Americans are obsessed with bad news. Nearly every natural disaster gets linked with global warming, and “climate change” is associated with our planet going to pot. Of course, with a warming climate comes change, both negative and positive—a warming earth may improve our lives in many respects.

The United Nations says that with more glaciers melting due to heat, the amount of rainfall will actually increase about seven percent if warming continues. More water and carbon dioxide for plants means the agricultural industry in the United States will likely produce more food for the world’s rapidly growing population. Also, receding glaciers may reveal rich oil deposits. Further, The Washington Times reported on a northern passage in Canada being opened due to melting ice, which would provide a quicker way for large ships that do not fit through the Panama Canal.

In addition, the effects of global warming are more prominent closer to the poles, so colder climates will find more favorable weather while the tropics will see little change. The warmer climate is good news because most vacations spots involve sunny locations such as Florida.

Paranoia over a changing climate is not new, as “global cooling” was debated heavily in the early 1970s. In 1975 Newsweek even pointed toward “ominous signs of the Earth’s weather patterns.” Ironically, greenhouse gases were blocking the sun’s rays. We must remember that temperatures have been fluctuating for million of years along with carbon dioxide levels. Only an estimated 3.5 percent of all atmospheric carbon dioxide is linked to human activity, according to Dr. Dixie Lee Ray, the former head of the Atomic Energy Commission. Therefore, we cannot blame ourselves for global warming.

Most people are naturally afraid of change. Yes, our world’s climate is rapidly changing, but the effects are often beneficial. Although the reduction of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere is a good idea, we do not all need to fear for our lives.