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Stumble It!Increasing temperatures have scientists and politicians worried about the effects of global warming. Even a few degrees of change has, and will continue to change the world for future generations.
The Goddard Institute for Space Studies records 2005 as the warmest year in more than a century. The second warmest year was 1998.
Approximately one degree of our current temperature is a direct result of global warming. But Atmospheric Science Professor David Braaten said temperatures around the world are rapidly increasing.
"I think people would say we're at a tipping point now. The scientific community is anxious about this situation because it looks worse than we thought it was," Braaten said.
In the last 100 years, the Earth experienced a one degree temperature increase - the same amount of increase as recorded in 2005. Increased greenhouse gasses boost the severity of storms like Hurricane Katrina and make the spread of disease easier.
Amy Morten and her two sons have taken advantage of the recent record setting temperatures.
"I just love it. I don't care what it's like as long as it's not freezing and icing," Morten said.
Moten wonders if we're just experiencing nice weather or global warming.
"I do believe in global warming, but I don't know if that's what is happening now," Morten said.
- Cut emissions of carbon dioxide and "greenhouse gasses"
- Boost renewable energy sources
A recent statement by British Prime Minister, Tony Blair calls for countries to cut emmissions of carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gasses," by boosting renewable energy sources. Braaten says generally politicians ignore the issue.
"There's little question that this is a serious problem that is being ignored. In the State of the Union address, you didn't hear about it...not a word. To me, that's scary," Blair said.
