Global Warming in General - Assignment Example

of the of the of the Global Warming Part One – Global warming in general. Global warming transpires when the greenhouse gases CO2, nitrous oxide, methane and water vapor increase the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere by retaining the sun’s heat in the atmosphere (Global Warming). The prevailing atmospheric conditions, such as humidity, temperature and rainfall at any place, determine the weather at that location at that point of time. It is fundamentally, atmospheric conditions on any particular day. On the other hand, climate constitutes a generalization of atmospheric conditions. It is specific to a city or state and describes the weather of that place throughout the year. For instance, one could state that the weather in Chicago was hot and dry last weekend; whilst, declaring that the Chicago climate is predominantly characterized by strong winds (Differences Between Climate and Weather). The global climate had been consistent or at worst a gradual change over eons. Vast amounts of greenhouse gases are being introduced into the atmosphere, and the outcome is global warming on an unprecedented scale. The earth has become warmer and consequently, the polar ice caps and glaciers are gradually melting, resulting in an increase of the sea level. The World Meteorological Organization, the United Nations Environment Program have warned that in addition to rise in sea level, water availability patterns, global ecosystems and agriculture are likely to be adversely affected by global warming (Smith and Tirpak). The accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere changes the global climate. The National Academy of Sciences predicted a 1.5 to 4.50 C increase in temperature due to the doubling of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, after industrialization. This was confirmed by the United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization (Smith and Tirpak). There is considerable uncertainty regarding the relation between the amount and rapidity of climatic change and concentration of greenhouse gases. The extant techniques for estimating the effect of clouds, vegetation and other elements contributes to this ambiguity. It has been estimated by scientists that if the present greenhouse gases accretion rate continues, then till the year 2050 the effect of CO2 doubling would not be noticed (Smith and Tirpak). The National Academy of Sciences has reported that the consumption of fossil fuel has released around twice the amount of CO2 as would be necessary for bringing about the observed increase in temperature. It has also held nitrous oxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbons and ozone responsible for global warming. The general consensus amongst scientists is that during the past two decades, global warming has been especially marked. It is being apprehended that the end of the century could witness grave setbacks to the ecology and society on account of global warming (Global Warming Real). Part Two – Where do we go from here? The consumption of fossil fuels, like oil and coal, produce carbon dioxide, which is the chief cause of global warming; therefore it is essential to conserve energy and thereby consume less of these fuels. The situation is alarming, and drastic steps have to be initiated to reduce greenhouse gases; otherwise, global warming will continue unabated. Polluted air and water, more frequent and ferocious floods and droughts, enhanced health problems, and the proliferation of tropical diseases are some of the pestilences in store for a mankind that remains adamantly wedded to increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (Natural Resources Defense Council). An approximate increase of 0.740C has taken place in the global surface temperature, since the early 20th century. The increase per decade, over the past 5 decades has been twice that of the past century. However, such increase in temperature has been non – uniform across the globe. The maximum increase in temperature has been in North America and Eurasia (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. National Climatic Data Center). Climate change, also takes place due to variation in the amount of energy emitted by the sun; atmospheric composition on account of volcanic eruptions and human aerosol usage; and other random events (Smith and Tirpak). Part Three – Political commitments Several significant initiatives have been taken by state and local governments and business to mitigate the emissions and intensity of greenhouse gases. One such measure was the active participation of these entities in programs conducted by the EPA and other voluntary agencies. The US government had forwarded a draft treaty, in respect of global warming that would entail its stricter compliance with carbon emission standards, in comparison with countries like China and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This treaty would have as its objective, a drastic reduction of carbon emissions by the developed world (Starr). In addition, the government enacted the Clean Air Act that requires companies to change their products, in order to reduce air pollution. Products that release volatile organic compounds, chlorofluorocarbons and chemicals like CO2 into the atmosphere will have to display, by the year 2015, information regarding the harm that they would cause to the atmosphere on being used (Global Warming). The transient response of the climate system or the exact manner, which the climate system would traverse to reach equilibrium, depends on the different facets of the climate system and the time scales inherent in the various compulsions. On account of the delay in the response of the climate system, in respect of the forcing, latent climatic warming will perforce transpire at a later date. Such warming is independent of the addition of further greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Consequently, the stoppage of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere cannot preclude a climatic response at some point in the future (Smith and Tirpak). Businesses are opposed to employing measures that would limit greenhouse gas emissions. Consequently, they find environmental regulations to be to their disadvantage. It is their contention that such measures would increase production costs and thereby decrease profitability. This argument is untenable, on two counts; first, alternative energy sources are available, which do not emit greenhouse gases beyond permissible limits, and these energy sources are cost effective. Second, the health and welfare of the public, and the environment suffer irreparable damage on account of the use of such polluting sources of energy. Technological breakthroughs have made it possible to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the developed nations have on occasion, offered to transfer superior technology to the developing nations like China, so that the greenhouse gases emitted by the latter can be reduced to the maximum extent possible. The measures adopted by the developed nations have had considerable effect in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the developed countries. Initiatives like the Kyoto Protocol, have enjoined upon the developing countries to reduce the use of fossil based fuels, which are the chief source of carbon dioxide. In addition, there are plans afoot to transfer appropriate manufacturing technology to the developing countries that would enable them to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Part Four: What Can You Do? It is essential for everyone to contribute his mite towards the protection of the environment. Some of the measures that we can undertake are to use less electricity, less heat at home and exercise due care while growing crops, rearing livestock and disposing garbage. These activities contribute substantially to global warming. Everyone should consider procedures, like using environment friendly light bulbs of less wattage, inflating pneumatic tires to the correct pressure, reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and air pollution and the country’s dependence on energy. We tend to dispose huge amounts of garbage and unwanted or used material. There should be better recycling of waste products and methods by which the greenhouse gases released are trapped. As a consumer centric society, we have to make sacrifices to prevent global warming (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Works Cited Differences Between Climate and Weather. 12 June 2009 . Global Warming. 2002. 14 June 2009 . Global Warming Real. 14 June 2009 . National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. National Climatic Data Center. Global Warming. 20 August 2008. 14 June 2009 . Natural Resources Defense Council. Issues: Global Warming. 14 June 2009 . Smith, Joel B and Dennis Tirpak. The Potential Effects Of Global Climate Change On The United States. Report to Congress. Washington, D.C: United States Environmental Protection Agency, December 1989. P. xxvii - 23. Starr, Penny. Obama Administration Proposes Text for New Global Warming Treaty That Would Impose Stricter Rules on U.S. Than on China or Saudi Arabia. 29 May 2009. 14 June 2009 . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Change - What You Can Do. 14 May 2009. 14 June 2009 . Read More