Is Climate Change Real or Imagined - Essay Example

Is climate change real or imagined? And what is being done to address the issue? Climate change Name Institution Course Module Instructor Date of submission Climate change has been discussed far and wide by many experts and scholars in various disciplines. In fact, this is one hot issue in political and management decisions nowadays. Every action by organizations or governments is being scrutinised thoroughly for its sustainability by the public and stakeholders. As technological growth introduces new changes at terrific speed, so have changes in the environment been witnessed, albeit on the negative side. These negative changes in the environment have been largely characterised by deviation from the normal global cycle of warming and cooling where currently there is a prolonged warming period at time when experts expect a cooling period (Maxwell 2009). The warming aspect of the globe is considered normal as indicated by cooling and warming cycles in the past where societies developed various ways of adapting to such changes especially through migration. However, modern societies cannot adapt to climate change through migration as they lead more sedentary lives (Fassbinder 2008). This implies that there is need for better ways to adapt to climate change. Some experts in environmental conservation argue that the warming cycle is irreversible because modern lifestyle and more so capitalism cannot facilitate environmental conservation. Eventually, this continued global warming would inhibit life in general prompting some people to term climate change as the ultimate apocalypse (Maxwell 2009). This paper discusses climate change highlighting the evidence of climate change and also highlighting the causes and solutions to climate change. Global warming is the major climatic change that has given rise to changes in other climatic elements and patterns. Global warming is a phenomenon that refers to the increase in the mean temperature on the surface of the earth as well as the atmosphere (UN 2008; Kininmonth 2007; Silver 2008). Global temperatures have risen in the 20th century by 0.74 ± 0.18 degree Celsius according Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2007 Forth Assessment Report. Silver (2008) writes that the average global temperature today stands at 14.4ºC (57.9ºF) while it was 13.7ºC (56.5ºF) a century ago. He says this rapid change is both natural and human influenced. Global warming is characterized by an abnormal increase in global atmospheric temperatures, heat waves, melting of glacier and coastal flooding, ocean warming and rise in sea level. Global warming occurs as a result of ozone layer destruction by green house gases, largely contributed by human activities such as deforestation and industrialization (UN 2008). Global warming effects have been experienced in the most devastating manner such as flooding, hurricanes, tsunamis, occurrence and spread of new diseases, drought, coral reef bleaching and the general change in animal and plant population and patterns (Weart 2008). Global warming needs to be managed lest the earth is headed for disaster. The cause of changes in global temperatures is a controversial issue. Consequently two schools of thought have emerged. On one hand, proponents of climate change believe that, change in global climate or temperature for that matter is caused by anthropogenic activities (Maslin 2007; Maxwell 2009). The other school of though postulates that climate change and more so global warming occur naturally (Kininmonth 2007). This school of thought has been on the spotlight as it denies increased rise in sea levels and argues that the rise is seasonally and that the seas will return to their ‘normal’ levels. On the other hand, majority of people believe that, global warming and climate change are results of human activities. These anthropogenic factors including agriculture, deforestation, industrialization etcetera, are responsible for altering global climate (Maslin 2007). These school of thought remains magnificent as opposed to the natural cause based idea which is disputed on the basis that, changes in climate due to natural causes are slow and minimal. In this case, anthropogenic causes of global warming will be explored in this work. Human activities influence the natural climatological processes. In particular, the massive emission of green house gases (GHG) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Methane, Nitrogen and Carbon dioxide result to the increase in global temperatures by about 33 degree Celsius (Randel et al, 2009). The concentration of methane and carbon dioxide since the onset of industrialization era has increased by 148 and 36 percent respectively. The increase in these GHG and the depletion of forests which fundamentally consume carbon dioxide in the process of photosynthesis has led to the destruction of the ozone layer (Lehr 1992). As a result, the harmful rays from the sun are able to penetrate into the earth’s surface hence the increase in temperatures, diseases drought, flooding due to glacier melting, rise in sea level and bleaching of coral reefs. Maxwell (2009) predicts that nearly half of the world’s 50 largest cities including Melbourne will be submerged in sea water by 2035 as a result of rises in sea level. Dawson and Spannagle (2009) claim that the predicted rise in sea level to alarming rates is exaggerated since sea level rises by about 0.5m naturally every century. They attribute this to melting glaciers and thermal expansion of water due to increasing temperatures which to them is expected. Although focus has been placed on carbon dioxide emission from automotive engines, nitrogen contributes largely to global warming. Increased agricultural activities have led to the increased manufacture of nitrogenous fertilizers. Nitrogen absorbs heat 300 times compared to carbon dioxide per unit volume. Similarly, methane contributes towards global warming. In fact, scientists have classified methane to be twenty times more powerful than carbon dioxide g/cm3 (per unit volume) (Lehr 1992). The emission of methane is significantly increasing from agricultural activities and industrialization processes. It is generated when bacteria work in an oxygen regulated/deficient condition. For instance, rice puddles, herbivorous digestion as well as fermentation processes in beer industry contribute a significant amount. Higher temperatures ion the earth’s surface impacts on the hydrological cycle by increasing the rate of evaporation. Because of this, desertification increases with formerly arable green lands being turned in to expansive wastelands of sand. This has been responsible for millions of deaths through starvation in agricultural dependent nations that rely of rainfall. The horn of Africa comprising of Sudan Somalia Kenya and Ethiopia has borne the blunt side of low level rainfall. Vegetation is scarce and the pastoral communities that depend on livestock have witnessed huge losses as they starve and their animals die (Casper 2009). They have also been forced to travel wide and far in search of pasture for their livestock and in the process disrupting their lives. Children have been pulled out of school to accompany their parents as they move from the dry plains to higher mountains where vegetation is plenty. Moving away from the plains into the mountains has complicated the climate change problem. These nomadic communities soften ear large herds of cattle which when unleashed on the mountainous areas, often devour on the natural vegetation which is an important component of the hydrological cycle. Moreover, there are high incidences of human and wild animal conflict which result into many social problems for the people and governments. On the other hand, the bare lands are exposed to harsh weather conditions which lower its suitability for farming purposes. The most important element that the land loses is moisture due to exposure to direct sunlight in absence of vegetation (Casper 2009). As aforementioned, the increased evaporation causes unexpected rainfall patters which often cause flash floods. The UK has been a victim of flash floods a number of times. In the month of June and July 2007, the southern and central parts of the UK experienced heavy rainfall that caused massive flooding in a number of towns and villages Sheffield included. The flooding was mainly attributed to heavy rains particularly on June 25th and July 20th. Nonetheless, the rains were relatively heavy throughout the summer and the preceding winter and were reportedly the highest in the UK since 1766 (Menteth 2007). There were other minor cases of localized flash floods that affected major river basins around Sheffield and other neighboring areas such as Gloucester, Tewkesbury and Evesham. A number of streets were completely flooded, houses totally or partially submerged and crop fields were totally submerged. Several people drowned, many were displaced, homes, roads and other structures destroyed which amounting to colossal losses. Global warming is anthropogenic and hence human beings have the capacity to control, manage and mitigate this phenomenon. To reduce the amount of green house gases, the need for alternative energy is necessary. Fossil fuels are the leading contributors of GHG and minimizing its use would help a great deal. Alternative energy include bio-fuels (such as alcohol from sugarcane), solar, wind and nuclear energy (UN 2008). This clean energy and will reduce GHG emission hence global warming and reduce the impact it has on climate. Consequently, different governments have come together in formulating sustainable developmental strategies meant at minimizing global warming. International laws and declarations have been made that aim at binding nations to agreements on lowering carbon emissions. Individual governments are expected to draft their customised laws that will be helpful in meeting the international expectations on climate change and environment conservation. Seminars and conferences for a clean environment have led to agreement on important environmental issues. For instance, the Kyoto protocol that seeks to direct all member countries into GHG reduction strategies. Besides, the recent Copenhagen conference also focuses on global warming reduction strategies by all member states (UN 2008). However, these protocols and conferences have faced criticism and challenges with the U.S which is the biggest GHG emitter defying the Kyoto protocol. Nevertheless, the issue of global warming cannot be tackled from one perspective and requires an integration of social, economic, cultural and political aspects (Casper 2009). Science, political and economic strategies and technological innovations should also be directed towards developing more sustainable environmental conservation strategies, clean energy and regulated consumer behaviour. The Kyoto protocol has made very promising declarations on fighting climate change but little has been achieved. Copeland and Taylor (2001) note that many countries which are signatories to the Kyoto Protocol are very far from achieving the carbon emission targets set for them which should be realised by 2012. Many industries continue to inject tonnes of carbon among other harmful elements in the environment while they absolve themselves off blame through ‘carbon credits’ provided fro by the Kyoto Protocol. This is to a large extent attributable to capitalistic policies where businesses are only profit-driven whilst ethical and moral concerns are overlooked. Fassbinder (2008) argues that the Kyoto protocol makes very promising and strict regulations but meeting these requirements is hindered by capitalistic ideologies. These ideologies allow corporations to plant “carbon sinks” and trading in carbon sinks (How CEOs are cashing in on climate change 2008). Modern business management principles perceive integration of environmental conservation practices in mainstream business processes not only as a conformation to business trends but also as an ethical issue (Angus 2009). This therefore implies that there more ways beyond capitalism to manage environmental conservation and climate change. Proponents of capitalism claim that capitalism holds the key to reducing global warming and managing environmental protection. According to the article “living on fresh air” (2007), there is a new crop of CEOs in the environmental conservation industry. The article cites three notable CEOs from environmental conservation agencies in the UK which mainly offer environmental conservation solutions to other organisations. This is one perfect example of how capitalism and the growth of multinational corporations in the face of globalization can work in conserving the environment and reducing carbon emissions. According to the article, capitalism has allowed investors to develop and invest in green energy solutions at a rapid rate than it could happen under other political systems. Pedro Moura Costa, the president and CEO of Ecosecurities, one of the firms in the environmental conservation industry, argues that climate change is facilitating transfer of technology from the developed countries to the underdeveloped and developing countries. He says that developed countries fighting climate are developing green technologies such as wind and solar power to cut down on emissions and the same technology is being exported to developing nations which could have otherwise not received the technology. Therefore one can argue that global warming has spurred creativity and innovation in the energy sector creating a new industry and more jobs for the people. The need for creating jobs and newer industries will eventually manage carbon emissions to acceptable levels and conserve the environment. One viable option that Barbir, Filho and Spiric (2008) presume is adequate in handling climate change amicably, is perceiving the environment as a global good where each and everyone, regardless of location is entitled to it. As such, no one has the right to interfere or contaminate this good but is mandated to protect it. This perception holds very appealing moral and ethical considerations. Clean air and favourable climatic conditions are right to every individual. As such, when governments, corporations and individuals realise this and work towards it, then these harsh climatic conditions that some parts of the world are experiencing will be a thing of the past. In conclusion, climate change is a global concern that has led to loss of lives, environmental degradation, property destruction as well as extinction of some plants and animals. This issue should be addressed in a more comprehensive manner and particularly the global leaders should work together in realizing a safe and clean global environment. The use of alternate fuel should be adopted allover the world and all protocols should be honored by both developing and developed countries in order to safe guard life. References Angus, I. (2009). The global fight for climate justice: anticapitalist responses to global warning and environmental destruction. London: IMG Publications, Barbir, J., Filho, W. & Spiric, J. (2008). “An appraisal of measures to cope with climate change in the Baltic Sea.” Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal. 20 (1); 82-91 Casper, J. (2009). Changing Ecosystems: Effects of Global Warming. London: Infobase Publishing Copeland, B. & Taylor, M. (2001). Free trade and global warming: A trade theory view of the Kyoto Protocol. Viewed online 08.10.10 from http://are.berkeley.edu/~harrison/seminar/submitversion.pdf Dawson, B. Spannagle, M. (2009). The complete guide to climate change. Brisbane: Taylor & Francis Director 2007, Living on fresh air. Kininmonth, W. (2004). Climate change: a natural hazard. London: Multi-science publishing Lehr, J. (1992). Rational reading on environmental concerns. London: Wiley. Maslin, M. (2007). Global warming: Causes, effects, and the future. Chicago: Voyageur Press Maxwell, A. (2009). “Postcolonial criticism, ecocriticism and climate change: A tale of Melbourne under water in 2035.” Journal of postcolonial writing. 45 (1); 15–26 Menteth, A. (2007). Summer floods. Viewed online 08.10.10 from http://www.rms.com/publications/uk_summer_2007_floods.pdf Sayer, A. (2008). “Geography and global warming: can capitalism be greened?” Journal compilation Royal Geographical Society. 41(3); 350-353 Silver, J. (2008). Global warming and climate change demystified. 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