Teetering On Edge

Around 8 years ago, an unprecedented occurrence took place; the sea engulfed an island - the island of Lohachara. The rising water levels, due to global warming, interrupted the life of many, leaving them homeless with no possessions. Also in dealing with global warming, the average concentration of CO2 in the air in 2008 was approximately 388.57 ppm, and scientists predict an increase to 970ppm by 2100. Looking at both situations, which one makes you want to do something about global warming? Personally, islands disappearing sounds like a big problem. Not knowing what ppms are, the rise in their number says nothing to a non-science person like myself. This disappearance of Lohachara demonstrates a tipping point, a large, devastating occurrence. Indeed tipping point play a vital role in drawing attention to and eliciting a response from the general public concerning global warming.

A tipping point is the big, drastic change caused by small, gradual changes. So, let's apply the tipping point concept to global warming. Atmospheric changes, the earth's heat, and weather patterns cause massive changes to our planet. Several prevalent tipping points concerning global warming exist, including the shrinking rainforest. By 2200 the lush rainforest climate will disappear from half the biome if global warming continues at the present rate. Also, melting ice caps have dumped fresh water into the ocean, disrupting ocean water circulation and causing more severe hurricanes. Finally, the melting Greenland ice sheet will eventually cause sea level to rise around twenty feet, emerging coastal cities with water.

As you see, tipping points draw attention. Who can ignore a half missing rainforest, intense hurricanes, or cities covered with water? Tipping points are vital to drawing awareness to global warming and encouraging the public to do something about it. A recent survey reported the concern for global warming at an all time low with about only 50% of Americans worried about it. Also reported: 57% of people even believe global warming is occurring and only 47% believe that humans are a cause.

Some people say reliance on tipping points is bad; however, these tipping points elicit a response. The consequences of global warming demonstrated by tipping points could change public opinion concerning global warming. If it weren’t for tangible, severe effects, the common public would not know about global warming. Sure, scientists would have the knowledge; they monitor the numbers. However, these numbers mean nothing to your “Average Joe.” These tipping points, effects of global warming, act as physical proof of global warming’s existence. These tipping points call for something to be done – for a change.

We can all be in agreement that global warming hurts our planet. We’ve seen the brutal consequences of burning too many fossil fuels and sending pollutants into our atmosphere. Tipping points have “pointed” the way for us to see the harmful results of global warming. Now, the question beckons us– what will we do about it? Will we watch as the rainforest diminishes? Or, will we look for solutions to the problem and halt global warming in its steps?