We’ve all seen at least a similar picture regarding global warming over the past few years:
Though global temperatures have risen over the past few years, can this be attributed only to an increase in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions? I disagree. In a chart spanning the last decade, one can see global temperature fluctuations. The years of 1998-2008 show that CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere have steadily increased, but Hadley and MSU temperatures show that global warming has dropped over the past decade. This shows that there is no correlation, negative nor positive, between the two factors.
One such explanation for this occurrence could be defended from the history of the Earth’s temperature change. An example that one could use to denounce the correlation between CO2 and rising temperatures would be “The Little Ice Age”. The Little Ice Age was a period of time in the Earth’s history that consisted of unstable climatic conditions. This included increased rain and floods, crop failures and very cold winters. This period lasted from the 14th Century to the 19th Century. Before this change in climate, there was a period that is now referred to as “The Medieval Warm Period”. It lasted from the 9th century to the 14th century. For approximately 500 years the winters were mild and weather was considered stable.
These two examples can be given to show that the Earth’s climate frequently fluctuates over the centuries.
I also believe that there could be other factors that are causing global warming. I think it is too simplistic to give one singular reason if global warming is actually occurring. Once such additional explanation that could be added to the equation could be changes that are currently happening with the Sun. The following graph helps defend this stance:
To quote the website http://icecap.us/images/uploads/Solar_Changes_and_the_Climate.pdf: “Solar Changes and the Climate shows clear, graphic evidence that increase of solar magnetic flux decreases the ability of cosmic rays to penetrate the earth's atmosphere. This decreases low cloud formation which increases warming. Over the last 100 years, solar magnetic flux increased 230%, but it has plateaued at present. Also, solar cycle no. 24 is retarded and hasn't yet appeared. This last happened 400 years ago, before the Little Ice Age of the 1600's.”
More information can be obtained from the following cited that I used as sources:
http://icecap.us/images/uploads/Solar_Changes_and_the_Climate.pdf
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