GLOBAL WARMING

OUTLINE:

What Is Global Warming?

Indicators of Global Warming

Climate History Of The Earth

Present Scenario Of Global Warming

Causes Of Global Warming

Burning Of Coal
Appetite For Globally sourced goods
Release Of Methane
Use Of Forests For Fuel
Use Of Chemical Fertilizers

Effects Of Global Warming

Increase In Sea Levels

Hurricanes And Cyclones
Shortages Of Food And Water
Extinction Of Species
Coral Reefs Will Collapse
More Diseases

 Steps Taken By The World Community

Earth Summit
Copenhagen Conference
Kyoto Protocol
UN Environmental Program
Asian Development Bank Program

Suggestions

Conclusion

ESSAY:

The Earth is a generous mother, she will provide in plentiful abundance food for all
her children if they will but cultivate her soil in justice and in peace.
-Bourke Coekran

Global warming refers to the sustained increase in the average temperature of the
earths atmosphere. In simple words, the phenomenon of warming of the planet
Earth is known as global warming.

The chief indicators of the global warming are as under:

Ozone Depletion
Greenhouse effect
Burning of Fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas which release greenhouse
gases in the atmosphere.
Rapid industrialisation
Motor vehicle exhaust

The climate history of the earth has always fluctuated. There have been Ice Ages as
well as the periods of great warmth, like when dinosaurs roamed the planet. So why
is everyone concerned about the climate change now? Firstly, this changing climate
is man-made. Secondly, the rate and speed at which the climate is changing has
never occurred before. The climate used to change over a period of thousands of
years. Scientists generally agree that the Earths surface has warmed by about 1
degree Fahrenheit in the past 140 years. A recent report predicts that the global
temperature could rise between 1 degree Celsius and 6 degree Celsius by the ends
of this century. That is some serious warming.

One of the biggest issues we are facing now is global warming. Its effects on
animals on animals and on agriculture are needed frightening. The effects on the
human population are even scarier. The facts about global warming are often
debated. But unfortunately, even if we disagree about the causes, global warming
effects are real, global and measurable. Lets first discuss the causes of global
warming and then its effects on the globe.

Our ever increasing addiction to electricity from coal burning power plants release
enormous amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. 40% of US CO2 emissions come
from electricity production. Burning of coal accounts for 93% of emissions from the
electric utility industry. Every day, more electric gadgets flood the markets. Without
widespread alternative energy sources, we are highly dependent on burning coal for
our personal and commercial electrical supply.

Our modern car culture and appetite for globally sourced goods is responsible for
about 33% of emissions. With our population growing at an alarming rate, the
demand for more cars and consumer goods is increasing. It means that we are
increasing the use of fossil fuels for transportation and manufacturing. Our
consumption is outpacing our discoveries of ways to mitigate the effects. There is
no end in sight to our massive consumer culture.

Methane is another extremely potent greenhouse gas. When organic matter is

broken down by bacteria under oxygen-starved conditions (anaerobic
decomposition) as in rice paddies, methane is produced. The process also takes
place in the intestine of herbivorous animals. With the increase in the amount of
concentrated livestock production, the level of methane released into the
atmosphere is increasing.

The use of forests for fuel, both wood and for charcoal is another major cause of
global warming. Our appetite for wood and paper products contributes to the mass
deforestation. Forests remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it. But this
deforestation is causing the release of large amounts of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere and the warming of the Earth.

In the last half of the 20th century, the use of chemical fertilizers has risen
dramatically. The high rate of application of nitrogen-rich fertilizers has effects on
the heat storage of cropland. Nitrogen oxides have 300 times more heat-trapping
capacity per unit of volume than CO2. In addition to this, high nitrate levels in
groundwater due to over-fertilization are the cause for concern for human health.

The effects of global warming are:

Scientists predict an increase in sea levels worldwide due to the melting of two
massive ice sheets in Antarctic and Greenland, especially on the East Coast of the
US. However, many nations around the world will experience the effects of rising
sea-levels, which could displace millions.

The security of storms such as hurricanes and cyclones is increasing. Scientists

have come up with the foremost evidence so far that global warming will
significantly increase in the intensity of the most extreme storms worldwide.

According to recent research, there is a 90% chance that 3 billion people worldwide
will have to choose between moving their families to milder climates and going
hungry due to climate change within 100 years. Climate change is expected to have
the most severe impact on water supplies. Shortage in future is likely to threaten
food production, reduce sanitation, and hinder economic development and damage
ecosystems.

Rising temperatures could lead to the extinction of more than a million species. And
because we cant exist without a diverse population of species on Earth, this is
scary news for humans.

A report on coral reefs from WWF says that in a worst case scenario, coral
populations will collapse by 2100 due to increased temperatures and ocean
acidification. The bleaching of corals from small but prolonged rises in sea

temperature is a severe danger for ocean ecosystems. It is because many other

species in the oceans rely on coral reefs for their survival.

The most direct effect of climate change would be on health. Global warming could
mean more cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, high mortality due to increased
heat etc. global warming in expected to expand the favourable zone for vectors
carrying infectious diseases such as dengue fever. It could also lead to insect-borne
disease in Britain and Europe.

The world community has become fully aware of the hazardous effects of pollution,
CFCs, greenhouse gases and global warming. Many steps have been taken and
more steps are to be taken to combat pollution and the release of greenhouse gases
in the atmosphere in order to reduce the risks caused by global warming. Following
are some major steps taken by the world community for combating the problems of
global warming.

The Earth Summit was held at Rio-de-Janario, Brazil in 1992. It was sponsored by
United Nations Organization. The focal point of this summit was to combat pollution
and global warming. It was attended by almost head of every state. This summit
took some concrete steps but the USA opposed it.
The Earth summit was followed by Copenhagen Conference, held at Denmark. This
conference discussed the issue of global warming and took some steps to reduce
the emission of CFCs in the atmosphere.

Kyoto Protocol is the name given to the decisions taken by the meeting of the
representatives of several countries regarding global warming and CFCs. It was held
at Kyoto, Japan and produced an agreement, known as Kyoto Protocol. Following
decisions were taken:

The industrialized countries should reduce their emission of CFCs by 2012 to an

average of 5% below 1990 levels.

The industries that release excessive CO2 must be stopped.

The release of CFCs must be minimized and all appliances and industries that
cause to release CFCs must be banned.

Besides these steps UN has also started UN Environmental Program and Asian
Development Bank has also taken some steps for controlling global warming.
Our climate is changing: fresh water reserves, fish stocks, forests are shrinking,
fertile land is being destroyed and many species are becoming extinct. In order to
prevent the worse consequences and to continue to thrive on this planet, there is
dire need to balance our population with available resources as well as to reduce
our consumption of goods, energy and other resources. This applies not only to the
rich countries, but also the rich people living in poor countries. Our habit of constant
consumption is ultimately going to cost us more than we can pay for. We must
transform the way we produce and consume products and services. We must start
taking actions now. Here are some suggestions/solutions:

Investing in renewable energy (wind solar)

Plant more trees.
Build more cool cities projects.
Save electricity and power
Use public transportation
Eat more organically grown food.
Recycle material
Re-think

To conclude, as far as the facts tell us, we have lavishly used the natural resources
of our planet. Now, we need to stop before the complete destruction of natural
resources. We must take necessary measures not only on individual, but also at
large international levels. But the fact remains that we are all responsible for
making a difference individually. We all eat, drink, throw out wastes and burn out
natural resources on individual basis everyday an everywhere of our lives. So, why
not take responsibility to save the planet individually as well.

It is a good thing that the governments and large international organizations have
heard the alarming bell. Laws are being formed and enforced for large organizations
to refrain from polluting environment. Bans are being imposed on cutting more trees
than required. But measures have to be taken on individual basis as well as to send
message loud and clear. Save the planet for present and future generation. Do not
wait for miracle. We are the ones who will work the miracle. The planet itself is a
miracle. Lets marvel at its beauty and preserve it.