The Effects of Air Pollution - Essay Example

Download file to see previous pages When it comes to air pollution, you can actually find many of the problems affecting the life of a person and other living things. However, all of the problems caused by air pollution create different effects with different severity. But, there is no doubt about the fact that global warming is one of the most important issues associated with air pollution.
Global warming is all about the increase in average temperature of earth that ultimately creates an impact on the climate. With a change in earths temperature it is obvious to see some fluctuations in the rainfall patterns and sea levels. When it comes to global warming, the major role is played by humans through the buildup of heat-trapping green house gases. Plus, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide play their part to aggravate the situation. However, carbon dioxide is the major contributor as according to IPCC, UK emitted 38 billion tonnes carbon dioxide in 2004. Also, 85% of UKs man-made emissions was carbon dioxide in 2007 (UK Emissions of Carbon Dioxide, Methane and Nitrous Oxide by National Communication Source Category)
Global warming is one of the pressing issues faced by today's world but this change in climate is not new. If you will delve more into the details pertaining to the start of this particular problem, you will find out that it has been taking place for thousands of years. The difference is that it was happening as a natural cycle in past, which implies that earth experiences an ice age with a temperature increase and decrease, but it is now taking place for different reasons and on much faster pace.
With an increase in the carbon dioxide, this problem is getting worse and it is thought that the start of the real problem was during the industrial revolution. But, it is worth mentioning that the topic about the actual start of global warming is frequently debated and different experts have different opinions. According to William Ruddiman, a climate scientist with the University of Virginia, "People may have begun altering the world's climate as early as 8,000 years ago" (Global Warming Started Long Before Industrial Revolution). It is well before the industrial revolution but the fact remains that it has created more problems with industries emitting a large amounts of carbons.
Knowing when the entire problem started is not as important as knowing more about its causes and impacts. Actually, the problem exists because of deforestation and industrial revolution. Plus, production of energy is another reason behind the existence of this problem. Large amounts of carbons come from burning fossil oils and the problem is more likely to exist with an increase in population.
The impact of global warming is huge. Due to global warming, sea levels are rising, glaciers are melting and with drying of cloud forests wild life is striving for its existence. What it means is that all living things are impacted by the problem. For humans, the impacts of global warming are severe. For instance;
With a change in temperature, global ocean level will rise to create problems. It is found that a one meter rise in global ocean level would make Egypt to lose 1% of its land.
Climate change will affect crops which can be extremely damaging for people living in South East Asia, sub-Saharan Africa and tropical areas of Latin America.
Composition of many ecosystems may ...Download file to see next pagesRead More