Global Warming Issue - Research Paper Example

? The Effects of Global Warming and Its Causes Global Warming Introduction The increase in the average earth’s atmosphere andthe oceanic temperatures is referred to as Global warming (Silver, 2008). The temperature changes vary from region to region around the earth. The fluctuations in the global temperatures occur naturally. However, has been it is realized that the average global temperatures are increasing at a higher rate. Simpson (2008) notes that for 10 years since 1990, the hottest years to be recorded occurred. Scientists predicted that the average temperatures to be experienced in the U.S. could increase by 3 to 9 degrees by the end of the century if global warming is not reduced (Simpson, 2008). Causes of Global Warming Global warming is caused when carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases pile up in the atmosphere like a thick blanket, traps the sun's heat and cause the planet to warm up. Naturally, global warming is caused by the release of methane gas from the arctic tundra and wetlands. Methane being a green house gas, traps heat in the earth’s atmosphere. On the other hand, the man-made causes include air pollution and overpopulation population. Burning of fossil fuels causes pollution in the earth’s atmosphere. Silver (2008) states that coal and oil, are examples of fossil fuels that cause air pollution. When these fuels are burnt, they emit carbon dioxide, which is a green house gas. In addition, during the mining of coal or oil, methane is also dug out as it is naturally in the ground. High human and animal populations naturally imply the need for more food and transport. Because of these two, more fossil fuels are used which means that more greenhouse gases are released in the atmosphere. With a high population, more agricultural activities are done with the aim of increasing the food supply to the growing population. Methane is produced by manure, which is mainly used in agriculture. The increasing populations also use more cars implying an increase in the use of fuels and resultant pollution. According to Silver (2008), carbon dioxide contributes to global warming. The rising level of carbon dioxide from animals’ breaths worsens the situation. Also, Humans are destroying forests without planting more trees. Trees are valuable in the conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen. The trend is worsening the global warming experienced in the earth. Global warming cause for serious concern The Union of Concerned Scientists (2010) concluded that these effects can cause serious destructions. The effects include reduced snow accumulation due to melting glaciers, severe droughts causing more deaths and water shortage, rising sea levels leading to coastal flooding. A warmer temperature in the sea causes stronger hurricanes, which cause serious damage of property in Southeastern Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The wild fires experiences may lead to more loss of trees in the environment. Some plant destruction may lead to the extinction of some animal species because of the global warming. Warmer temperatures causing bad things to happen The increased heat and the warm condition are causing many damages in different parts of the world today. Simpson (2008) notes that the hotter conditions are causing a rise in the water levels in the sea. The melting of glaciers and ice in Antarctica and the greensands is causing the rise. The snow accumulation has reduced and the winter season are taking shorter time. Due to the rise in water levels, hurricanes and floods have been experienced by different countries. The extreme heat condition has also caused deaths in India and Europe. Wildfires have also been experienced in some states in America, and floods have caused a lot of damage to property and peoples lives. Global warming and hurricanes The strength of hurricanes is increased by global warming. The hurricanes are getting stronger and dangerous than before. The warm oceans and tropical storms make the hurricane become more powerful than it used to be. The change in climate is causing a rise in the sea level. As the warm conditions continue the glaciers melt increasing the oceans size, the rising sea levels allows the storms to reach the inland. These hurricanes lead to so much destruction of property and death (Union of concerned scientists, 2010). The country that produces the most greenhouse gases The United States is the country that produces the largest amount of greenhouses gases; It produces about 25% of the world’s greenhouse gases with the main gas being carbon dioxide, produced from burning of fossil fuels (Isham & Waage (2007). According to Isham and Waage (2007), the United States produces more carbon dioxide compared to China, Japan and India combined. This can be attributed to the fast rate of growth of new technology and innovation in the country. As a result, there is no doubt that the U.S. should be in the front line towards curbing global warming not because it is the leading contributor, but because it has the technology to help solve the problem. Global warming and Pollution Laws Leaders from key companies have agreed that the governments should institute tough rules to stop global warming. The Bush administration tried to support voluntary reduction programs, but this could not cut growth of emission. Congress has been considering new proposals aimed at cutting down carbon dioxide pollution and other heat trapping pollutants from the country’s main power plants, transport fuels and industrial amenities. Firm efficiency conditions for electric appliances will also be used to reduce pollution. One of these conditions is the 30% strict standards currently in place for heat pumps and home essential air conditioners achieved in the Clinton era and aimed at preventing the release of fifty-one million metric tons of carbon as stated by Drucker (2010). This is comparable to having 34 million vehicles off the road in a year. Individuals need to use more efficient domestic devices and equipments in our residential areas and offices that ease energy requirements. We can also get rid of the old coal burning power plants and restore them with cleaner plants for generating electricity. Increased use of renewable sources of energy such as the sun and wind will help in this. Interestingly, some states have already embraced such techniques, on one hand; California obliges its largest utilities to acquire 290 % of their electricity from the renewable energy sources by the year 2017. On the other hand, New York has promised to force power companies to supply twenty-five percent of the state’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2013. How we cut global warming pollution Simpson (2008) states that, global warming can simply be cut by reducing pollution in the atmosphere. The pollutants emitted from the vehicles and industrial plants should be reduced in every way possible. Technologists design cars that do not emit the harmful gases if possible. Alternatively, the machines used should emit the minimum possible amount of pollutants in the environment. Furthermore, alternative energy sources such as solar and wind, which produce no greenhouse gases, should be embraced. Also, modern electricity generation methods that are environmentally friendly should be embraced. The ecosystem should be preserved. Trees being the essential part of the eco system should be planted and conserved. How to cut car pollution Today cost-effective technologies for decreasing global warming pollution from cars are available. For instance, the use of hybrid gas-electric engines is capable of cutting down global warming pollution more than one third. Hybrid sedans, trucks and SUVs, are by now in the market. However, with the increased use of SUVs and pick-up trucks which risks raising the rate of carbon dioxide pollution, there is a need for more efficiency in developing such automobiles. Thus by using the current technology in raising fuel economy, standards for fresh cars and light trucks there can be a drastic fall of carbon dioxide pollution probably by 650 million tons in one year. We can also choose to walk or ride rather than driving the car as stated by Slade (2009). What I can do to help fight global warming There are several uncomplicated steps one can take to fight global warming pollution. For instance, one can engage in tree planning as a way of helping lean the atmosphere of high carbon levels. Also, one can involve in and encourage recycling and reuse of materials such as plastics, and wood so as to reduce the production of more greenhouse gases. Instead of relying mainly on private vehicles for transport, one may opt to walk or use a bicycle, which do not produce greenhouse gases, for transport. Alternatively, one may use public transport to reduce the emission of the gases. There are some people who do not believe that global warming is a real phenomenon. The skeptics can be convinced into believing the reality of the phenomenon by highlighting the changes in climatic and weather patterns that have been witnessed over the past couple of years. Furthermore, the changes in the ocean, lakes and drought patterns are a cause for alarm. The droughts today are more severe and take longer periods compared to those of the past. Also, winters have become wetter and more severe. Conclusion The temperature of the earth is getting hotter, a phenomenon commonly referred to as global warming. Global warming is caused by man’s activities and natural causes. The effects of global warming are beyond dispute going by the changes in weather patterns and the seriousness of droughts and rainstorms in various places. Unlike the past, scientists have learnt more on the impacts of global warming on the planet including more severe droughts and winters, higher prevalence of hurricanes, rising sea levels and higher cases of skin cancer. The effects of global warming are projected to increase if nothing is done to curb the situation. Global warming can be controlled by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases in the air. Some of the effective measures in this respect include using more efficient machines, using environmentally friendly energy sources such as solar and wind, and using public transport. References Drucker, P. F. (2010). Toward the Next Economics: and Other Essays. Boston: Harvard Business Press. Heimbuch, J. (2010). Technology / Clean Technology. Retrieved from: http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/arguing-with-a-climate-change-skeptic-theres-an-app-for-that.html Isham, J. & Waage, S. (2007). Ignition: What You Can Do to Fight Global Warming and Spark a Movement. Auckland: Island Press. Silver, J. (2008). Global warming and climate change demystified. New York: McGraw-Hill. Simpson, K. (2008). Extreme weather: science tackles global warming. Washington D.C: National Geographic. Slade, S. (2009). What Can We Do About Pollution? New York: The Rosen Publishing Group. Union of concerned scientists (2010). “Global Warming Makes Hurricanes Stronger, But Other Effects Remain Unclear.” Retrieved from: http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/global-warming-hurricanes-stronger-unclear-0439.html Read More