Current Event Assignment - Essay Example

Carbon Dioxide already in Danger Zone, Warns Study Summary Scientists have recently established that if something is not done within the next few decades, the carbon dioxide level in our atmosphere will reach heights that will cause devastating changes to our atmosphere. Where previous studies have indicated that the effects of global warming will only be felt at the end of the century, this study now indicates that the time to be concerned about the effects of global warming is now. The study points out various advantages adopting measures to lower carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere.

The scientists stressed that the carbon dioxide levels have to be reduced to 350 ppm in order to prevent further global warming. At present, we are at 385 ppm and increasing at 2 ppm each year primarily because of burning of fossil fuels. Because of this, the global temperatures have slowly been rising. The scientists claim that previous observations of melting ice in the polar region and the discovered release of greenhouse gases from our warming soils and waters indicate that the deterioration in our atmosphere is now moving at a faster pace.

“Once CO2 gas is released, a large fraction of it stays in the air for hundreds of years” (Krajik). These same scientists believe that the dreaded process is still reversible if emissions from coal would be eliminated by the year 2030. The use of alternative fuel sources would also contribute a great deal to slowing down the process of global warming. Geoengineering solutions, which are said to artificially remove 50 ppm of carbon dioxide from our atmosphere, would cost a hefty amount of money.

Directing said funds to reforestation would yield similar results. Our present age of industrialization has plunged our world into this environmental crisis and “the greatest danger is continued ignorance and denial, which would make tragic consequences unavoidable." (Sato & Karetcha as quoted by Krajik). Personal Thoughts The article presents a grim picture of our environment. Where before, our thoughts were in sparing the following generation of the effects of global warming, the article now points out that the devastating effects of global warming is something that our present generation may suffer.

The article pointedly brings to our attention the alarming levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, and how these levels are speedily rising. We have no one to blame but ourselves with this grim occurrence. The strides that our industries have taken in the past few years have made us very vulnerable to global warming. Our demands for easier and faster ways to manage our daily activities have taken their toll on our natural resources. With every industrial convenience that we have integrated into our lives, corresponding toxic chemical atmospheric gases have been contributed to our atmosphere.

Just as we have sought faster ways to manage our daily activities, so have we speeded up the process of global warming. The ironic upside of this article is that our advanced detecting capabilities have allowed us to recognize this problem early. We have more accurate readings of carbon levels in our atmosphere and the effects that these levels have wrought on our environment. By recognizing this problem early on, it is now more important for us to make the necessary changes in our lives and our industries.

In our own little way we contribute to the rising levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere, so it goes without saying that, in our own little ways, we can contribute towards reducing carbon dioxide levels. The article implies so much about how vulnerable our planet is right now, and nothing less than affirmative actions from all of us can save our planet. Global warming is a frighteningly real concept now, not just a distant thought and possibility. And the call to action that this article prompts is not just for the sake of our children, but more importantly, for our present generation.

Works CitedKrajik, K “Carbon dioxide already in danger zone, warns study”. Environment. 18 November 2008. Physorg.com. viewed 18 November 2008