Let's start with some facts. 

So we all know that carbon dioxide is bad for the atmosphere right? Well, in 1950, the earth's carbon dioxide levels rose above 300 ppm. That number probably means nothing to you, but before that, levels had never crossed above this line… for 400,000 years. In just 68 years, we've caused that number to spike another 100ppm. That's not cool guys. Not cool at all.

Now you may be wondering, well okay there's more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, what does that even mean? Well here are some fun facts about carbon dioxide and its effects.

• 1. Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring and essential gas for photosynthesis and oxygen production… so the more CO2 the better right? WRONG
• 2. CO2 also makes the earth warm… like too warm. The natural properties of CO2 mean that it prevents heat from escaping the earth. It traps radiation from the sun (thanks sun for being great though) and creates a nice toasty blanket at ground level. We all love blankets, but you know who doesn't love blankets? Ice.

So here's the cool thing about ice (ha, I'm funny). We obviously know that sea ice is important for polar bears and penguins, but does it affect us at all? The answer is a big "heck yeah." One of the biggest impacts that ice has on humans is keeping the sea level at a nice, manageable level. We all know what happens when ice melts: it turns to water. And when you add more water to any container, the water level must go up. Think of the earth as a nice Tupperware container that we're constantly adding water to. Eventually, those coastal areas that you love to visit on vacation are going to be gone and the old inland is going to become the new coast.

Another thing about ice is that it reflects heat from the sun which just keeps the earth cooler in general. This property also means that it helps regulate the currents of both the water and the air. This also helps to keep our weather relatively moderate. When this ice melts, everything gets out of whack. Ever wonder why we've been having so many devastating storms lately? Hmm… I just can't possibly think of an answer… maybe because the planet's average surface temperature has risen 1.62º F in the last 18 years and arctic sea ice is shrinking a little over 13% per decade? I don't know, maybe.

Okay so there's obviously some stuff going on and the earth is most definitely getting warmer, but what does that mean for us?

Well, let me tell you ladies and gents, it's not good. Besides the fact that the earth is just generally getting warmer and it's uncomfortable like I mentioned before THE SEA LEVELS ARE RISING PEOPLE. I know you all love the beach, but would you love it as much if it was moved inland a mile or two? Probably not because you'd have to swim around old houses and grocery stores. Another obvious consequence of this is that it's disrupting ecosystems. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but you know where our natural resources that we HIGHLY DEPEND ON are located? In ecosystems. Those crash and prices for just about everything are going to spike. As far as direct impacts go, an overall increase in atmospheric pollution means that there's going to be an increase in respiratory problems and we'll get to experience more fun stuff like acid rain with greater frequency. People, we are LITERALLY DIGGING OUR OWN GRAVES.

Now I know this seems like a lot of gloom and doom, but I have some good news for you. We can make a difference.

Well, my first suggestion would be to check out this site. Project drawdown is a comprehensive plan to start reversing the effects of global warming. Even if financially you can't afford to make big changes, there're still little ways you can put in some extra effort to protect our planet. Try carpooling when you can. The less you drive, the less CO2 you're putting into the air. Also, look into alternative forms of energy. Maybe windmills aren't the most attractive thing in the world, but their presence is SO HELPFUL to their environment. Recycle, compost, just spend some time in nature so you see WHY we need to protect this planet. Even the smallest of actions can build up to make a difference. Besides, it's better than doing nothing.

So to wrap up my time on the soapbox, I'm going to dispel a few myths and plain lies that I've heard about global warming and climate change.

For my religious friends out there (who I've heard this a lot from):

-Jesus is coming back anyway, so why should I bother?

Well, let me remind you that the Bible says in Matthew 24:36 "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father."

So while, yes the Bible says Jesus is coming back, you're just guessing at a time frame of when it's going to be, and if it doesn't happen in your lifetime, don't you want to leave the Earth nice for your friends and family who are going to be here after you?

… And while we're on the subject of the Bible, it also is very specific that God created this earth. Now I don't know about you, but the last time someone took the time to make something super amazing and beautiful for me, I didn't say "oh well you gave it to me and I'm going to die soon so I'll probably just tear this to shreds and stomp on it a few times for good measure… but you know, thanks anyway."

-Those liberals are just making up climate change!

Well as you will see by the data I have presented in my article, no. Also, who has more to gain from making data up? Scientists who would only serve to cause panic (not benefiting themselves at all) or politicians and big companies (who would get to pollute the earth even more for more money)? I'll leave that one to you to figure out. But let me tell you, scientists don't really get paid a lot so they're not doing this research for the money.

-Last winter was the coldest it's ever been, so global warming isn't happening

Ha. Okay so yes maybe you had one cold snowy winter, but overall, the planet is warming up. Global warming is the blanket term that is used for climate change, but climate change doesn't mean that every single place is going to get warmer. Actually, a few places are expected to drop in temperature a little bit. But when you average the entire planet's temperature, that average is what is going to rise. And as you know if you read this article, that's not a good thing.