, more than 90 percent of the climate scientists determined Global Warming is caused significantly by humans. As a result of their research, 185 countries signed the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to reduce global warming, including the US. Profit-driven oil companies, while early fierce opponents, now acknowledge climate change and warming are real. In November 2024, Exxon CEO, Darren Woods, advocated remaining in the Paris Climate Coalition and Exxon plans to reduce greenhouse gases.
Good news is US and China’s toxic-gas-productions have leveled off since both countries heavily invested in clean energy (wind-solar-waterpower). China built a single-33,000-acre-solar farm and Los Angeles, CA created one five-square miles – nearly 2-million solar panels.
America is the world’s top petroleum producer (pumping 14-million daily barrels) and natural gas exporter, followed by Saudia Arabia, Russia, and Canada. We still rely 35 percent of our petroleum needs from other countries (Canada and OPEC). Another surprise. We export 10 million barrels of oil annually to other countries. Many ask, “If we have so much oil in the US soil, why are we still buying petroleum from and selling oil to other nations?” Surprisingly, Wall Street Journal reported that oil companies aren’t interested in increasing production because it would drive down prices and reduce profits.
Well, I’m not giving up my 64’ Corvette, but IF Global Warming is in fact occurring and humans are partly responsible, maybe we all should help so future generations won’t suffer devastating consequences. Consider purchasing high-gas-mileage hybrid-cars with turbo-charged-engines that alternate using gasoline and batteries. If interested in electric-powered vehicles, buy now since great deals are available and 2025 tax credits will evaporate.
Home and business re-cycling requires little-extra work but becomes an environmentally-saving habit. Energy-saving-appliances are great, but avoid name-brand, cheap washers/dryers made overseas that have short-life-spans and create family nightmares. Purchase low-cost 5-year extended-warranties – you’ll need them.
High-quality, US-made Speed Queen ENERGY-STAR washers/dryers with seven-year-warranties and 20-year-lifespans are excellent investments. Install high-efficient HVAC systems, low-energy lighting and water heaters, and R-38 attic insulation. Utility companies conduct free home and business energy audits and offer energy-saving rebates.
Individuals we interviewed on Climate Change expressed passionate supporting or opposing responses, but few gave reasons for their views. Many were influenced by their political party and candidates. Most expressed frustrations the two sides can’t stop fighting with a climate philosophy “My way or the highway.” Nearly all desired that we harvest more fossil fuels from US lands for the immediate future (with some revenues used to pay off America’s budget deficit and reduce high-gas prices). Since other countries will be selling their oil to the world, why not America? Surveys also documented majority of citizens want politicians, government, and businesses expand and reward clean energy as a long-term priority.
Bottom Line: Elon Musk, Founder of Tesla and SpaceX, commented “Climate change is the biggest threat that humanity faces this century. But oil and gas shouldn’t be demonized in the medium-term” (Forbes and Reuters). Socrates determined, “It’s a mark of educated minds that carefully entertain two opposing thoughts before reaching conclusions.” Hopefully, we have objectively presented both sides of the Climate Warming debate.
Visit www.mikedubose.com/globalwarming for the full article.
Mike voluntarily authors these articles for 5 newspapers to fulfill his purpose “Creating opportunities to improve lives.” Visit his nonprofit website www.mikedubose.com and register to receive his monthly articles or Daily Thoughts plus free access to his books, including “The Art of Building Great Businesses.” The website includes 100+ published articles he has written on business, travel, and personal topics, in addition to health research with Surb Guram, MD, Allison Cashman, MD, and David Hurst, DMV.
