Global Warming Effects - Essay Example

In the main, it is caused by excess carbon dioxide in the stratosphere. This blankets the atmosphere and traps heat. Eventually, it causes an overall warming of the planet (Simon, 2). Carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere for decades and so its warming effects are compounded over long periods. Global warming is related to the greenhouse effect, which is the course by which absorption and discharge of emissions of gases in the atmosphere warm the lower atmosphere and the surface of the globe.

Global warming is a result of reasons, which may be either natural or manmade. Natural causes are those that are created by nature and are often related to the emission of methane gas (Chameides, 2). This is the case in the arctic tundra and wetlands. Methane, being a greenhouse gas, holds heat in the mesosphere. Another natural cause is the cycle of climate change which usually takes about 40,000 years. Human activities have been credited for climate change as early as the industrial revolution. Their activities lead to increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Pollution is the biggest problem and results from several activities, the main being burning of fossil fuels (Chameides, 3). These are fuels, resulting from organic matter such as oil and coal. The burning of fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide. The mining of oil and coal also allows methane gas to escape into the atmosphere. This is because methane gas exists naturally in the ground. An increase in the population has also been credited for global warming. As people settle in new areas they clear the vegetation that previously existed and cause deforestation. Plants are known to take in carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. Their clearance increases the amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

There are several effects resulting from global warming. Weather patterns are most affected by climatic change (Simon, 34). Some parts of the universe are affected by long dry spells while other areas have been characterized by increased precipitation of rainfall and snowfall. There is also a retreat in glaciers as the ice melts at the earth's poles. The melting has led to an increase in sea levels, which is catastrophic for the people living along the beaches. Changes in the climate have also had a great effect on various species of animals. Animals living under specific conditions become extinct when these conditions change. The conclusive effect of global warming is health and diseases. There are rising cases of skin cancer resulting from increased radiation.

The causes of global warming mainly arise from human activity. The effects distress the same humans, who eventually suffer the brunt of an uninhabitable surrounding. In the main, humans are largely responsible for global warming. For that reason, they should be at the forefront to lessen its impact. Reduction of greenhouse gases is the only sure way of stopping global warming. This can be largely achieved by planting as many trees as possible and diminishing preventable pollution.