Looming Threat of Global Warming - Essay Example

Global Warming is Real and Not Imagined

Global warming is the major facet in the modern world that stands as an imminent threat to humanity. On the same note, it is part of the global climatic change and refers to the rise in the average temperatures of the earth's atmosphere, surface, and the oceans. Global warming has been due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in earth's atmosphere. In the past 140 years, the emission of CO2 as the core anthropogenic greenhouse gas has significantly increased by an average of 120-fold. Moreover, in the 19th century, most of the global warming facets came because of deforestation among other changes in the use of lands whereas presently it is because of increased use of fossil fuels. The CO2 holdup in the atmosphere has a lifetime of over a century, and therefore the historical and past emissions still play a significant role in the present concentration of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. The paper is an argumentative essay that seeks to support the idea that global warming is real and not an imagined concept and provides a discussion on how it should be corrected.

Human activity is among the top drivers of global warming and therefore, most of the factors that can be evaluated are related to human engagements. Venkataramanan stated that a mid-range model estimation of the human-induced and mitigated global warming is based on factors such as the accelerated growth in CO2 emission (226). There is a predicted warming rate by about 3 Degrees Celsius, which is about 5.4 Degrees Fahrenheit towards the end of the 21st century. Another concept that has been concurrent with global warming is the recorded outcomes on levels of the temperature swings in the past and present between the ice ages and the intervening current warm period (Riebeek 1). The estimated temperature increase are sensitive towards the assumptions that concern the future emission of greenhouse gases and aerosols.

According to Mukherjee (29), at present, the average global surface temperatures have increased by an average of 0.7 degrees Celsius and by the year 2100, the rise could have averaged a maximum of 6.4 degrees Celsius. Recent research and studies have suggested that sea levels will continually rise by an average of 80 to 140 centimeters by the year 2100 (Mukherjee 30). Additionally, temperatures of 0.13 degrees Celsius increase have been recorded as the rate of increase in every decade whereas the CO2 emission has grown by 1.3 times in the last 20 years. Every decade sea levels have recorded a rise of 3.1 cm and a warming up to 3 kilometers deep (Mukherjee 29). These factors have alarmed the global community of the imminent danger of global warming. This entire predicament started with the industrial revolution when technological innovations were at their best, and human encroachment into the forests through urbanization increased to the environmental harm. Global warming has been real since the early 1900s, and it has been continually ignored until some of the events such as ones mentioned below dawned on the global community.

Evidence of Global Warming

Aspects of global warming are evident in England, as the weather seems to change adversely. The soil of England is recorded to have been continuously losing the carbon component at a very high rate of about four million tons periodically for the past twenty-five years. These carbon emissions significantly accelerate the global warming effect within the country (Seinfeld and Spyros 1028). Research shows that there has been the consistent and unexpected emission of carbon component from the soils not only in England but also in other parts of the world thus causing the atmospheric changes that lead to adverse effects of global warming (Powlson et al. 680). Moreover, the loss of carbon from the soil into the atmosphere causes the plants not to grow well, therefore, leading to the atmospheric imbalance that changes the weather conditions.

Another supporting aspect is the case of Europe whereby in 2003, the country experienced great heat wave that caused the death of an approximate of 35000 people and considerably cost the economies of the continent (Christidis et al. 48). Reports indicated that approximately seven billion pounds were lost because of the weather calamity. Furthermore, the heat wave occurrence may have fueled further effects of global warming in the region. Similarly, according to Gronlund et al., the heat wave that was experienced in the USA in 2006 was acknowledged as the worst weather change in history (1187). This is because of the severity of the heat, its vastness, and length. The heat wave was recorded to last for a month, and it affected every region in the country. The adverse weather condition claimed the lives of hundreds of people, the crops withered, roads, buckle, struggle to provide power to clients, and wildfires raged. The calamity caused a large number of individuals living in New York to lack power for more than a week (Gronlund et al. 1187).

Glacier and ice largely cover Himalayan region, and it is acknowledged as the source of several Asian rivers whose basins are settlement areas to an approximate of 1.2 billion individuals. Recent research studies indicate that Himalayan has been warming more than the global average (Riebeek 1). A summary that was highlighted by Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic Changes (IPCC) predicts that if Himalayan maintains the current warming rates, the glaciers may begin to decay at a rapid rate causing a shrink from the present 500000 sq. Kilometers to 100000 sq. Kilometers by the onset of the 2030s (Mountain Research Initiative 430). These projections were made by the fact that the mountains and the neighboring valleys are warming at an alarming rate. The IPCC working group believes that the continual increase in temperatures will further affect the biotic pool causing the extinction of some species. As such, the warming effects may also cause a significant decline in biological system productivity, alterations of the composition of floral, spread diseases, and increase the risk of famine and hunger putting the human life at risk. Gangothri is recognized as a sacred region because it is a major source of fresh waters (Mountain Research Initiative 428). However, recent studies have shown aspects of recession and the rate of retreat in the past three decades has been for several times. A report by the Mountain Research Initiative indicated that the continuous impact on Himalayan’s environmental landscape because of water diversion, industrialization, deforestation, and agriculture has caused large-scale consequences on watersheds of the area (429). Therefore, the global warming effects will continue to accelerate the diverse impacts in most parts of the world.

These highlighted recent examples from different states evidently show that the aspect of global warming is not only real but also life-threatening. When the carbon dioxide component is assessed for the past 400000 years, it can be observed that it has significantly increased mainly because of the industrial revolution (Riebeek 1). The industrial revolution began in the 1850s, and it has continued to accelerate ever since. Notably, the consumption of the fossil fuels by humans has caused significant increase in the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere from a concentration of 280ppm to an approximate increase of 380ppm in the current times (Gronlund 1190). Scientists indicate that the carbon dioxide increase levels will be continuous because of the human activities and may reach to an approximate of 560ppm by the end of the 21stcentury. Some CO2 absorption measures such as the use of green cover to absorb were put in place but had some limitations, and therefore the level of carbon emission greatly exceeded the absorption capacity of the green cover.

Now that it is evidently observed that the aspect of global warming is real, it is of importance to understand aspects that lead to global warming effects. The biggest component leading to change in the weather conditions is the significant increase in the carbon dioxide emissions particularly from the production of cement and the combustion of fossil fuels such as anthropogenic aerosols (sulfate) (Desonie 25). On the same note, Riebeek (1) further elaborates that according to most climate scientists, the current global warming trend is propelled by human expansion of the greenhouse effect. That is, the warming due to the trapping of heat radiated from the earth toward space. As explained by Venkataramanan, the act of deforestation and combustion of fossil fuels is responsible for the increase in CO2 in the atmosphere while the manufacturing of cement takes about 2.5% of the global industrial emissions (227). Another trendy aspect causing CO2 emissions is the tourism sector and its activities (Gronlund 1188). Carbon emissions are as a result of transportation either by air or road and energy consumptions such as the air conditioners. As such, the aviation industry is rated at as the biggest threat because it is the source of greenhouse gases contributing to about three percent of the global emissions.

Addressing Issues of Global Warming

One of the main ways to control global warming is the reduction of emission of the greenhouse gases and especially in the developed states. Most of these states have major industries that run on fossil fuels such and have a high consumption of technology. This implies that the number of vehicles being used is high leading to the excess emission of CO2 (Riebeek 1). In addition, most of these states have turned to urbanization where the biggest proportion of the populations dwell in cities or continually move to urban centers (Mountain Research Initiative 425). The process of urbanization is an attractive economic incentive but equally impacts on the forests. Rabe asserts that excessive urbanization has been known to contribute to deforestation directly (35). Therefore, most of these states should establish targets on the levels of greenhouse gasses emission. Additionally, the developing and the less developed states are on the footsteps of the developed states and are required to establish targets for reduced GHG emission. Secondly, governments should increase awareness of the growing problem of climate change (Weston 182). The public should exercise unity and use social media platforms to advocate, gain attention and ensure that the young generation are educated on the growing trend of global warming.

A third strategy that can be implemented in the control of global warming is changing the capitalist production model. Capitalism can be considered as one of the main factors to contribute to global warming (Revesz 173). This is because individuals, organizations, and states engage in a self-centered economic participation where they maximize on production and income with minimal consideration of the future or the other parties. Unless this paradigm of development is changed, global warming shall persist to be a looming doom. The nature of developments that economies adopt should be changed to being nature-centered and people-centered rather than the profit and market-oriented (Weston 182). In the case where capitalist ideals cannot be abandoned, then the other way to control global warming is establishing an international watchdog on production practices by states, industries, and individuals. Limitation in the usage of fossil fuels, deforestation and over-exploitation of natural resources would help in addressing the issue of global warming.

In conclusion, it is evident that global warming is real and not imagined as some of the events evidenced show. As time has passed, there is evidence of extinction of animals and plants and this may continue if it is unaddressed. Most of the natural environment has been damaged where coral reefs, swamps, tropical forests, glaciers and alpine grasslands have undergone significant damages. Natural disasters such as flooding and droughts have been on the rise due to global warming. Drastic weather changes have led to incidences of food shortage, water shortage, and energy supply disruptions. All these factors and as per the discussions in the paper show the tangible nature of global warming and the need to address it. One of the best approaches to address and prevent global warming is through coordinated global actions.

Evidence of Global Warming

Aspects of global warming are evident in England, as the weather seems to change adversely. The soil of England is recorded to have been continuously losing the carbon component at a very high rate of about four million tons periodically for the past twenty-five years. These carbon emissions significantly accelerate the global warming effect within the country (Seinfeld and Spyros 1028). Research shows that there has been the consistent and unexpected emission of carbon component from the soils not only in England but also in other parts of the world thus causing the atmospheric changes that lead to adverse effects of global warming (Powlson et al. 680). Moreover, the loss of carbon from the soil into the atmosphere causes the plants not to grow well, therefore, leading to the atmospheric imbalance that changes the weather conditions.

Another supporting aspect is the case of Europe whereby in 2003, the country experienced great heat wave that caused the death of an approximate of 35000 people and considerably cost the economies of the continent (Christidis et al. 48). Reports indicated that approximately seven billion pounds were lost because of the weather calamity. Furthermore, the heat wave occurrence may have fueled further effects of global warming in the region. Similarly, according to Gronlund et al., the heat wave that was experienced in the USA in 2006 was acknowledged as the worst weather change in history (1187). This is because of the severity of the heat, its vastness, and length. The heat wave was recorded to last for a month, and it affected every region in the country. The adverse weather condition claimed the lives of hundreds of people, the crops withered, roads, buckle, struggle to provide power to clients, and wildfires raged. The calamity caused a large number of individuals living in New York to lack power for more than a week (Gronlund et al. 1187).

Glacier and ice largely cover Himalayan region, and it is acknowledged as the source of several Asian rivers whose basins are settlement areas to an approximate of 1.2 billion individuals. Recent research studies indicate that Himalayan has been warming more than the global average (Riebeek 1). A summary that was highlighted by Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic Changes (IPCC) predicts that if Himalayan maintains the current warming rates, the glaciers may begin to decay at a rapid rate causing a shrink from the present 500000 sq. Kilometers to 100000 sq. Kilometers by the onset of the 2030s (Mountain Research Initiative 430). These projections were made by the fact that the mountains and the neighboring valleys are warming at an alarming rate. The IPCC working group believes that the continual increase in temperatures will further affect the biotic pool causing the extinction of some species. As such, the warming effects may also cause a significant decline in biological system productivity, alterations of the composition of floral, spread diseases, and increase the risk of famine and hunger putting the human life at risk. Gangothri is recognized as a sacred region because it is a major source of fresh waters (Mountain Research Initiative 428). However, recent studies have shown aspects of recession and the rate of retreat in the past three decades has been for several times. A report by the Mountain Research Initiative indicated that the continuous impact on Himalayan’s environmental landscape because of water diversion, industrialization, deforestation, and agriculture has caused large-scale consequences on watersheds of the area (429). Therefore, the global warming effects will continue to accelerate the diverse impacts in most parts of the world.

These highlighted recent examples from different states evidently show that the aspect of global warming is not only real but also life-threatening. When the carbon dioxide component is assessed for the past 400000 years, it can be observed that it has significantly increased mainly because of the industrial revolution (Riebeek 1). Read More