I recently wrote articles on global warming and cover crops that caused a lot of discussion. I’m grateful to readers who wrote or called me to further discuss the topics covered in those stories. This is a follow-up article to answer some of the questions that were raised.

When talking about global warming or climate change, most people think about the weather in their local area. These phrases really don’t directly refer to local weather. The increase in the amount of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere by excessive use of fossil fuels has been raising the temperature of Earth’s surface. This is affecting the global climate and causing more storms, hurricanes, excessive rains, floods and even droughts that can’t be explained purely by natural causes. 

Is “climate change or global warming” a hoax? Perhaps it’s mostly due to natural phenomena that have been occurring through the ages. However, our use of fossil fuels has tremendously increased carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere, which may have warming effects in the environment.

According to scientific data, we currently have about 410 parts per million of CO₂ in the global atmosphere, and we’re adding 2 ppm per year. There are more than a billion automobiles and thousands of factories and power plants in the world causing pollution. At the current rate, we’ll reach 474 ppm by the year 2050. Some climatologists believe 500 ppm of CO₂ will approach dangerous levels for humans. We need to reverse this trend soon.

The temperature data in central Indiana for the last three growing seasons indicates a warming trend. I don’t think we can blame Mother Nature for all of it. I think pollution caused by humans may have some part in it. Even if we don’t play a significant role in global climate change, measures to control pollution could be a good thing for our health.  What are we going to do about it, and how are we going to adapt to the changing environment?

Volcano factor
I’m sure recent eruptions of the Kilauea volcano in Hawaii and various volcanoes in Venezuela got the attention of people who want to deny that human activities are doing more harm than Mother Nature. However, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, the world’s volcanoes on land and undersea generate about 200 million tons of CO₂ annually, while automobiles and industrial activities cause about 24 billion tons of CO₂ emissions every year worldwide. Despite the arguments to the contrary, greenhouse gases emitted by volcanoes make up less than 1 percent of those created by humans.

What is the correct term, “global warming” or “climate change”? A better term might be “global climate change.” Global warming is the rise in Earth’s surface temperature caused by increasing greenhouse gases such as CO₂ and methane (produced by fossil fuels), which leads to climate change.

It’s not just temperature that is affected. Changes in precipitation patterns and sea levels are likely to have much greater impact on human life. 

Along with reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing solar and wind power use, planting more cover crops and trees will help nurture human life on this beautiful planet for a long time to come. I am confident we’ll succeed in this endeavor!

Nanda is president of Agronomic Crops Consultants LLC. Email him at [email protected] or call 317-910-9876.