Global warming? You may accept or reject those who say it is a dangerous phenomenon. But if the planet is warming, and humanity

Global warming? You may accept or reject those who say it is a dangerous phenomenon. Hut if the planet is warming, and humanity is contributing to it, shouldn’t someone be thinking about solutions? If the Earth is, in fact, engaged in a long-term warming cycle? And if humanity is partly responsible—can it be reversed?
    Possible solutions to global warming range from the simple to the complex, from changing a light bulb to engineering giant reflectors in space. The most talked about solutions involve expanded use of alternative energy technologies, and less reliance on fossil fuels.
    Volcanoes, forest fires, ocean and atmospheric variability are natural occurrences that change climate conditions. Might nature correct the warming trend itself? Climate scientists say that it seems very unlikely. Science doesn’t give us certainties. Science gives us likelihood. We think that it’s likely that climate warming of the last few decades isn’t due to the usual causes such as changes in the Earth’s orbit, changes in the sun, volcanoes, but it’s due primarily to humans adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
    John Topping of the nonprofit Climate Institute says it will be private industry, not governments, coming up with solutions. He argues that we need to get investment flows going in the direction of emerging clean energy technologies and part of that’s going to happen because we, as consumers, step forward and we are conscious in our buying habits to get more energy-efficient products. Higher gas prices are making fuel-efficient vehicles more attractive to consumers. Building and home constructions are becoming more energy efficient. Climate change is a huge challenge. But climate change also provides an opportunity for countries to really further themselves, and the only way to advance much globally, is to look at approaches that protect the environment at the same time that they promote equitable economic growth.
    Wider application of renewable energy resources could reduce greenhouse gases and offset global warming. Some scientists are suggesting grander solutions, involving rearranging Earth’s environment: building huge sunshades in space, for example, tinkering with clouds to make them reflect more sunlight, perhaps tricking oceans into soaking up more heat trapping gases.