Global Warming and the Struggle for a Science-Wise Nation - Essay Example

What can we do to prevent Global Warming? [Pick the Introduction As man celebrates his victory by setting up factories, showcasing the latest models of cars and introducing the latest man made equipments and God knows what not, it surely doesn’t come without its costs. Mother Earth is man’s opponent and the worst part is that the former is losing this battle. But how is it merely possible that mother Earth is threatened by its inhabitants? As humans set up factories and build new cars, more amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases seep into the air, and cause the average temperature to rise. As the Earth’s average temperature on land and water rise, global warming and hence, nature’s destruction come into action (Archer, 2007). Global Warming is a popular term found nearly everywhere these days. But what is this issue? Global Warming is the term, coined to explain the rapid increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s surface and water. This has led to an immense change in the how our natural environment actually was. As Mother Earth is threatened by the ongoing global warming; it is our responsibility as its inhabitants to play our role as its guardians. Although it might seem hard at first, but with zeal and utmost determination, we can accomplish this. By following some simple steps and making them a habit, we can play our part in saving Mother Nature from the disaster that we have our selves created. Discussion We usually find words, such as Reduce, Reuse, Recycle engraved on the products that we buy. These words convey a very important message to us i.e. of conserving the result of natural resources such as paper, glass, plastic and aluminum etc. Scientists believe that we can consume these resources in an efficient manner, without harming the Mother Earth. This can be done through the process of recycling. A common example of recycling, involves the newspapers that we read each day. These are recycled again and again, so that trees can be saved. So recycling basically is the process of utilizing the product that has originally served its purpose to make or manufacture new products. The process of recycling is set in action, if these used products are disposed of in a manner that is both appropriate and environmental friendly. By adopting the popular technique of recycling, we certainly can play our due. In recycling, we can actually use the natural resources again and again, without causing any further harm to the environment. On an individual basis, we can contribute towards recycling in a number of ways. While doing groceries shopping, we should buy goods in the brown paper bags, instead of going for the traditional plastic shopping bags. These plastic shopping bags too, contribute towards global warming. Even if these paper bags aren’t available at the store where you do your groceries, you should carry cloth bags. This is certainly a very effective way in playing our role towards eradicating the effects of global warming. Another way of contributing towards recycling can be by separating items made up of recyclable materials such as aluminum, plastic and paper from regular trash and put it in appropriate recycling bins. A number of recycling firms now operate, by converting this separated trash into reusable items. A good example will be of the plastic bottles. Moreover, you can also reduce the amount of garbage that you send to landfills and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, by composting the food and yard waste. Mother Earth has experienced a huge blow in the shape of global warming from the use of non renewable resources such as oil, coal and gas. These non renewable resources are the major contributors of the CO2 and other harmful gases which seep into the air and cause global warming. Coal, oil and gas cannot be renewed or reused, once they have been used to satisfy a purpose. Thus, they are limited in supply and take a long time to replenish. These non-renewable resources are mainly used to satisfy the energy needs of humans i.e. they provide the power in the form of electricity etc. The use of non renewable resources has been grave in the energy sector. However in order to prevent global warming from happening, we need to curb the use of such fossil fuels and move to resources that are environmental friendly. Renewable resources are those natural resources whose usage is environmental friendly and which do not take millions of years to form. Examples of renewable resources include wind energy, solar power, hydel power and geo thermal energy etc. If these are used in place of the non-renewable resources, not only the level of CO2 produced will fall but we will also be able to use these resources sustainably. If solar panels are installed at homes, the cost of electricity will fall dramatically and the heat produced as a result will also fall. Other than that, if wind power is used in areas where the pressure of wind is great, then it too can help in electricity generation. Although the initial cost is high but the benefits from its installation far exceed the costs involved. Nowadays, Hydro Power plants are used to generate electricity and these are a very efficient source of sustainable energy (Shrivastava & Council for Training & Research in Ecology & Environment, 2007). On an individual basis, we too should conserve energy. This can be done in a number of ways. We should use bulbs with ENERGY STARS instead of standard in our houses. These bulbs are more commonly known energy savers as they save energy up to 75% and last 10 to 50 times longer. They also generate 75% less heat as compared to standard lighting. Moreover, we can also conserve energy by turning of the necessary lights, TV or any other electronic appliances, when not in use. To add to it, once we are done with charging our cell phones and other electronic devices, we should unplug their chargers. Furthermore, we can also save energy by driving less. This means, preferring walking or cycling over driving when a short distance is involved. This will not only save carbon emissions from creeping into the air but it will also help to keep your body fit. Trees are the main source of fresh supply of oxygen. They help cleaning the air, so that we can breathe properly. Also, trees are an important part of the natural beauty around us. Imagine a world without them. It sure looks horrifying! Mankind is making this a living hell by chopping of trees. Using trees to make different products is not a crime but it becomes one, when another tree is not planted in the former’s place. We should use the natural resources in a manner that it does not cause its depletion. We should use them in a manner that preserves them so that the future generations too, can use and benefit from them. Afforestation is a key factor that can help eradicate the effects of global warming (Davies, 2009). Public awareness campaigns and initiative projects by schools, regarding this issue can be of great help as it will educate the people on the importance of trees in our lives and as key factor in preventing in global warming. The government too should play its role in saving trees, by restricting the forest area where the trees can be cut. Also it can also initiate a plant campaign in which it encourages people to plant trees. At an individual level, we too can play our roles as to save the trees. We can plant trees even if we don’t cut any. In this manner, it will help in cleansing the air from the emissions that absorb into the air. A single tree will absorb approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime. Conclusion Global warming is an alarming bell for all of us, as in to play our roles in protecting our earth from the hazards in which we have placed it in. It is time that we accepted the call from mother earth and stood firmly to protect it, from the harms that global warming posed at it. If we start adopting small things, we certainly can make a difference. It is our duty to protect it so that not only the current generation but the ones to come, too, can enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer! If resources are used in a sustainable and efficient manner that results in their preservation, then the generations that are yet to come too can enjoy. So to summarize, we all need to play our roles, be it small or major, in order to protect our world from falling prey to global warming. References Archer, D. (2007). Global warming: Understanding the forecast. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub. Davies, R. (2009). Climate of Change: Global warming and the strugle for a science-wise nation. Cedar City, Utah: Southern Utah University. Shrivastava, A. K., & Council for Training & Research in Ecology & Environment (New Delhi, India). (2007). Global warming. New Delhi: A P H Pub. Corp., in association with Council for Training & Research in Ecology & Environment. Read More