Global Warming and it's effects and solutions - Essay Example

Global Warming: Some Solutions The vast majority of scientists agree that global warming is a serious problem, one that needs to be addressed as quickly as possible. Global warming is a complicated problem that requires many different types of solutions. There are several problems surrounding the issue of global warming. The main cause of global warming is the production of greenhouse gases created by burning fuel like oil and coal to power vehicles and produce electricity. There are several possible solutions to this problem, including finding other sources of power to produce electricity, getting industries to reduce their output of greenhouse gases, creating fuel efficient vehicles, getting companies to manufacture and consumers to buy power-saving appliances, and convincing people to find ways to use less fuel in their daily lives.

Finding new sources for electricity is one of the most important ways to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Currently in the United States we use several methods to produce electricity. These include coal, oil, nuclear power, geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, wind power, and solar power, among others. Coal is used more than all the other methods. Burning coal produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide, and in order to stop global warming, the use of coal has to stop, or at least be greatly reduced (World Wildlife Fund ,1999).

The best solution is to use combinations of the safest types of power. One way to do this is to use more wind and solar power, update existing hydroelectric systems to make them more efficient, and use geothermal power when possible. Another way to reduce greenhouse gas emission is to get industries that cause the most pollution to reduce emissions and power consumption. The World Wildlife Fund (1999) report recommends using micro turbines on sites of facilities such as paper pulp factories to recycle some of the heat generated by the plants back into electricity that can be used by the buildings.

Cars and trucks are another culprit in global warming. The amount of fuel being burned by cars needs to be reduced (Dauncy & Mazza, 2001. P. 51). Car companies are now producing more fuel efficient vehicles, but hybrid and electric vehicles are even better. The current problem with electric vehicles is that the electricity they run on mostly comes from coal power. However, if coal use in producing electricity is reduced, then electric cars, like our homes, can be powered by electricity generated by alternative means such as wind power.

While we are still using coal, it is a good idea to reduce the use of electricity as much as possible. Consumers can help by buying more efficient items like power-saving appliances and compact fluorescent or LED lightbulbs. These items can initially be more expensive, but they will save money on power in the long run. Manufacturers will make more of these items if more people buy them. It is also important for people to simply try to use less fuel in their daily lives. Simple things like turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, and combining trips to save gas can make a big difference.

Educating people in how important it is to save power and fuel can go a long way in slowing global warming. Global warming is a difficult problem, and none of these solutions will solve it alone. A combination of all of these solutions is the best answer. If people, industries, and the government work together to find ways to implement these solutions, we can stop global warming before time runs out. References Dauncey, G., & Mazza, P. (2001). Stormy weather: 101 solutions to global climate change.

Vancouver, BC: New Society Publishers. World Wildlife Fund. (1999). America’s global warming solutions. Retrieved from http://climateshift.com/downloads/solution.pdf