Introduction
Global warming is perhaps one of the most critical issues of the 21st century. Scientific evidence suggests that climate change is taking place alarmingly. Subsequently, the temperature of the earth is on the rise. In fact, the activities that are carried out by humans contribute to climate change to a large extent (Gunster & Shane, pp. 137). Beyond any doubt, it carries harmful effects for the planet. Therefore, scientists can foresee further damaging results in the years to come. In this regard, the major causes include greenhouse gas emissions from the power plant, cars, and other man-made sources. The greenhouse gases serve like a sheet that blocks the heat of the sun near earth, which impacts climate system (Schuur et.al, pp. 171). Carbon dioxide is included in these emissions. It is the main greenhouse gas and has climbed up to the level which hasn’t been observed for hundreds of thousands of years(Schuur et.al, pp. 172). Sunlight gives warmth to the earth by passing through the atmosphere and it is then absorbed by the earth but carbon dioxide blocks the sunlight to reach the surface of the earth.
Discussion
Identification
Although, trees and oceans on our planet absorb greenhouse gases but the extra emissions caused by human activities is affecting the planet unpleasantly (Schuur et.al, pp. 172). The population of the earth is around seven billion. This growing population results in more human activities that involve emissions which causes further climate change (Palgrave & Macmillan, pp. 45). Greenhouses gases is a composition of groups that actually catches the heat radiation in the atmosphere that keeps the surface of earth warmer than the normal warmth without those gases. Actually, these gases are the primary reason for the greenhouse effect. These compounds are made up of three or more atoms. Further, their molecular structure helps them to absorb gases and then re-emits to earth. This re-emission increases the temperature of the earth. The greenhouse gas can enter our atmosphere in two ways. In this connection, the main source is human activities that involve excessive livestock farming, industrial processes, cutting down trees, burning, a fossil fuel, synthetic fertilizers. Whereas, plant and animal respiration are the other two source.
In fact, Human contribution in terms of global warming is huge. In this regard, scientists believe that human activities add more than 104% of global warming. However, volcanoes have caused little bit cooling during the past 50 years. As science had established in 1960 that smoking causes cancer. Similarly, human activities are causing cancer to the planet in the form of global warming. So, what’s the evidence?The research in this regard is based on physically related lines of evidence and these are as follows. The burning of carbon-based materials causes the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). The accounting is simple i.e. what we burn and as a result, how much carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted, this data collection began in the 1970s. Measurement of carbon dioxide: carbon-based materials emit carbon dioxide (CO2) when we burn them (research began in the 1900s).
Measurement of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and caught into ice to find out as to how much it is increasing and that the levels are high in comparison with a thing we’ve witnessed in hundreds of thousands of years (Wada et.al, pp. 603). This measurement began in the 1950s. Chemical analysis of CO2 in the atmosphere show that the burning fossil fuels are causing the increase (Gunster & Shane, pp 137). Also, the basic physics tells us that heat is absorbed by CO2(research began in the 1820s). Evaluating the conditions of climate to assess that recent global warming is interlinked and it also follows increasing carbon dioxide emission(research began in the 1930s). Keeping away the natural factors that may cause climate change like the ocean cycles and sun(research began in the 1830s). The inclusion of computer systems to perform tests of natural versus human based stimulation (this research began in the 1960s).
Key Points
In the year 2015, the greenhouse gas index was 1.37 (Cai et.al, pp. 132). This represents that radiative forcing increased by 37 percent (warming influence) since 1990.
Among all of the greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide has the largest share in terms of radiative forces since 1990 (Wada et.al, pp. 137). Also, it continues to grow steadily. Thirty percent increase in radiative forces has been contributed by carbon dioxide alone since 1990. Although the overall Annual Greenhouse Gas index is rising continuously. However, the rate of its increase has come down slightly considering 1990 as a baseline year. This change took place largely because the methane concentration increase rate has been slow in recent times. It also happened as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) concentrations have been decreasing because the production of CFCs has been discontinued at international level as they cause harm to the ozone layer.
Greenhouse gases produced as a result of human activities caused an overall warming effect on the climate of the earth since 1750. In this regard, carbon dioxide has been the biggest source, followed by black carbon and methane. Although aerosol pollution with certain other activities has produced cooling, the overall result is that human activities are mainly responsible for warming the earth.
Effects
How does a change in climate affect the world? Climate change that causes a slight increase in the temperature of the earth can have serious repercussions. The average temperature of our earth has increased up to 1.4° F since 1880 and potentially it can go up to 11.5° F. The current and further increase in earth’s temperature caused by climate change may affect human life. In this connection, the above figure may not sound too much yet the average temperature in the last Ice age was approximately 4º F lower as compared to today. Sea levels are rising due to the fact that polar ice caps are melting and it can cause greater storm damage; increasing temperatures of oceans are connected to frequent and stronger storms, more rainfalls, especially during extreme weather conditions lead to flood and other damaging factors. Actually, heat waves can cause deaths and they could be severely damaging to health. The intensity of wildfire and increase in incidence are threatening to homes, lives, and habitats.
In addition, heavy rains during extreme weather conditions lead to flooding and other damage; an increase in the incidence and severity of the wildfires threatens habitats, homes, and lives. Also, heat waves can cause human deaths and other consequences.
Concerns of a minority group
Although there is a consensus among all scientific organizations, governments and scientists that climate change is taking effect at large and human activity is mainly responsible for this change but some people doubt about it and question about the authenticity of this point. They are of the view that though climate change occurs due to human activities but calamities such as hurricane etc. are not caused by human activities rather they are still a natural disaster that takes many lives and render people homeless. However, years of research and data analysis have shown that generally human activities are responsible for climate change and economist believe that reduction in burning fossil fuel is easier than facing the consequences of climate change.
Proposed Solutions
The whole series of events as a result of global warming may destroy ecosystems, disturb weather patterns and a number of other factors. We can all make a contribution to reducing global warming by replacing regular light bulbs with CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs as the consumption of energy is less in this case as compared to ordinary bulbs. Also, they have a long lifetime. Further, by avoiding unnecessary driving, not only fuel is saved but also it ensures our part in reducing global warming. In this regard, carpooling is also another option. If colleagues reside in the same area then one car can be used. Local markets should be approached by using cycle or through the walk. Reduce, Reuse and recycle being another strategy that results in the smaller amount of waste, which means less pollution and saving environment.
The oil and gasoline are the biggest pollution-emitting sources. Therefore, cutting consumption is a positive step towards reducing energy wastes. This is why they both are the great form of exercise. Giving preference to the solar i.e. installation of solar panels is the option that could serve as global warming reducing agent. Also, the products with a lot of packaging should be avoided, the customer should prefer to buy less packaging. In case you purchase products with a lot of packaging eventually you’ll have to throw the waste items in the garbage, it will then contribute to filling the landfill sites which adds to the pollution in the environment. For further betterment. we should also convince others not to buy such products as it’ll cause further problems to the environment. When consumption is less, the less amount of carbon dioxide will be released into the atmosphere. Right settings of thermostat using smartphones or using the right type of light bulb is a great move towards reducing global warming.
Spread the Awareness: we all should play our part to create awareness among people with regard to global warming and its effects. We should make them aware as to how they can contribute to reducing the global warming effect from the environment.
Governments Role
The govt. plays an instrumental role in the climate-changing solution. In the next few years, the US should develop the need for clean energy economy. In this regard, minimizing the dependency on fossil fuel is also vital. Other policies that have been successful are a carbon tax for the purpose of cutting down emissions but it’s not a very viable solution for individuals with low income as they cannot adopt eco-friendly alternatives in households. Also, California started a cap and trade strategy in 2013. The objective of this program was to reduce to harmful effect of greenhouse emissions and it has seen success. Further, collaboration among professional to seek global warming solution is also imperative. Experts from various fields like sociology, economics, govt. and climate expert together can come up with suitable remedies in order to save the planet from harmful greenhouse emissions. Also, a campaign led by govt. to plant trees in large numbers will serve the purpose more effectively.
Conclusions
Global warming is threatening overall world’s environment in different ways. The rising temperature of the earth may be further devastating in the future in terms of environment and human health. In general, many factors contribute to global warming but human activities remain the major cause of global warming. Also, scientists are predicting severe consequences in the decades to come. Mainly, the reason for the rise in earth’s temperature is greenhouses gases. In this regard, carbon dioxide is the major contributor. However, black carbon and methane are the other factors to contribute towards warming the globe. The rising level of the sea can trigger storms. Although, oceans and trees absorb carbon dioxide human activities cause extra emissions that are extremely harmful to the environment. There should be an international political solution to this global warming challenge.
Works Cited
Bonan, Gordon. Ecological climatology: concepts and applications. Cambridge University Press, 2015.
Cai, Wenju, et al. “Increased frequency of extreme La Niña events under greenhouse warming.” Nature Climate Change5.2 (2015): 132-137.
Dietz, Simon, and Nicholas Stern. “Endogenous growth, convexity of damage and climate risk: how Nordhaus’ framework supports deep cuts in carbon emissions.” The Economic Journal 125.583 (2015): 574-620.
Gunster, Shane. “This changes everything: Capitalism vs the climate.” (2017): 136-138.
Karl, Thomas R., et al. “Possible artifacts of data biases in the recent global surface warming hiatus.” Science (2015): aaa5632.
Pachauri, Rajendra K., et al. Climate change 2014: synthesis report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the fifth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. IPCC, 2014.
Schuur, E. A. G., et al. “Climate change and the permafrost carbon feedback.” Nature 520.7546 (2015): 171-179.
Seinfeld, John H., and Spyros N. Pandis. Atmospheric chemistry and physics: from air pollution to climate change. John Wiley & Sons, 2016.
Urry, John. “Climate change and society.” Why the social sciences matter. Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2015. 45-59.
Wada, Ryuichi, et al. “In situ measurement of CO2 and water vapor isotopic compositions at a forest site using mid-infrared laser absorption spectroscopy.” Isotopes in environmental and health studies 52.6 (2016): 603-618.
