Saving the Earth from Global Warming - Essay Example

?Full Saving the Earth from Global warming According to Al Gore, global warming is not just a political issue but also a moral issue so that every individual around the world must become aware and well-informed about it in order to react accordingly. In his informative and persuasive speech, Al Gore explains that the carbon dioxide level is fast increasing as compared to recent decades. This are caused not by natural circumstances but rather are the results of deliberate human activities such as the use of more cars, building of more factories and inconsiderate waste disposals that contribute to air pollution. Consequently, the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere increases and thickens the ozone layer which in turn prevents the infrared radiation from escaping the earth’s atmosphere. This in turn results to warmer temperatures around the world. To make his presentation believable, Al Gore used statistical data. For instance, he mentioned about the top ten hottest years ever measured which occurred in the last fourteen years as of 2005 with the hottest of all in the said year. This shows the relentless increase in atmospheric temperature which is affecting the world. Moreover, Gore also compares photographs of glaciers in the past and in more recent times to impress in the minds of the listeners what he is trying to point out. He notes that the glaciers in Kilimanjaro, Glacier National Park, Columbia Glacier in Alaska, the Italian Alps and the Rhone Glacier in Switzerland are evidences of the results of global warming. The once majestic glaciers that attracted many scientists and tourists alike have all been decreased to nothing and more glaciers on the North Pole are at the brink of extinction as well. The effects of the aforementioned consequences of global warming are floods and droughts. This is due to increased precipitation and relocation of precipitation. For instance, in Africa alone, more droughts have worsened because of lack of rain while other places would have strong rains that are actually unusual. Moreover, it is not only sea water that evaporates and cause increased precipitation that in turn cause floods but the heat of the sun also sucks moisture from the soil which leads to droughts. In addition, the melting of the glaciers and Arctic ice caps are predicted to someday cause major floods in low areas and this should cause alarm today. This is explained by the result of studies that show that when the rays of the sun hit the ice caps, they are reflected back to the atmosphere just like in a mirror. On the other hand, when the rays of the sun hit the sea water; they are absorbed and therefore make the water warmer. As a result, the ice near the water melts and increases the volume of sea water. With the data presented by Gore which have obviously been carefully studied and are scientifically based, I strongly agree with all his arguments. The presentation does not just appeal to common sense but it also demands responsibility and accountability from listeners appealing to their moral senses. Indeed, global warming is not just a political issue but it also is an ethical issue which presents itself as the responsibility of every individual regardless of age, gender, political affiliations or beliefs. On another angle, on a more personal perspective, environmentalist Bill McKibben suggests that global warming is caused by people’s desires to have more. Economically, it is a good thing for individuals to want to succeed because it affects the nation’s economic stability. However, the want to have more things actually is increasing the carbon dioxide that is polluting the atmosphere. For instance, as more people are able to afford to buy more cars and appliances, more carbon dioxide is emitted from these machines. Moreover, with the fast-paced lifestyles of people wanting to earn more money, they are forced to eat processed foods which encourage more manufacturing processes that contribute to air pollution. Therefore, McKibben suggests people to live simpler lives and be contented with the old-fashioned lifestyle that kept the people living healthy lives for centuries. For instance, he promotes buying from Farmers Market instead of the supermarkets because as he claims, people do not just enjoy the joys of eating fresh foods but they also enjoy dealing with real people. This analysis places people on a new perspective which makes a lot of sense considering that social life nowadays are greatly influenced by the use of technological advancements which leads to the use of computers contributing to more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. However, with the necessity of the use of technology and the ease it has brought to people’s lives, it seems quite difficult to minimize or do away with it. Still, it must be considered that the proposition is highly feasible if only people will try to discipline themselves and prioritize the general conditions of the earth rather than their own conveniences. As mentioned by the author, there are more advantages that can be enjoyed as people move back to the Farmers Market. They can improve their socialization skills which are in fact more important and healthy compared to having virtual relationships. I strongly agree with McKibben’s thoughts because they are simple and free. It actually makes life simpler. Although it could bring more difficulties such as the experience of spending more time in accumulating and preparing foods as compared to buying processed foods, it leads to healthier eating habits and healthier socializations. In line with this, I propose that people should go back to the back-numbered manner of living. Although it sounds ridiculous for a modern man to live as the stone-age people did, it will never sound funny when we speak about individual health and the good of the earth as a whole. Sure, people could still use all the technological discoveries however they should be a used minimally. Knowing that carbon dioxide is released by most machines, they should be used wisely and only at times when they are necessary. In conclusion, I think the problem on global warming really boils down to individual accountability and responsibility. As Gore mentioned, it is an ethical issue that concerns not just the politicians or environmentalists and scientists but every individual. We all live on one earth and we all contribute to the problem one way or another regardless of how large or small our influence may be. Therefore, everything that can be done to lessen the release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere should be taken seriously. McKibben’s suggestion perhaps will result to an insignificant fraction of lesser carbon dioxide but probably in the long run and in a collective percentage, the effect would be great. Every little thing that can be done to save earth should not be belittled but should be considered because we are talking about the life of the earth, about human life and the future generations. Read More