(global warming is harmful and should be stopped).
A: Yes, the National Academy of Sciences web site states that "Surface temperature measurements recorded daily at hundreds of locations for more than 100 years indicate that the Earth's surface has warmed by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past century. This warming has been particularly strong during the last 20 years.".
Q: But do most scientists agree with that statement?.
A: Yes, Tom Jackson points out how most scientists now agree that the world is warming at an increasing rate. (Grollier's Pro/Con vol. 4).
Q: Are there any consequences as a result of global warming?.
A: Some noted consequences are: "Retreating glaciers, thinning arctic ice, rising sea levels, lengthening of growing seasons for some, and earlier arrival of migratory birds." This statement is also from the National Academy of Sciences web site.
Q: Wouldn't those be considered negative consequences?.
A: Yes, and there are many reasons why they are negative.
Q: What are some of those reasons?.
A: Retreating glaciers and thinning arctic ice mean that the sea levels are rising. Rising sea levels would mean that low-lying coastal areas would be flooded, and entire island chains would be lost. The lengthening of growing seasons and the early arrival of migratory birds would also disrupt long standing ecological balances.
Q: Ok, but does global warming directly threaten humankind?.
A: Yes, "global warming warms temperate zones, creating tropical conditions and allowing the spread of diseases such as malaria, and many other incurable viruses."(Grollier's Pro/Con vol. 4) Also, "warming accelerates the water cycle, leading to more extreme, variable weather."(Pro/Con vol. 4).
Q: Why would extreme, variable weather threaten humankind?.
A: The increase of hurricanes and tsunamis and tornadoes would threaten many lives, and would make coastal regions or tornado-risk regions almost uninhabitable, or become impoverished, since no insurance company would provide insurance with the increased risk.