Popular Perception

Climate Change(ing) Popular Perception One of the biggest, but most underrated problems we face in our world today is global warming, or as some call it, “climate change”. Global warming is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “an increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect resulting especially from pollution.” The cause of this warming of the overall atmosphere of earth is anthropogenic, or in other words, caused by humans. The reason why it is an underrated problem is because it’s effects are not seen immediately and it is a slow process. I don’t believe in the chance of a zombie apocalypse type of an outbreak that signifies the “end” of the world,
I would have to disagree that global warming is simply a political issue. It originated in politics with Al Gore because he is a political figure, but it has always been more of a general human issue, as we are the cause of it, and we are the only ones who can take action against global warming. I don’t see politics as the ideal method of relaying the message of global warming to the public. In contrast, I believe that even something more political such as the war on terror is not as important as global warming, and therefore it doesn’t need the type of expose as global warming does. Terrorism seems much more urgent and threatening upfront, but if humanity were to be wiped out by the effects of global warming, there will be no one left to terrorize. In addition to that, there are many myths and misconceptions out there about global warming which are only harming the effort to educate the masses. In order for people to realize what they need to do and find out what they can do to contribute to the cause, we need to eliminate any misconception or confusion, and educate the citizens of the world on climate
In addition to these issues which have a varied gravity, global warming is known as the most serious issue and I believe every citizen of the world should know about what it is and what is causing it, because it affects the future of mankind. Not very many people know that once global warming is in full effect, it is impossible to reverse it. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists, “the climate change that is taking place because of increases in carbon dioxide concentration is largely irreversible for 1,000 years after emissions stop” (Romm). Essentially, even if we were to completely cease our carbon emissions and completely reduce our overall “carbon footprint” today, we would not see the effects of the reduction for years. The same concept applies to being able to see the damaging effects of climate change on our environment. Once we are able to physically witness the changes, reversal is virtually impossible. This is why many people don’t believe global warming to be as urgent and serious of an issue as it really is. Since it is not happening quickly before our eyes, people may brush it off as just some ice caps melting, which doesn’t seemingly affect their lives directly as other issues being covered in the