Global Warming Explained

While an extreme greenhouse effect is a very direct cause of global warming, it is also important to consider that the rising temperature is creating a positive feedback loop. If we take the polar ice caps for example: Reflecting 80% of the sunlight that strikes them back into the atmosphere, the ice caps are another important force in regulating our climate. However, as temperatures rise the ice will melt and lose surface area, therefore reflecting less light and causing temperatures to rise even more causing the ice to melt faster causing the temperatures to rise faster... you get the point. It is important to stress that as bleak as it may seem we have the power to change the course of the future. Humanity is capable of incredible things and our most distinct trait is our adaptability. With clean energy on the rise, and information traveling faster than ever, we are on the brink of a turning point. We just need a little push. _________________________________ In a 2012 study, it was established that the majority of Americans can name the causes of global warming, but can't explain the scientific mechanisms behind it. However, in a follow up study where participants were given a 400-word description of climate changes' mechanisms, not only did people easily grasp the scientific principals of it, but there was an increase in climate change acceptance. Link to study here | http://hamschank.com/convinceme/downloads/papers/RanneyEtAl-CogSci2012.pdf Link to 400-word description | http://www.howglobalwarmingworks.org/400-words.html Music by Blue Dot Sessions | http://www.sessions.blue/ Read a short essay I wrote about Climate Change: https://medium.com/@QNakama/the-missing-piece-in-our-climate-change-conversation-a7938c9725af#.bvd8bxy6i