ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 2 questions - Essay Example

In addition to that, there are many natural phenomena that play a fundamental role in promoting global warming. Some of them as identified by (Strasburg) are discussed as follows: Volcanic eruptions: Volcanic eruption is a commonly observed natural phenomenon. As volcanoes erupt, they release tremendous amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Solar cycles and cosmic rays: Some people hold consent upon the concept that solar cycles and cosmic rays are also a source of global warming. However, there are many who hold controversial views about the role of solar cycles and cosmic rays in aggravating global warming.

According to the results of research conducted by some European scientists, “The chance of the natural cosmic-ray or solar irradiance explanation being responsible for more than 14% of the observed warming is quite negligible.” (Strasburg). Water vapors: Water vapor has been largely recognized as one of the most obvious greenhouse gases. Although it does not contribute towards global warming by adding to the CO2 level in the atmosphere unlike many other causes of global warming, yet it plays the same role as many other greenhouse gases.

It is noteworthy that existing CO2 in the air increases the content of water vapors in the air as a feedback. Some misconceptions: People who tend to deny the human contribution in the global warming say also consider plants as a cause of global warming. They base their assertion on the fact that plants generate CO2 into the air particularly when they don’t photosynthesize. However, they are quite ignorant of the fact that they are the fundamental source of O2 in the atmosphere as they consume CO2 released by humans and in turn, produce O2 during the process of photosynthesis.

Reason of the controversy about role of humans as promoters of global warming: People all over the world tend to acquire more and more money throughout their professional life. It is indeed, a call of human nature. The technological boom has facilitated them in fulfilling their dreams in many ways. If people easily confess their contribution in the global warming, they are likely to loose all environment unfriendly facilities that they so frequently utilize. Therefore, in an attempt to defend their unhealthy practices that make them money, they visualize technical measures as the ultimate solution for global warming instead of changing their own attitude towards the world and the nature.

However, there is enough scientific evidence to prove the enormous role of humans in promoting the global warming in comparison to the natural phenomena that are commonly referred by humans as the cardinal causes of global warming. There is a need to realize that man only forms a minute part of the vast nature, and is not its owner to exercise rights over it. People should realize that their practices pollute the air and water that in turn promote global warming. How can the supply of water be increased in order to resolve the oncoming shortage of water fit for human use on Earth?

Shortage of pure water is one of the most fundamental environmental calamities humans are encountering in the contemporary age. According to the results of a research conducted by United Nations, an estimated 2.7 billion people are expected to suffer from extreme shortage of water by 2025 provided that the current consumption rates do not decline (Montaigne). “Severe water shortages affecting at least 400 million people today will affect 4 billion people