The Serious Effects of Global Warming - Research Paper Example

Human Nature upon Global Warming For many that have been involved with, or even aware of, the of global warming upon the planet and its inhabitants, a consistent argument that has been made, revolves around the influence of human behavior upon the health of the Earth. With the increased concern given to the foreseen outcome, the choices made by average human beings, has been placed under a more focused lens for great observation. The principle that, considering the behaviors taken by individuals that many would see as being a hindrance, the resulting situation for the outcome of the planet, would not be as positive as it could have been otherwise. In many ways, behaviors of human beings are quite inescapable. The inherent nature present for many, to act in a certain way at a specific given point(s) in time. The actions taken, which in turn, enable the opportunity for living longer and also, more prosperous. In terms of the proponents of the existence of global warming, they seek to rely heavily upon the principle that, with these behaviors taken by those who reside on the planet, they have in turn placed the planet on a downward spiral of increased peril as its potential resolution. To seek the best possible resolution to the consideration of the global warming issue, it would be best to assess the impact of human nature, whatever it would be, upon the continued increase of heating that the earth has seen in recent decades. As for the definition of human nature, it is described as being the, “ .. range of human behaviour that is believed to be invariant across long periods of time and across very different cultural contexts. Sometimes debate on this subject is phrased as the quarrel over nature versus nurture, but that phrase can be misleading,” (“Human nature”, p.1). The very behaviors that have left many of those in the scientific field, feeling as if the internal cause and motivator of global warming, has in fact been the behaviors exhibited and the inherent nature of human being themselves over periods of time. Many scientists, as well as global warming sympathizers, have sought to amplify what they feel to be a considerable problem, in terms of the prolonged health of the planet. Questioning the planet’s ability to sustain life, whether it is human, plant, or animal, as generations come and go. In this example, “The planet is warming, humans are mostly to blame and plants and animals are going to dramatic lengths to cope. Thats the consensus of a number of recent studies that used wildlife to gauge the extent of global warming and its effects,” (Than, 2005). As the author asserts, the widespread argument made amongst many, has long sense been that, as it comes to global warming, human beings truly are in fact to blame. For the very things that they utilize throughout their daily lives, in reality, have in fact contributed to the great peril that the planet may find for itself sooner rather than later. The changes to be seen are heavily debated amongst the experts in the field, along with those who seek to make themselves a part of the greater discussion. Such changes, according to Ker Than, would include: Marmots end their hibernations about three weeks earlier now compared to 30 years ago. Polar bears today are thinner and less healthy than those of 20 years ago. Many fish species are moving northward in search of cooler waters. A fruitfly gene normally associated with hot, dry conditions has spread to populations living in traditionally cooler southern regions. (Than, 2005). The institution of solutions for this debate, have been great in number, thus incurring the considerable debate that would come with their suggestion. Many of those who have taken part in the discussion have felt as if their proposed resolutions to the greater issue have held the strongest potential for actual success. As for these solutions, “The evidence that humans are causing global warming is strong, but the question of what to do about it remains controversial. Economics, sociology, and politics are all important factors in planning for the future,” (“Global Warming Solutions”, p.1). One of the widely discussed issues and possible solutions has been the reduction in something referred to as greenhouse gases. Supporters of the global warming movement have said that the introduction of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by humans has played a major role in the increase in the temperature of the earth itself. In reference to this idea, “A commonly cited goal is to stabilize GHG concentrations around 450-550 parts per million (ppm), or about twice pre-industrial levels. This is the point at which many believe the most damaging impacts of climate change can be avoided.  Current concentrations are about 380 ppm, which means there isnt much time to lose.  According to the IPCC, wed have to reduce GHG emissions by 50% to 80% of what theyre on track to be in the next century to reach this level,” (“ Global Warming Solutions”, p.1). The greatest benefit to be seen by taking action now would be the potential offset of any further damage being done. The strongest objection for those in the overall debate would be the overwhelming reliance upon the use of automobiles for transportation and the impact of vehicle usage, upon the health of the environment with their contribution to greenhouse gas emission. In considering the point of view of the audience for this issue, there would be a level of apprehension on more than one front. On the one hand, there would be those adamantly for the protection of the environment at any cost. In that respect, there would also be those who felt just as strongly, as it would come to be the continued use of their automobiles for transportation. With the numbers provided in terms of the greenhouse gas presence, it would be easy for some to view it as being not as serious yet, or something that would have been blown completely out of proportion. All human beings reside upon the planet and as such, it should remain their responsibility to effectively take charge and seek change, when there appears to be a problem(s) present. Such a problem that would prove problematic, if left ignored, as well as unchecked for any period of time. In terms of making the case for a change in behavior influencing global warming, “Continued global warming could have many damaging effects. It might harm plants and animals that live in the sea. It could also force animals and plants on land to move to new habitats. Weather patterns could change, causing flooding, drought, and an increase in damaging storms. Global warming could melt enough polar ice to raise the sea level. In certain parts of the world, human disease could spread, and crop yields could decline,” (Mastrandrea, et.al., p.1). With that level of change being a strong potential, if global warming were to be left unchanged, then it would remain imperative for all human beings to take it upon themselves, to alter their behaviors in whatever manner, so that such an issue may not take place to the degree that has been predicted to occur. Politics have enabled the murky discussion of global warming and debate as to what, or who, would be the contributing influence. Ultimately, in order to avoid the prolonged dangers of the planet’s continued warming, “This will require immediate and sustained action to reduce our heat-trapping emissions through increased energy efficiency, expanding our use of renewable energy, and slowing deforestation (among other solutions),” (“Global Warming”, p.1). The increased awareness and subsequent action taken by the general public, remains the primary response to be had, in terms of better understanding the history of global warming, where it will potentially lead and essentially, who and/or what, have contributed to its presence. As generations get older and new generations comes to exist, it becomes the responsibility of everyone to take the time to realize the role of each and every individual, as it comes to how they impact the environment around them. To understand and accept the behaviors that they take part in which may, at the end of the day, have lasting implications for the future of the species, whether it be human, plant and/or animal. The basic principle would be that for every action, there is an equal, or opposite reaction. The same would easily be said for the actions taken by human beings, either on a conscious or subconscious nature. To have the internal resolve to take action and modify such behaviors that will not only hinder the personal wellbeing but also, hinder the future of the planet on a far grander scale. The experts have since outlined that, with the modification of human behaviors that in turn can lead towards the reduction in the very gases that influence global warming, the planet in fact can be moved away from total destruction, or at the very least, obtain some form of reprieve. It can be difficult for many to alter their behaviors that have become commonplace during the course of their respective life, while possessing the same human nature that would have resided within them from the beginning. As the debate continues, there will be many solutions offered, for the sake of combating the serious effects of global warming. Solutions that will gain the approval for some and the angst of others. Those who feel that adopting a given solution will help, while someone else may feel that taking a solution into consideration, will not garner the outcome that the others would have said it would. Proposed solutions aside, adjustment of human behavior in any way, can only serve to better the cause. References “Global Warming Human Fingerprints”. Union of Concerned Scientists- Citizens and Scientists for Environmental Solutions. Copyright- 2010. Retrieved March 24, 2010 from http://www. ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/science/global-warming-human.html “Global Warming Solutions- What Can We Do?” National Geographic online. Copyright 1996-2010. Retrieved March 24, 2010 from http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global- warming/gw-solutions.html “Human nature-Definition”. Retrieved March 24, 2010 from http://www.wordiq.com/definition /Human_nature Mastrandrea, Michael D., and Schneider, Stephen H. "Global warming." World Book Online Reference Center. 2005. World Book, Inc. URL- http://www.worldbookonline.com/ wb/Article?id=ar226310. Retrieved courtesy of http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/global _warming_worldbook.html Than, Ker. “How Global Warming is Changing he Wild Kingdom”. Live Science. Section- Environment. Published- June 21, 2005. Retrieved March 24, 2010 from http://www.livescience.com /environment/050621_warming_changes.html Read More