Global warming - Research Paper Example

22 March Global Warming Introduction Global warming refers to climate change that represents an increase in the averagetemperature of the Earth. It is defined as “increase in the earth’s atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the Greenhouse Effect caused especially by pollution” (Merriam-Webster). The definition explains the climate change, which is increase in average temperature of the planet. The climate change is linked with the Greenhouse Effect. The effect will be discussed in detail later, but the major element causing the effect is the amount of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is the major component of the greenhouse gases. Therefore, a link can be drawn between climate change and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This relation was first discovered in a study explaining the Ice Ages. The outcome of the study suggested that the lower level of carbon dioxide gas might explain the Ice Ages. The major contributing scientists in establishing this relationship and predicting global warming were Arrhenius and Chamberlin (Berner 492). Arrhenius was the first to calculate the magnitude of the effect on global temperature in 1896 and bought up the possibility of future warming. The calculations were done mainly to explain Ice Ages and the possibility of global warming was not stressed upon. Furthermore, the idea was not widely accepted by scientists. This idea was revived in 1938, but was not widely accepted till early 1960s. 1.1 This particular issue has been selected due to its global scale. The issue needs to be propagated in some form and action has to be taken globally. Awareness for global warming needs to be spread as much as possible and in any form, whether small or large. It is a global issue and affects us collectively. Everyone must be aware of the causes and how to minimize the damage. It is our social responsibility to spread the message through whatever medium. Awareness is the first step to create a collective policy for the preventive or conservative method to slow down the rate of global warming and in particular the production of carbon dioxide. Our current lifestyle and industrialization is increasing the global temperature and has serious consequences. It is, therefore, important that we know the cost of our lifestyle and the direction we are heading towards. 1.2 The issue is of prime importance as it relates to our home, earth. The degradation of the environment will ultimately affect us or our next generations in particular. The magnitude of the effect is increasing at an alarming rate and its consequences are beyond our wildest imagination. The issue came into limelight with rising sea level and in particular the melting of the polar caps. As we discover more we realize its importance. Every system on earth is interlinked and its consequences are widespread. Currently, the measures taken are inadequate and not at an international level. Any change in atmosphere or our environment affects complete earth and we all become sufferers for our collective actions. The world needs to unite to solve this issue and an international policy must be made to fight against global warming. Survival has always been the most important priority for any living organisms. The issue relates to the survival of our kind, but it is not given due importance which it deserves. 1.3 Without the atmosphere, the earth would be much colder, when related to the distance of our planet from the sun (Postma 2). In simple, earth is much warmer than it should be because of its atmosphere. It was first discovered by Tyndall in 1859 that gases can trap heat rays (Reville 1). The most important of these was simple water vapor. Carbon dioxide, though in very less quantity was also found to be very effective. This effect was later called “Greenhouse Effect”. The question arises; is Greenhouse Effect the main cause for global warming? This question forms the basis for this research paper and after analysis and adequate research; it is found that Greenhouse Effect is the main cause for global warming. The effect is compared to the other causes associated with this effect, both man-made and natural. These are discussed in detail along with their magnitude and contribution towards the issue. 2. Causes 2.1 Greenhouse Effect The Greenhouse Effect is a natural process that restricts the emitted energy from earth’s surface to go back into space. The solar energy is allowed to come in the atmosphere but the re-emitted infrared energy from the earth’s surface is absorbed by the atmosphere instead. This process causes an increase in the atmospheric temperature and therefore, a cause for global warming. The gases that absorb the emitted energy are called the greenhouse gases. 2.2 Human Influence The emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere means reinforcement of the Greenhouse Effect. Following are the major greenhouse gases produced by their principal sources; 2.2.1 Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide being the biggest contributor to Greenhouse Effect is produced by fossil fuel burning, biomass burning and a byproduct in industrial process; in particular cement production. It has a lifetime of 5 to 200 years and contributes 60 percent to greenhouse warming (Archer et al. 121). 2.2.2 Methane Methane is largely produced by rice paddies, natural wetlands, drilling process for natural gas, venting and transmission, biomass burning and coal mining. It has a lifetime of 10 years in the atmosphere and contributes 20 percent to greenhouse warming (Climate Change: The IPCC 1990 and 1992 Assessments 68). 2.2.3 Halocarbons These include the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are the main cause for Ozone depletion (Satapathy 1). These are produced by industrial production and consumer goods like aerosol propellants, refrigerants, solvents and fire retardants. These are long lasting and their life varies. They contribute 14 percent to the greenhouse warming. 2.2.4 Nitrous Oxide It is a byproduct of biomass burning and using fertilizers. It has life of 150 years and contributes 6 percent to the greenhouse warming (Climate Change: The IPCC 1990 and 1992 Assessments 68). Nitrous oxide is also produced naturally by biological sources in oceans and soils. 2.3 Deforestation Photosynthesis is a process which takes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releases oxygen (Govindjee 66). This process takes place in trees, plants and every type of vegetation. Any process like deforestation, therefore, reduces the natural recycling process of carbon dioxide. Forested areas are removed for urban development, timber harvest and even agriculture. 2.4 Natural Variations 2.4.1 Solar Output Variation in temperature can be caused by fluctuations in sun’s output. Fluctuations are linked with the 11 year sunspot cycle (Jaworowski 63). Solar related changes in atmospheric ozone are also a natural contributing factor. The variations are very small and they are not seen as the possible explanation for change in earth’s climate. 2.4.2 Volcanic Eruptions These are also linked as factors contributing to global temperature change. The eruptions inject large quantity of sulphates and various aerosols into the atmosphere. The aerosols play part in ozone depletion, whereas the sulphates act as a transitional surface and reduce solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface. The eruptions, therefore, have cooling effect on the surface temperature (Simarski 3). 2.4.3 Orbital Cycles Leaving out the effect of solar fluctuations, the orbital parameters of the earth varies over time. The cycles vary over long periods, ranging from 22,000 to 100,000 years. These variations modulate the distribution of solar energy and correlate with the climatic record of past ages, including the great Ice Ages (Hoffman 1). 3. Effects Global warming has wide ranging and devastating effects. The rise in average global temperature has physical as well as social impact. This rise in average temperature causes mountain glaciers to reduce. The reduction in turn has raised the sea level. These glaciers are also a major source of inland water. Besides the mountain glaciers, the Polar Regions have been affected over time. Reduction in extent and thickness of these glaciers also contributes towards rising sea level (Arendt et al. 382). Extreme weather activity has also been shown as a result of disturbances in many natural systems as a result of global warming. The effects are predicted to increase as the intensity of the effect increases. Winters have shortened over time and become milder, whereas global warming is increasing evaporation rates and making places drier and causing drought effect. This increased evaporation rates is also a cause for increased rainfall in areas. The natural cycle of most systems have changed and affects the overall geography of the planet. The most obvious effect is heat waves because of increased global temperature. Summer will become hotter if global warming keeps gaining intensity. Besides the physical effects of global warming, the social systems will have disturbances which will have huge impact on our civilizations. Our societies will have to face extreme weather events. Malnutrition, flooding and even possible low crop yields as a result of increased temperatures will affect our societies and our social systems will have to change over time. 4. Greenhouse Effect The Greenhouse Effect is a natural process that plays an important role to change earth’s climate. Because of the effect, the earth is a warm and hospitable planet supporting life. The temperature of the planet without the atmosphere depends on the intensity of sun’s radiation, distance from the sun and the reflectivity of solar radiation. The earth’s planetary temperature without atmosphere is estimated to be -18 degree centigrade (Batjes and Bridges 2). The earth, however, has an atmosphere held by its gravity. It consists of 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen. These gases are transparent to both the incoming solar and infrared radiation from the sun. Two elements of the atmosphere; water vapors and carbon dioxide form a minor part of the atmosphere. The amount of water vapors varies locally from 0.01 percent to 3 percent. These are transparent to the incoming radiation but have the property to absorb the emitted radiation from the ground. Some of the absorbed radiation is re-emitted in every direction and some of it back towards the earth. The result is a warmer lower atmosphere. Gases like methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and several others present in small amount also contribute towards the effect. These are collectively called greenhouse gases. Therefore, any change in the amount of these gases, in particular water vapors and carbon dioxide can cause a change in atmospheric temperature. It can be concluded that the atmospheric temperature is directly proportioned to the amount of these gases in the atmosphere. Another factor to consider is the shape of the earth. The equator, being closer to the sun receives more radiation as compared to the poles. This factor can cause extreme temperatures at the equator and the poles. However, atmospheric and oceanic circulation transports heat from the equator to the poles. Any change in amount of the greenhouse gases is therefore, circulated globally. The Greenhouse Effect is simply explained as per the diagram. 4.1 Greenhouse Effect – The Main Cause of Global Warming It is argued over time, if the Greenhouse Effect is the major cause for global warming, as opposed to other natural causes listed. The Greenhouse Effect is a proven fact and does explain temperature change with its model. The natural production of greenhouse gases, though in minute quantity would maintain a balance in global temperature. Human interference, however, has reinforced the natural production of greenhouse gases. Forests have been a natural source for recycling of carbon dioxide, but deforestation has caused increase in its volume. Furthermore, industrialization has caused production of various greenhouse gases that have been proven to contribute to the effect. The production of these gases has increased the intensity of the effect and explains the hike in global temperatures. Another, contributor to the effect is water vapors. The increased global temperature causes increased evaporation and the amount of water vapors in the atmosphere. So the effect is reinforcing itself naturally along with human interference. 4.2 Greenhouse Effect – Not the Main Cause for Global Warming By some scientists Greenhouse Effect is not considered as a possible explanation to increased temperatures. Other natural causes have been considered. Among these, the most significant theory that can possibly explain the increased global temperature is the variation in earth’s orbital cycles. These cycles as discussed can last for very long periods (22,000 to 100,000 years), and the data coincides with past historic climate changes like the great Ice Age. The other significant natural explanation for increased temperatures is the solar fluctuations and solar cycles. Their effects have been proven to be very minute and they do not explain the increased magnitude of temperature change. Their effect has been proven to coincide with data but they do not explain the magnitude of the temperature change. Furthermore, the variation in earth’s orbital cycle lasts for a much extended period of time and does not explain the recent changes in the past two decades. However, it does explain significant events of the past climate, the great Ice Age in particular. 4.3 How Bahrain Is Affected Bahrain’s population is largely dependent on petroleum industry. The electricity is also produced by burning fossil fuels. Bahrain has, therefore, fifth largest carbon emission level in the world (Aburawa 1). Furthermore, Bahrain’s population uses refrigeration extensively for air conditioning and has fairly high emission of chlorofluorocarbons. The temperature hike in recent years has been explained by high level of carbon dioxide emissions in the region. The 11 year sunspot cycle has also been linked as possible explanation, but the recent end of the cycle has not decreased temperature levels. In the future, rising sea level due to global warming can prove to be disastrous for the island. One meter rise in sea level can cover up 10 percent of Bahrain’s coastal area. At present, global warming has affected the tourism industry in the region due to extreme summer weather conditions. Lack of vegetation in the area, coupled with high emissions of carbon dioxide makes Bahrain as one of the most affected areas hit by global warming and an intensified example of local Greenhouse Effect. 4.4 Steps Taken Bahrain immediately realized the affects of climate change and started propagating their position internationally. Bahrain took part in Vienna Convention of 1900. More importantly, signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992. The most important of the protocols of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was Kyoto Protocol. It is an environmental treaty for curbing production of major greenhouse gases (Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 2). The protocol was in force as of 16 February 2005, and Bahrain signed the protocol on 31 January 2006. Various steps have been taken over time. The most noticeable is the development of good bus systems, so that emissions can be controlled to some extent. Effort was made to introduce unleaded petrol and in 1994, a program “Fume Watch” was introduced to report on vehicles with high emissions (Economic Aspects of Sustainable Development in Bahrain 10). Other efforts include water resource management systems. A climate change committee has been established to look into the issue and refocus Bahrain’s efforts against global warming. The most notable of the laws and legislation was Amiri decree law. The law has different acts which aim at preserving the environment and restrict damage in fields of agriculture, marine life, natural sources and climate. Steps have been taken to induce awareness among school children about the issue and work has been done along with United Nations to help spread the message. Government organizations, universities and even local and international non government organizations have taken part to spread awareness among the masses. Environmental days are announced on yearly basis to mark importance of climate change. 5. Conclusion Alternative energy sources are being developed and researched upon to reduce dependence on fossil fuel as primary source of energy to power up our societies. Recyclable materials are used more and more in industrial products. Trends are shifting towards efficient cars and transport systems. More energy efficient housing and renewable energy sources are looked upon to replace conventional energy sources. The development can be seen in form of hybrid cars. These rely on recycling energy and to generate and run on electric energy as much as possible before transferring towards conventional fuel. The much more innovative breakthrough has been the production of complete electric cars (Tesla introduced Beta versions of their electric cars). In the energy department, renewable sources of energy like wind and solar have been researched upon for years. Both of these have started production in limited numbers, but their potential keeps increasing over time. Solar and wind energy can be made useful in Bahrain, as the island presents a fairly large coastal area for production of energy by wind. Solar and thermal combination panels have been in use for production of electricity at domestic levels in many European countries and can also be applied in Bahrain. A natural solution for recycling of carbon dioxide is forestation. It must be encouraged and is the best solution to keep in check the production of carbon dioxide. Global warming is a reality and an issue that must be dealt with at international level with priority. Works Cited Berner, Robert. “A.G. Hogbom and the Development of the Concept of the Geochemical Carbon Cycle.” American Journal of Science 295. 5 (1995): 492. Print. Postma, Joseph. “Understanding the Thermodynamic Atmosphere Effect.” Tech-know.eu. n.p,, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2012. Reville, William. “John Tyndall.” Understandingscience. University College Cork, n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2012. Archer, David, et al. “Atmospheric Lifetime of Fossil Fuel Carbon Dioxide.” The Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Science 37. (2009): 121. Print. Climate Change: The IPCC 1990 and 1992 Assessments. Canada: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 1992. Print. Satapathy, Pooja. “5 Products That Cause Ozone Depletion.” Ecofriend. n.p., 13 Oct. 2011. Web. 22 Mar. 2012. Govindjee. Discoveries in Photosysthesis. Dordrecht: Springer, 2005. Print. Jaworowski, Zbigniew. “Solar Cylces, Not CO2, Determine Climate.” 21st Century Science and Technology. Winter 2003-2004: 63. Print. Simarski, Lynn. Volcanism and Climate Change. Washington: American Geophysical Union, 1992. Print. Hoffman, Doug. “Confirmed! Orbital Cycles Control Ice Age.” Theresilientearth. n.p., 21 Aug. 2009. Web. 22 Mar. 2012. Arendt, Anthony, et al. “Rapid Wastage of Alaska Glaciers and Their Contribution to Rising Sea Level.” Science 297. Jul (2002): 382. Print. Batjes, N. and E. Bridges. A Review of Soik Factors and Processes that Control Fluxes of Heat, Moisture and Greenhouse Gases. Wageningen: International Soil Reference and Information Centre, 1992. Print. Aburawa, Arwa. “CO2 Emissions in Middle East to Double in 30 Years.” Greenprophet. n.p., 9 Sep. 2011. Web. 22 Mar. 2012. Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Kyoto: United Nations, 1998. Print. “Economic Aspects of Sustainable Development in Bahrain.” Un.org. n.p., n.d. Web. 22 Mar. 2012. Read More