For the past couple of years I’ve been hearing intermittently about the issue of global warming and the dangers it poses to our environment. Though reports I’ve heard about this phenomenon were mostly based on scientific research conducted by various entities, they all lead to a common bottom line: that is, the world we live in has become so polluted that a global catastrophe is bound to happen anytime soon.

My most recent close-up look at global warming came just a few months ago, when I decided to watch the documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.” In this award-winning documentary featuring former US Vice President Al Gore, I was taken aback by the various scenarios that show how severe the global climate crisis has become.

If Gore’s calculations hold true, then rising of sea levels is forthcoming, no thanks to the collapse of huge ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica . In that event, sea levels would increase by some 20 feet, in the process flooding coastal areas and displacing millions of families.

One does not have to be living in coastal areas to imagine the destruction such events can cause. While not trying to sound like a prophet of doom, it is hard to deny that these developments could likely lead to global hunger and worse, deaths.

Which leads me to another point: why is the media not focusing enough on raising awareness on global warming? Lost in the mix of headlines characterized by politics, glamour, and in-fighting among nations, global warming deserves more attention than all these issues combined. With the lack of media coverage on this vital issue, it’s easy to understand why many car owners don’t realize what the emissions of their vehicles do to the environment. It’s also easy to understand why trees are cut down at an alarming pace, because everybody seems apathetic with what’s going on with their environment.

Awareness often leads people to undertake actions against man-made causes of global warming. If you are a father of five young children and you’ve learned about the harmful effects that vehicles bring to the air, chances are you will keep your car’s engine in good condition so as not to emit pollutants to the atmosphere. Additionally, you want to keep the atmosphere from pollutants to assure the well-being of your children in the long run. While it is true that the more damaging pollutants are caused by industries, these companies can also be subjected to adapt more environmentally-friendly procedures and operations through public clamor or petitions.

Everyone can also do their share in lessening the harmful effects of pollution on the atmosphere which leads to global warming. Plant trees in your vacant lot since trees have been proven to improve air quality by removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants and generating oxygen. Additionally, trees are known to help in decreasing air temperature. It would also help if you are more conscious about your energy consumption, and recycle products such as paper and plastics to lessen the causes of pollution.

Popularity: 59% [?]