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A Hot Mess

A Hot Mess
“Today will be a scorcher, with a high of 97 and a heat index of 105. There will be a heat advisory out until…” If a person were to turn the television to the Weather Channel on a normal summer day, he or she would probably hear something to that extent. It is no mistake that our temperatures here on Earth are rising. Many people think that global warming is just a political ploy used to scare the general public into voting for a certain party’s candidate, but there is a substantial amount of evidence available that shows otherwise, as well as many ways that we can help prevent it.
Global warming describes “the documented historical warming of the Earth's surface based upon worldwide temperature records that have been maintained by humans since the 1880s” (Nodvin). This is happening because pollutants from factories, cars, etc. are slowly eating away the ozone layer, a layer of molecules that protects Earth from the sun’s harmful rays. This is causing polar ice caps in the Artic to melt, resulting in the deaths of many animals such as polar bears and penguins. One solution to this problem is to use alternative fuel sources. There are many types of natural energy available that would tremendously cut back on the amount of ozone-depleting substances that are put into the atmosphere. Wind, solar, and thermal are just a few types of energy that are available for anyone’s use.
Alternative fuel sources can sometimes be costly and hard to come by. Another less complicated solution, one that almost anyone can do, is to cut back on the amount of fuel that we are burning. There are many ways to do this. Instead of driving to work or school, when possible, walk or ride a bike. It would not only help cut back on pollutants, but it would also save money and give a person the exercise that he or she needs. If it is not possible to walk, carpool or take some form of public transportation. Taxis, trains, and subways are all paid for by taxpayers’...