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Global warming refers solely to the fact that the Earth’s atmosphere is warming near its surface. Simply put, it’s getting hotter. The term does not imply a cause or speak to cause. The scientific community believes climate changes like global warming have occurred throughout Earth’s history and will continue to occur in the future. Some evidence links global warming to solar activity; however, there are other theories as well.

One popular theory relates to the “greenhouse effect.” Gases that make up our atmosphere are analogous to a greenhouse in that they allow sunlight to pass through, then trap much of the heat from escaping. This naturally occurring phenomenon keeps Earth’s surface warmer than it would be otherwise. However, human produced compounds regularly released into the atmosphere in recent years have “thickened the greenhouse wall” beyond naturally occurring levels. When this happens, even less heat escapes, causing temperature to rise. This is called greenhouse warming and results in global warming.

While the scientific community accepts global warming as a given, greenhouse warming is more controversial. Everyone agrees that human-produced compounds like carbon dioxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), etc. are being released into the atmosphere, yet some argue it’s not clear how this factors into the changes in global warming.

Another distinct issue commonly associated with greenhouse warming and global warming is the ozone. Ozone is a naturally occurring gas in the lower atmosphere that helps trap heat. The burning of fossil fuels creates even more ozone, as ozone is one component of smog. As ozone builds, so does trapped heat, increasing the greenhouse effect.

Additionally, ozone plays a role in the upper atmosphere where it shields the Earth from deadly ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Unfortunately, CFC’s – the same human produced compound that acts like a greenhouse gas in the lower atmosphere – destroy ozone. This can result in holes in our upper ozone layer as seen over Antarctica where cold temperatures, atmospheric circulation and other factors combine to ‘draw’ these ozone holes.

In conclusion, global warming and the issues surrounding it have far-reaching implications and can significantly impact human life on many levels. For this reason, scientists want to know how long the Earth has been warming, at what rate is it warming, and what factors are causing it. These answers will better prepare us to handle the effects of global warming.

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Do you wonder what is Feng Shui? The Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui (pronounced fung schway) has been in existence for thousands of years and focuses on achieving harmony, balance, and exuding a positive flow of energy known as chi. The basic principle of this ancient art form is that the environment in which you surround yourself in will have a direct impact on every possible area of your life. Also called the art of placement or positioning, Feng Shui relies heavily upon the five main elements within our environment, which are water, fire, earth, wood and metal, along with the four directions, north, south, east and west.

The placement or positioning of objects in a room dictates more than just how it might look, or how well the pieces may or may not match the others. Chi and the main concept of the art form recognizes that those five vital elements greatly affect balance and the delicate flow of chi with their continually changing levels of energy.

Each of the elements may interact with each other, either negatively or positively, and each room in the home should have the correct balance of anywhere from three, to all five of the elements. Using your own personality and lifestyle as a general guideline, you can gauge the correct combination of elements that will balance your living space once you learn and understand the purpose and meaning behind each one.

The Five Feng Shui Elements

Water: Water has the capability of being both calming and peaceful as in still waters or in a gently flowing stream, or it can be violent and destructive in the case of flooding. Water elements throughout the home renews the flow of chi and is said to rejuvenate both the spirit and body.

Fire: The ever powerful element of fire explodes with enthusiasm and sparks an endless flow of creativity wherever it is. Fire need not be used in abundance, as is the case with other elements, as too much may overpower and remove chi from a room rather than enhancing or increasing it.

Earth: Earth represents a strong foundation, rational thinking, and a sense of stability. However, too much of this particular element may also smother the flow of energy, ultimately counteracting its original, positive effects.

Wood: Wood symbolizes personal development, creativity, and exudes an independent aura of quiet, but strong, unwavering energy. Wood is used to represent the most determined individual who make it his purpose to benefit from this natural element’s chi.

Metal: For wisdom and mental strength and maturity, look to the element of metal which also represents wealth and prosperity when displayed in the home.

To begin implementing the tenets of this highly revered philosophy into your own life, you should:

- Familiarize yourself with your own soul, your inner self, and who you really are deep inside when you are completely alone with your thoughts.

- Focus intently on putting yourself in control of your life and the direction it will take as opposed to allowing negativity to influence the path you ultimately follow.

- Train yourself to visualize the flow of chi that radiates from every part of your body, permeating the air and affecting everyone near you, sharing your positive energy and harmonious thoughts with all.

- Fully open your mind and soul to receive a regular return of positive energy from your surroundings.

Put together, you will have a better idea of what is feng shui and as such will be in a better position to appreciate it.

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