Globalhotting

             We often hear "Global Warming this, Global Warming that, it’s hot," even Al Gore’s in on the issue. But does it really affect us? "Heck, to hell with that Global Warming crap! Who the hell cares! It ain’t got nuthin’ ta do wit’ our GDP, GNP, inflation, recession and currency trading stuff and jargon." 

             Indeed. Global Warming is not Globalization (which, by the way adds to the Greenhouse Effect), but what’s in stake here is our lives lives, people. Wake up and smell the coffee. Better yet, smell the Greenhouse gases. Let’s first define the terms so as to not cause Epistaxis. What are Greenhouse gases? Greenhouse gases are made up of gas molecules and compounds that absorb the heat of the sun, thus contributing to the Greenhouse effect. What about it? The Greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth when Greenhouse gases absorb the Sun’s heat, particularly the "long wavelength of energy," whatever that is. Second, these gases block the latent and sensible heat from the Earth’s surface. It’s very much like plant Greenhouses, hence the term Greenhouse Effect. These gases are:  Water Vapour, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide and Ozone (Ozone traps heat as it prevents too much Ultraviolet rays from entering the Earth). The hole in the Ozone layer is another story altogether, and would take another blog to explain.

             So, onto the effects. Not much. Just the melting of Polar Caps and the snow on mountain peaks like Mt. Kilimanjaro. Of course, there’s Hurricane Katrina and the Killer Storms in the Philippines, aside from the drastic change in typhoon schedules. How so? Global Warming raises the Temperature by 1 degree. so, 1 degree is too insignificant. Correct, but if applied to vast oceans like the Pacific the Evaporation process would be greater in scope and scale. So, do we agree that 1 degree higher would evaporate more water at a faster rate? If so, let us move on.

             The dilemma we are facing is so grave that if it goes unsolved, the Maldives will be swallowed by Poseidon waves (Or Aquaman’s ifor that matter). Never mind New York. God knows the US is the second largest polluter next to China. It’s saddening to think that this is due to man’s desire for development, if we really are developing. The only development I see is that man is turning into a self-destructive maniac. John Crichton mention in Jurassic Park through Ian Malcolm that we cannot destroy the Earth. The Earth will go on. only man will die and receive his comuppance, or somewhat to that effect. 

             Solutions are cropping up and they range from the conventional to the outright weird but interesting. One is the reduction of Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide emissions from vehicles, especially ships and factory smog by changing fuel and energy sources from Fossil Fuels and Coal to better alternatives. The health risks from particulates is another related problem that arises from crappy pollutants. One bizarre solution that’s still in the works as we speak is still at the research and development stage. It’s conducted in Australia because the possible solution can be found there. Kangaroos are said to have bacteria that break-down components that result to Methane production in the Digestive system. Scientists are planning to incorporate these bacteria to cattle, sheep and other livestock (I wonder how beef would taste after). Now, methane quantity, relative to the number of cows may seem insignificant (again), but seems very threatening. Why? Beacuse methane is colorless, odorless (Yes, it’s odorless. Sulfur makes fart stink, not Methane) and can absorb heat 21 times more than Carbon Dioxide can. The idea seems cool and some Vegan groups are also advising people to turn Vegetarian so as to lessen meat consumption and livestock demand. But a DJ from the radio station where I heard this news said that Gorillas eat plants but are still flatulent. It’s true but meat-eaters also fart to the cow solution would really help lessen Global Warming.

             Wow, the abundance of options are astounding, but the lack of action is saddening. One really good solution is planting more trees and preventing logging. Trees absorb Carbon Dioxide and produces Oxygen that counteracts most pollutants. Aside from that, trees serve as Storm breakers and prevent erosion and other problems.

             What a lame, dragging, long-assed rant this is. My point is, it’s high time we act  and save ourselves from the danger of Global Warming and the subsequent floods that are coming our way. And with that, I end my blog. Shame shame!