Research paper on global warming - Essay Example

Research into the subject reveals that reducing greenhouse gasses through the development of renewable energy would provide tremendous benefits to the country. By understanding the effects of greenhouse gasses on the atmosphere we breathe, the water cycle we’re truly dependent on and the resulting effects these changes will have on the landmasses we live on, it can be seen how the development of new forms of energy can introduce highly beneficial changes into our lifestyles and future. The rising global temperature is and will continue to cause major changes to the environment which in turn will negatively affect the U.S. economy to an extent that can only be speculative.

What is known is that the impact will be nothing short of catastrophic regarding both the earth and economy. Only by quickly implementing alternative sources of automobile fuel and electricity on a large scale can this looming disaster be averted. Worldwide, carbon dioxide emissions are creating widespread health impacts even as greater numbers of people begin using cars for longer distances (Dearry, 2004: A600). Eighty percent of the world’s population accounts for just 35 percent of CO2 emissions while the United States is responsible for generating nearly half of this amount.

Automobiles are the main cause of air pollution with toxins emitted from stacks at coal-burning electric power plants running a close second (Dahl, 2005: A239). In addition to CO2 emissions, vehicles emit carbon monoxides (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), all of which contribute to global warming (Energy Information Administration, 2004). At the same time, these emissions begin to break down the overall health of the population with increases in respiratory diseases and other illnesses as a result of the chemicals being pulled deep into our lungs (Carter in NOW, 2007).

Thus, our