Understanding Causes and Effects of Climate Change - Term Paper Example

UNDERSTANDING CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE There’s lot of talk about climate change and its effect. But most people do not really understand its meaning and how it affects our lives. Experts predict if nothing is done, climate related disasters could affect 375 million every year by 2015 which is an increase from 263 million in 2010. This paper attempts to give an insight of its causes and effects and how we, humans, become responsible for the recent climate change. Climate change refers to “any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for an extended period of time” (EPA, 2014). There is no doubt that climate change is happening because we observe a lot of changes in our environment. We see changes in rainfall that results to floods, intense rains, droughts and severe heat waves. Just recently, we have experienced some big changes like oceans are warming and becoming acidic, and ice caps are melting. We notice signs that it is happening in United States and in many parts of the world, such as the freezing snowstorm we just had which was far from ordinary. Climate change and global warming are used interchangeably. Global warming is only part of the process of climate change. It is the rise in global average temperature near earth’s surface. It is caused by the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, thus global warming causes the climate pattern to change (EPA) Human activities are partly to be blamed for our climate change. For a long period of time, man’s activities release a large amount of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases come from burning of fossil fuel to produce energy, deforestation, and some agricultural practices. The world needs greenhouse gases as it is a natural system that supports life on earth. Greenhouses gases acts like blanket around earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere that causes climate to be warm. People need this happening because it maintains life. But too much build-up of greenhouse gases can be harmful as it can change the earth’s climate that will be dangerous to the lives of people and to the ecosystem. Climate change can affect our lives because as we live we are connected to climate. It will bring changes that can affect agriculture, water system, natural environment, transportation systems, and our own health and safety. For instance, news reports such as forest fires destroyed hectares of forest lands, fish kill due to warming of water, heat strokes, ship disasters due to storms, airplane crash due to poor visibility, are but few of disasters that can be due to climate change. Climate changes are brought by natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, ocean currents, earth orbital changes, and solar variations (Climate Challenge, n.d.). Accordingly, when a volcanic erupts, it throws out large volume of sulphur dioxide, water vapor, dust, and particles into the atmosphere. This large volume of gas and ashes stays for years and can influence the environment. For instance, a volcano just south of Ecuadors capital Quito has erupted, creating a spectacular plume of ash, 10km (six miles) high. (BBC News, April 5, 2014).Its immediate effect is cancellation of flights and the cooling effect that reflect solar energy back into space; but this for science to prove. But in longer term, the volcano eruption creates economic downturn in the place concerned. The historic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines in 1991 according to Climate Challenge, has lowered global temperature to 0.4-0.5C. Not only that, it has flattened the towns, destroyed the agricultural and fishing villages in the area. The effects of climate change are being felt all over the world. Several studies and incidences ascribe to these effects, such as the situations described below. a. Nigeria. . Climate change in Nigeria is caused by erratic weather. People here complained of heat and dusty weather that results to poor health conditions of the people. In a news report, too much fog in the atmosphere and zero visibility resulted to cancellation of over 90% of flights destined to land on its airport. The country had also experienced an outbreak of meningitis which scientists found to be correlated with weather. It was known that this disease attacks during dry season because of dust, wind, and cold nights. It is also said that that climate change is a serious threat to the effort of the United Nations to eradicate poverty, and to sustainable development because the large portion of its population is dependent on agriculture and fisheries, both of which are subject to climatic conditions. Apart from diseases caused by bad weather, its agriculture has been affected by the erratic weather. The dryness of waterbeds caused migration of people from the north to the south in search of greener pasture. This people’s movement has caused conflict and tensions among the people all because of climate change. (Tunde Akinbade, March 20, 2010) b. United States In the United States, experts reported with high confidence, that global warming is a threat to agriculture ( Chester Davies, April 1, 2014) . This is eminent not only in the U.S. but in other parts of the world as well. Food is a very important thing for all us, and its security must be maintained. However, disturbing reports like food production in North America will be disrupted and that the impact of climate change will be felt on fisheries of both the East and West coasts of the United States. The same change will also be felt in the key-producing areas of U.S. The apple orchards in Washington, the cherry orchards in California and the wine producing areas are all reported areas to be disturbed by the climate change in the future. This grim forecast shows the severity of climate change that needs people’s response now. c. ThePhilippines The Philippines smashed the headlines and attention of the world last year because of the biggest typhoon that hit part of its islands. Typhoon Haiyan follows other meteorological events that have hit the Philippines, a phenomenon that is increasing and becoming severe. The Haiyan typhoon was an isolated incident, but because events of that nature happens anywhere, like the unprecedented floods caused by a cyclone in Sardinia recently, and the rains that caused floods in Pakistan in August last year, (The Guardian, Nov. 29, 2013) it becomes an alarm signal of a climate change. Above examples are the glaring realities of climate change. People must be prepared to face the uncertainties of the future by adapting programs that would somehow alleviate the intensity of climate change. ISSUES TO BE SOLVED The issues to be solved in order safeguard the earth, plants, and animals, according to the NRDC, are curbing the global warming, creating the clean energy future, reviving the world’s ocean, defending endangered wildlife and wild places, preventing pollution, ensuring safe and sufficient water, and fostering sustainable communities. Time is important as climate change is showing its signs, so people must act now in adopting measures to stop global warming such as focus on renewable energy. By investing on renewal energy such as sun, wind, and biomass, dependence on fossil energy is lessened. Fossil energy is a major contributor of toxic pollution and global warming. As the world’s ocean is nearing collapse, marine development should be focused on creating more protected areas, ending of over-fishing, and improving the way oceans are governed. The devastation of the remaining wild lands means loss of irreplaceable sanctuaries, loss of biological diversity, and critical regulators of climate change. Every year, the federal government kills wild animals as a means of predator control. This practice has been criticized as brutal and ineffective (NRDC). The effects of global warming on water supply and demand in the contigious United States are more threatening. The study of NRDC found that more than 1,100 counties -- one-third of all counties in the lower 48 -- will face higher risks of water shortages by mid-century as the result of global warming. More than 400 of these counties will face extremely high risks of water shortage. Ways to fight global warming. Fortunately, there are suggested ways wherein people can contribute in minimizing effects of climate change. (Natural Resource Defense Council) .These are small steps that will save energy, fight global warming, and save money too. One could start reducing energy consumption at home such starting the habit of unplugging seldom used appliances, and chargers. Next is to set computers in sleep or hibernate mood, as this uses less power when inactive. Other energy saving tips include using of appliances efficiently and taking control of temperatures. People could start efficient cars too, like hybrids that uses less gas. One can also weatherize its buildings and apartments by sealing drafts and making sure homes are adequately insulated. By driving less, using public transport, biking, or walking, and bundling errands to make fewer tips means lesser money spent on transportation and lesser pollution. Conclusion As climate change is a growing concern, more and more people should be aware so that they can voice out their concerns to the government. Since this is a worldwide concern, policy issues action, and implementation should come from them. A unified action will partly solve it. On the part of the people and citizenry, they can observe small measures to lighten load of pollution and gas emission. As Neil Armstrong, the first astronaut who landed on the moon, “one small step is a giant leap for mankind”, A small step we do today in restricting our gas emissions contributes to the constrict of climate change. REFERENCES Akinbad, Tunde (March 30, 2010) Climate change in Nigeria. Retrieved 09 April, 2014 http://iinitiative.wordpress.com/2010/03/30/climate-change-effects-in-nigeria BBC News, April 5, 2014 Ecuador Volcano throws up spectacular ash plume Retrieved 09 April 2014 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-26901834 Climate Challenge.(n.d).Causes of climate change http://www.climatechangechallenge.org/Index.htm Davies, Chester (April 1,2014) Global Warming: A hreat to the United States and to the World. http://guardianlv.com/2014/04/global-warming-a-threat-to-united-states-and-world-agriculture/ EPA. United States (updated March 2014) Climate Change Basic Information Retrieved 09 April 2014 Natural Resource Defense Council. Priority Issues. Retrieved 09 April 2014 National Resource Defense Council. Global Warning steps. http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/gsteps.asp l. The Guardian, (Nov. 29, 2013) . Climate change is increasing the intensity of extreme weather events Read More