Global Warming and Environmental Degradation - Coursework Example

Global Warming and Environmental Degradation Over time degradation of the environment, specifically emission of greenhouse gases has caused global warming. This is because these gases increase temperature of the atmosphere near the earth and its troposphere; resulting in corresponding changes in climatic conditions. Fundamentally, the dangers associated with global warming are erratic changes in the weather, which are experienced in extremity, causing persistent natural disasters and extinction of species. Since the emission of these gases is due to human activities, the detrimental effects can be mitigated or gotten rid of (“Definition of global warming”). In broader terms, environmental degradation entails destruction of eco systems, over-use of natural resources and extinction of animal and plant species. Natural occurrences such as volcanoes, intense rainfall and earthquakes, may cause degradation of the environment. However, ecosystems have adapted to the effect of these natural occurrences. Moreover, in scale these effects have minimal impact compared to those because of human activities. Therefore, governments and individuals have been called upon to come together to begin acting to reduce the harm (“Definition of environmental degradation”). Human activities that cause Environmental Degradation Currently, environmental degradation is an issue that requires immediate action because of the escalating rate at which it has been occurring, making it hard for the ecosystem to convalesce. The following include some of the human activities that have contributed to environmental degradation Pollution is considered as the major cause of ozone layer depletion owing to the release of chlorofluorocarbons- CFCs, as they rise into the troposphere causing the depletion. These coupled with acid rain and smog has led to air pollution. Industrial processes and automobiles are responsible for the release and as such, governments have been asked to tax the companies for the emissions. A rise in population has led to a strain on natural resources as needs have increased. Increase in population goes hand in hand with urbanization, which is associated with adverse environmental effects due to high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Similarly, the higher the population the higher the lever of pollution owing to significant amounts emissions to the atmosphere. In essence, the average amount of carbon dioxide produced increases as the population grows, which increases the global temperatures. Climate change has been directly linked to poverty owing to the negative effects it has on the economic capacity of the afflicted persons. The rural poor, especially from traditional communities, have been forced to over-use the little resources accessible to them in a bid to ensure food security. In this regard, extreme weather conditions have been a hindrance to efficient agricultural productivity in the society. Due to this fact, they have been identified as both victims and agents of deterioration of the environment. Cutting of trees for household and commercial purposes such as timber and fuel has contributed to deterioration of the environment. Destruction of tropical rainforests by logging industries has resulted in destruction of natural habitats of plants and animals, which increases the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The destruction of habitats interferes with photosynthetic organisms that are responsible for carbon-fixing cycle, which seeks to relieve the greenhouse effect. Such interference with natural cycles contributes to an increase in global temperature and thus, global warming. Features of Global Warming Global warming, which is in essence the continual warming trend, has been broken down to climatic change which refers to the measurable effects of global warming. These measurable effects refer to shifts in major aspects of the climate that is, rainfall, temperature, and snow and wind patterns. With this differentiation, global warming is identified as a long-term reference of the effects of these shifts in climatic conditions. Notably also, ocean currents are included as an aspect that facilitates the continual warming trend. This is because ocean currents affect some of the factors that define the climatic conditions (“Definition of global warming”). Shifts in the major aspects of the climate have been monitored over time and include amount of energy produced by the sun, variations in the earth’s orbit, patterns of ocean circulations and wide-reaching disruptions caused by meteor impacts and volcano eruptions. These shifts have led to trapping of heat in the atmosphere of the earth causing destruction of the ozone layer and ecosystems. To some extent, the shifts that typically occur in extremity have resulted in migration to already populated areas. This in turn causes land degradation, as the population over relies on agriculture and uses trees as sources of energy. This also boosts the greenhouse effects, as carbon-rich soils are destroyed leading to a release of carbon into the atmosphere (“What is Climate Change”). Effects of Environmental Degradation on humanity There has been great concern regarding the causal relationship between environmental degradation and fatal diseases, where it has been noted that polluted water causes diseases such as typhoid, in a majority of the third world countries. Similarly, cutting of trees has caused affected areas to become hotter allowing for breeding of mosquitoes, which in turn cause malaria; a disease that kills an estimated million children. Hence, as global warming persists, disease-bearing insects thrive because of the increasing temperatures and heavy rainfall. This increases suffering on populous, temperate areas such as Asia and South America. Of great concern also, is schistomiasis that has distressing effects and is brought about by a snail that thrives in areas with increased temperatures (Lean). Solutions to Environmental Degradation and Global Warming Numerous individuals and organizations dedicated to environmental watch have made suggestions to countries all over the world, to minimize the impact of environmental degradation Communities in afflicted areas should be encouraged to plant trees, as they help in purifying the air, cooling the atmosphere and absorbing heat to reduce temperatures. More so, trees bring about vegetative cover that is fodder for animals and a natural habitat to various species. Waste reduction and recycling- governments should support manufacturing industries in efforts to decrease use of resources and energy use, as this implies waste minimization. This calls for enacting of policies, which include taxes on carbon emissions and creating carbon markets, which promote these efforts. Furthermore, industries should be advised to calculate their carbon footprint, which determines carbon emitted on a day-to-day basis. Utilization of renewable sources of energy-this pulls away strain from non-renewable sources of energy, more importantly, this entails use of alternative sources of energy rather than fossil fuels that release incredible amounts of greenhouse gas. Governments should strive to educate its citizens, especially those in rural communities, in order to enable creation of practical solutions at a grass-roots level. These solutions involve establishing systems of managing resources. Economic development- governments in areas that are vulnerable to environmental degradation have a greater task at combating its harmful effects. These areas include those whose populations rely on agriculture as source of livelihood. Other sources of income should be availed to them in order to reduce strain on natural resources where governments could consider providing access to factors of production other than land. In addition, education on vulnerabilities to diseases made prevalent by climatic changes attributed to global warming (“Combating Environmental Degradation”). Conclusion It is evident that slowing down effects of global warming should be addressed as an urgent issue. This is more so, for developed countries such as U.S that are the largest consumers of goods from manufactured industries. They should be pace setters for developing countries by setting an example. Overall, governments in partnership with organizations that focus on environmental issues, should combine efforts and involve citizens to create a sense of accountability and responsibility. Nevertheless, when instituting action plans to deal with the problem, governments of different nations should tailor and pace themselves accordingly. Works Cited “Definition of global warming”. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2013 “Definition of environmental degradation”. FWR Group.2010. Web. 26 Feb. “What is Climate Change?” TriTown.Media. n.d. Web. 26 Feb. “Combating Environmental Degradation”.IFAD.Web. 26 Feb. Lean, Geoffrey. “How is environmental degradation affecting humanity?” The Telegraph 2009.Web. 26 Feb. Read More