There are times that being oblivious may help you out of a sticky situation. When it comes to the global warming argument this does not apply. There are facts that each person must know and be able to understand if they are going to be able to do their part when it comes to helping the environment. We may never see the exact Kyoto Treaty but it does not hurt to be informed.

The global warming issue first arose when scientist began noticing a trend in weather patterns. They noticed that the temperatures of the oceans and the near-air surface had risen over the last century. This spawned the beginnings of the global warming argument and debates on the exact causes. Questions arose on whether it was a repeat occurrence of something that had happened in our distant past or if it was caused by mankind's treatment of the environment.

There are some facts regarding the global warming issue. The first is that there has been weather patterns discovered to be tied to rising temperatures. It is unknown if these are anomalies or in fact are tied to a specific pattern caused by the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is thought to be a direct contributor with the global warming study.

Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, rise into the atmosphere creating a blanket effect. The blanket acts as an insulator trapping solar radiation rather than letting it escape back through the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of humans and animals. An addition byproduct of animals, including humans, is methane gas which is another problematic issue for the global warming study.

Anyone that has ever taken a debate class can testify that facts can be manipulated or twisted to fit a certain situation. A clear argument can be given on each side of the global warming debate. There are facts agreed upon by both sides but those are few and far between. Studies that were once considered concrete are now being proven wrong due to misinterpretation of the facts.

It is disheartening to know that some studies performed by scientists have not been reported correctly. It shakes the foundation of scientific research regarding the global warming issue and helps add to the confusion felt by the average citizen. We want facts based on solid scientific research but this is proving to be more difficult than imaginable. The only way we will ever get the answer we need is by having a study performed on global warming that is completely impartial. Will this happen anytime soon? It does not look positive.