Causes and Measures of Global Warming - Essay Example

GLOBAL WARMING Introduction: In 1896 a Swedish scientist put forth the position that burning of fossil fuels causes accumulation of Carbon Dioxidein the atmosphere, which in turn creates a “greenhouse effect” and elevation of global temperatures. In the 1950s, the notion of global warming cropped up again when G.S. Callender highlighted the dangers of the greenhouse effect (Weart 2003). Weather models developed in the 1960s led to the discovery that the levels of certain gases were rising, degrading the fragile ozone layer in the atmosphere. The summer of 1988 was the hottest one on record with temperatures rising ever since and concerns about global warming have escalated since that time. Weather is truly international, but during the earlier part of the 1900s weather had low priority. Meteorologists and scientists of various countries banded together under the umbrella of the IGY (International Geophysical Year). Drilling of the ice caps commenced in Greenland, yielding the discovery that ice cores held a record of climactic history. This later led to the formation of the GARP (Global Atmospheric research program) which was headed by the Swedish meteorologist Bert Bolin, devoted to weather forecasting and the study of the steadily rising curve of atmospheric Carbon dioxide. Weart (2003) provides a detailed discussion of the phenomenon of climactic changes and the conflicting predictions of scientists on global warming and cooling. He details the IPCC reports of 1995 and 1997, wherein scientific experts predicted that by the middle of the 21st century, the temperature of the world would have increased between 1.5 to 4.50C, figures which have been recently revised upwards to as much as 5.50C.(Weart 2003). Causes of global warming: Global warming has been directly linked to increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases. The Earth is warmed by the radiant heat from the rays of the sun, which is generally equal to the amount of energy that is radiated back from the Earth in the form of infra red radiation. Thus the temperature of the Earth remains constant. However, the temperature of the Earth is directly dependent upon the composition of its atmosphere and when there is an excess of carbon dioxide and similar gases in the atmosphere, it blocks the infra red radiation from the surface of the Earth, trapping heat in the lower atmosphere and creating a "greenhouse effect" which increases global temperatures. Rapid industrialization has resulted in increased energy use, with the resultant multiplication of carbon dioxide emissions. According to Roberts (2004), energy demand in countries like India, China and Brazil is developing so fast that it may double by 2020, while in the developed countries, the demand for power is fast outstripping supply, raising the specter of blackouts. In fact Roberts (2004) also points out that “China has seen dramatic increases in its energy consumption in recent years (pp. 143–145). In the words of one scientist; “Chinas rapid industrialization has led to upward revision of predictions... While previously we thought in terms of doubling the strength of the CO2 content of the pre industrial atmosphere, current thought is moving toward a tripling” (Broecker 1586). Currently, America generates one quarter of the emissions that are the cause of global warming. It has been estimated that U.S. related carbon dioxide emissions in 2001 were 5692 million metric tons, while total world emissions were estimated to be 23,899 million metric tons, with the United States comprising about 24% of the world total. (www.eia.doe.gov). World emissions of carbon dioxide are projected to rise from 24,409 million metric tons in 2002 to 33,284 million metric tons in 2015, while the acceptable levels for carbon dioxide emissions are in the range of 15,000 to 17,000 million metric tones, which exceed 1990 levels by 81 percent. But the current pattern of emissions, which places the developed countries on the top of the environmental polluters, is likely to shift, since developing countries like India and China are waking up to their need for “energy” in order to achieve rapid industrialization. They can hardly afford the development of “clean” energy, hence the tendency that will prevail is for them to use materials such as coal which are cheap and easily available. This will only increase the problem of global warming, by escalating the smog and pollution in the atmosphere and contributing heavily to increased carbon dioxide levels. Coal emits much more carbon dioxide than even natural gas or oil. Measures to address the problem of global warming and depletion of energy resources: The Kyoto protocol, mooted in 1997 and effective from 2004, is the first step towards limiting greenhouse emissions. But, developing countries such as China which are rich in coal, are reluctant to comply with the regulations until their economies have caught up with the developed countries. This has given rise to issues of fairness and the power play struggles between the developed and the developing nations.(Weart 2003). Paul Roberts(2004) states; “Whether we blame American energy politics on the people or their politicians, its plain that U.S. energy policies will have tremendous impact on the evolution of the global energy economy" (p. 305). As oil and natural gas reserves are depleted, the world is faced with a serious energy crisis unless effective measures are implemented immediately. Both Roberts and Weart recommend the development of alternative energy resources which are renewable, rather than continuing to rely upon coal, oil and natural gas with their consequent damaging effects upon the environment. Developing countries such as China, India and the African countries need to re-assess their energy policies, so that in the race for development, the future of the planet itself is not threatened. Solar energy is an abundant energy source and the developing countries could divert their resources in developing solar energy as an alternative source of power. An environmental survey carried out by the United Nations to map the solar and wind resources of 13 countries has identified thousands of megawatts of potential renewable energy available in Asia, Africa and South America.(www.ale-e.blogspot.com), while China alone has potential for generation of 100,000 megawatts of power. Developing nations also possess vast reserves of forest wealth which need to be protected. Biodiesel in particular could prove to be an effective replacement for the current petroleum based fuels because it can replace the petroleum diesel without engine modification and it is available from a plant known as jatorpha available in plenty in India.. Hydropower is another potential source of large supplies of electricity which can be used to power and fuel various activities, especially in developing countries, together with tidal power and biogas. However, rapid deployment of alternative energy source sis vital to arrest global warming. References: “Alternative energy in developing countries: New U.N. Report.” [Online] Available at: http://alt-e.blogspot.com/2005/04/alternative-energy-in-developing.html; accessed May 4, 2007. (The contents of a U.N. Report on the various sources of alternative energy that may be available for utilization in developing countries and how they may be effectively used). Broecker, Wallace S. (2004). “Thermohaline Circulation, the Achilles Heel of Our Climate System: Will Man-Made CO2 Upset the Current Balance?" Science 278, pp 1582-88 (An article that discusses the impact of China’s rapid industrialization and resistance to the Kyoto protocol with resultant implications upon carbon dioxide content in the atmosphere.) Energy Information Administration report (2003). "Emissions of Greenhouse gases in the United States in 2003" [Online] Available at:http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggrpt/emission.html (The contents of a report by the Energy Information Administration with detailed information on the various greenhouse gases that may escalate the problems of global warming.) Roberts, Paul (2004). “The end of Oil: On the edge of a perilous new world.” Houghton Mifflin (This book examines the dynamics of oil in the world, the dwindling resources and the struggle by various nations to cash in on the known remaining sources of oil. This book also recommends measures to cope with oil shortages through development of alternative energy sources) Weart, Spencer (2003). “The Discovery of Global Warming” Harvard University Press. (A book that describes the historical development of the phenomenon of global warming warnings of the scientific community, with descriptions of the means now being advocated to cope with the problem). Read More