Solar radiation penetrates the atmosphere and is absorbed by Earth's surface. Maintaining appropriate gas concentrations stabilizes global temperatures at hospitable levels. Any shift in this complex system could change Earth's temperature, altering the planet's ability to sustain life, increasing the spread of infectious disease and setting the stage for other serious repercussions. For this reason, global temperature change and other trends in climate are worldwide concerns. Recent changes in temperature and atmospheric composition are indisputable, but interpreting these trends is another matter.
Many experts cite Earth's impressive ability to adapt.
The relatively small temperature changes associated with global warming pale in comparison to the tales of extreme fluctuations throughout Earth's history. Waiting to see if Earth can adapt to the latest challenge we've given it may be irreversibly detrimental. Politicians pledge improvements, scientists research and debate. But individuals ultimately determine the success of these efforts. In an age of Internet cafes and medical breakthroughs, we're still not entirely clear about the natural science that surrounds us.