Global Warming Essay Example for Free

Global Warming Essay Global warming is a pressing problem that is faced not only by a number of communities and a few countries. It is a major problem that is faced by the whole of mankind such that its impacts and effects have tremendous implications that endanger the existence of mankind and even the primary dwelling of the living, the Earth. United States Vice President Albert Gore himself said that global warming will be the greatest environmental challenge in the 21st century. As such, this issue is one that calls for attention, concern and solution. What is Global Warming? Global warming is an increase in global average surface temperature resulting from an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide, methane, and certain other trace gases in the atmosphere (Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 2006). Natural occurring phenomena such as volcanic eruptions are said to contribute to the release of gases that results to global warming. However, human activities and innovations are said to have contributed greatly to the increase of the concentration of the greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide and methane in the Earths atmosphere. These activities include the operation of coal-burning power plants and use of automobiles which become sources of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone; the use of air-conditioning units and refrigerators that utilize chlorofluorocarbons; deforestation that creates more heat and increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as trees play a significant role in removing carbon dioxide from the air; increased cattle production such that methane gas is released from animal waste; and the use of fossil fuels as the burning of fossil fuels is considered the largest source of emissions of carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases that allows radiative forcing and contributes to global warming. Why is Global Warming a Problem? Global warming is a problem because the direct and indirect effects and consequences of the increasing heat in the earth’s atmosphere have diverse and oftentimes dangerous effects that can affect man. Global warming affects the environment, economies, health and well being of man. Its impact is also significantly destructive that it threatens the very existence of mankind and that of the unborn and coming generations.   Global warming has been linked with intensifying hurricanes. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) research suggests that hurricanes will only get more powerful and last longer as global warming increases ocean temperatures (Warren, 2006). The increasing global temperature also effects change in the ecosystem such that some species especially those that cannot survive on warm regions may be forced out of their habitats which may possibly lead to their extinction.   Economically, global warming also has its implications such that changes in temperature can lead to several effects on agriculture and hence, affect the livelihood of farmers. These changes include new variations in pest and disease problems; damaged crops at extreme temperatures; and an increased need for ventilation in animal accommodation. As such, more than a third (36%) of around 100 National Farmers Union members in the United Kingdom saw climate change as a threat to livelihoods (Global Warming Fears for, 2005, p. 43). Too much rise in sea level will also affect the densely populated coastal plains by making the areas uninhabitable, creating refugee problems and hampering economic activities. The occurrence of these situations among coastal cities in the world will create potential impacts on world wide trade and economy Global warming also has its health implications. Expanded tropical weather is likely to increase tropical diseases. As such, global warming will accelerate the spread of many diseases and increase instances of mosquito-borne diseases that include malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and viral encephalitis (Johansen, 2002, p. 210). The warming of air temperature also increases the concentration of ozone at ground level. In lower atmosphere, ozone is a harmful pollutant that can damage lung tissue, and can bring about serious problems for those with asthma and other lung diseases. Other effects of global warming are the melting of glaciers which can cause water shortages, loss of habitat, flooding of rivers and the rise of sea level; water scarcity as rise in sea level can contaminate groundwater affecting drinking water and agriculture in coastal zones; Drought and wildfire as warmer temperatures can increase the probability of drought. Greater evaporation, particularly during summer and fall, can worsen drought conditions and increase the risk of wildfires. Who is Responsible in Solving this Problem? It has been earlier mentioned that man’s activities and innovations have primarily increased and worsened global warming. As such, man should also be responsible in mitigating this problem. Moreover man has no option such that when he fails to do something to mitigate the situation, the effects of global warming will endanger his very existence. It is therefore best for everyone to act and cooperate in doing something for this global problem. What can be Done? Everyone has his own share that he can contribute to help alleviate the worsening situation. There are numerous ways that can be done to help mitigate global warming. World leaders should acknowledge their crucial responsibilities to the issue of global warming. This is for reason that they can effect great change in the international community. World leaders can strengthen international responses to the risks of global warming. They can cooperate and enter into international treaties and agreements that can help reduce the dangers of the substances that contribute to global warming by banning the production, trade and use of these particular substances. When trading of these substances between countries becomes illegal, their production will eventually decline, bringing to an end their production and thereby prevent further release of substances that contribute to global warming. World leaders can also sanction the countries that fail to meet clean air standards by refusing to engage in international trade with them. With countries cooperating to achieve a common goal in combating global warming, the ill effects of global warming may be alleviated. Politicians among national governments on the other hand, can implement policies that can help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. They can also support technological alternatives to air- polluting technologies like coal power plants and impose upon power utilities policies and regulations to improve the energy efficiency of power plants and increase the use of renewable energy sources. They can also impose upon their citizens measures such as proper segregation of wastes so as to prevent the burning of materials that contribute to global warming. They can also reward citizens who are innovative enough in coming up with new ways of helping to curb global warming. Policy makers can also promote and support bills that pertain to regulating activities that contribute to global warming. These bills for example may include those that will protect rainforests and more severe punishments for illegal loggers. They can also consider passing legislations such as those that encourage the development of new and alternative technologies that will replace technologies that worsen global warming. Electricity consumers should opt to buying electricity that is generated from renewable sources. They can also help in reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that accumulate in the atmosphere by utilizing lesser energies. They can do this by investing in highly efficient, energy- saving appliances.   Educators can instill in their students the value of protecting the environment, giving their students the necessary knowledge why global warming is a problem and provide them with the necessary skills to help mitigate the situation such as giving them the basic knowledge on the proper waste segregation and waste disposal. Even ordinary citizens can help by engaging in activities that help curb the situation. These activities may include proper disposal of wastes. Planting trees in the backyard can help such that trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas from the air. People can reduce energy utilization by using public transport and car pooling; switching off appliances instead of leaving them on stand by; and patronizing recycled products or doing the practice of reducing, reusing and recycling of waste and other unnecessary materials. More importantly, they can encourage others to have the same conviction in helping to mitigate global warming. Conclusion Global warming is a pressing problem faced not only by a number of communities and a few countries but faced by the whole of mankind. It is a global problem such that its impacts can negatively affect the environment, economy and even the wellbeing and safety of mankind. As such, it is best that man himself should do something to help mitigate the situation. References Global warming. (2006). In Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9037044 Global Warming Fears for Crops. (2005, November 30). The Journal (Newcastle, England), p. 43. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5011583331 Johansen, B. E. (2002). The Global Warming Desk Reference. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=101544284 Warren, Luke. (2005, December/2006, January). Global Warming and Hurricanes. Mother Earth News. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from http://www.search.eb.com/magazine/article?query=global%20warmingid=3minGrade=maxGrade=