Global warming - Research Paper Example

This phenomenon can be perceived as an increase in the average temperature on earth’s surface, which is caused by the emission of various gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide etc due the burning of fossil fuels. In the modern world, technological developments have added pace and diversity to the process of industrialization, which causes the release of toxic gases into the atmosphere. The adverse effects of technology can be seen in urbanization also, which entails deforestation and the consequent negative impact on the environment.

Besides, the increasing number of vehicles also contributes to aggravate the problem as it results in massive emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Evidence suggests that “about three-fourths of the carbon dioxide added to the air comes from burning fossil fuels such as oil and coal,” which are primarily used in industries and transportation (Kowalski 2004 pg 12). Similarly, deforestation, which occurs mainly as a result of urbanization, also causes voluminous release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Thus, it becomes apparent that human actions, to a great extent, contribute to major changes in the climate of earth. Global warming, in simple terms, can be defined as the “continuing increase in Earth’s overall temperature” (Farrar 2008 pg 7). . This remains a major concern in the modern world as it has far reaching negative repercussions on the environment, which, in turn, will adversely affect the life on earth. Therefore, this research mainly focuses on three research questions as under: - i) What causes the occurrence of the condition known as Global Warming? ii) What are the effects of Global Warming? iii) What can the humans do to effectively resolve the problem?

The researcher has attempted to address these questions through the following literature review, which takes into consideration the available evidence in published books, internet articles etc. Review of Literature (Definition of the Problem): Global Warming, as stated earlier, is an increase in the surface temperature of the earth. Research studies indicate that on an average, the surface temperature of planet earth has increased by nearly “1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.76 degrees C) in the last 150 years (Farrar 2008 pg 7).

However, the same study also claims that some places have registered the rise in temperature as high as 5 degrees Fahrenheit or 2.8 degrees C. While almost 99% of earth’s atmosphere comprises of nitrogen and oxygen, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone constitute the remaining 1%. The problem arises from the fact that these greenhouse gases retain the heat in the atmosphere, which is essential for humans and other living beings on earth to stay warm and to escape from freezing cold.

However, when fossil fuels such as oil and coal are burnt, large volumes of gases get released into earth’s atmosphere. The presence of such emissions will mean increased capacity of air to store heat, which will enhance the heat in the atmosphere.