Global warming first emerged as a cause of global concern in the 1980's, a result of the apparent rise in

global temperatures, believed to be due to human activities, such as burning of fossil fuels and destruction of
forests. There is debate as to whether global warming exists, as it could merely be another example of
changes in temperature the world has seen over millions of years.

It is important to distinguish global warming from the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a
naturally occurring phenomenon, without which human life would not exist on the earth.

Causes of global warming

Many greenhouses gases exist naturally, and it is human actions that are increasing their concentrations
within the lower atmosphere. It is believed that as the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
increases, the amount of long-wave (infra-red) radiation in the lower atmosphere also increases, thus
raising temperatures.

The table below outlines the major sources of greenhouses gases:

Way it increases global

Gas: Source: Use:
warming:

Absorbs limited Water vapour and clouds are

Water Oceans, lakes, rivers, reservoirs. Humans have
outgoing responsible for nearly 98% of the
vapour little impact upon levels.
radiation. natural greenhouse effect.
 Burning of fossil fuels, and forests, breathing Absorption of
Carbon
animals, less produced by southern long wave Approximately 50%.
dioxide
hemisphere (less land). radiation.

Much from break down of organic matter by

Methane
bacteria (rice paddy fields) cows, swamps As above. Approximately 18%.
(CH4)
marshes.

Naturally from some oxygen atoms. Ozone in Filters short

Ozone the troposphere is due to chemical reactions wave UV Difficult to estimate.
between sunlight and agents of pollution. radiation.

25%, but increasing due to ability

CFCs Fridges and aerosols. to survive within the atmosphere
for 100 years.

Absorption of
Nitrous Nitrate fertilisers, transport and power stations
long wave Approximately 6%.
oxide (combustion).
radiation.

Positive and negative effects

It is important to remember that whilst most publicity concentrates on the negative side of global warming it
will undoubtedly have some positive consequences.

Impact
Effect: Consequence (-): Consequence (+):
on:

More money needed to fight

Malaria and cholera increase,
Health disease, strain on medical
due to temperature increase.
services, rise in death rate.

Canadian Prairies could become

Shifting flora and fauna to Spread of pests and disease,
major wheat growing belt. Areas
Vegetation different areas. Extinction of alteration in crop yields, may
able to grow different crops, for
some species. increase food shortages.
example, citrus fruits in the UK.

Weather More extreme climates in Unknown at present. Unknown at present.

inland locations. More
 frequent and devastating
hurricanes.

Sea temperatures increase, Changes in number of fish

Increase in fish stocks in certain
Ocean sea levels rise, shift in ocean stocks and their location will
areas.
currents. impact the fish industry.

Reduced snow cover in some Extended summer season in some

Landscape areas. Glaciers melt in Rise in sea levels. landscapes due to higher
Antarctica. temperatures, increasing revenue.

Reduction of wetland areas,

Great pressure on water Increased awareness of water
as precipitation is reduced. In
Hydrology supplies. Problems for HEP conservation measures, less water
some places river flooding
schemes and irrigation. wastage.
may increase.

Reduction of areas suitable

Increased population densities Forced movement of population from
for human habitation, for
Population increase possibility of disease densely populated coastal areas, to
example. lowland
and malnutrition. interior locations.
Bangladesh.

Location of jet stream may Better forecasting needed to

alter. Depressions may shift warn people of approaching More accurate weather forecasting
Climate
south, causing them to be storms. Insurance premiums developed.
more intense. will increase.

The most difficult task when creating agreements on reducing global warming is gaining international co-
operation and agreement on the best measures to take. LEDC's are keen to utilise their own reserves of fossil
fuels, to gain valuable revenue, and do not have the finances (or desire) to put into place expensive measures
that may reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions

 Switch from use of fossil fuels to 'greener' sources of energy, for example, renewable energy such as wind
power, nuclear power, HEP.
 Increase tariffs on industry for emitting greenhouses gases, or price fuels so that their cost reflects the impacts
that they have on the environment.
 Increase double-glazing and insulation in buildings to increase energy efficiency.
 Limit the amount and rate of deforestation by provision of relevant management strategies.
 Replant trees.
 Make greater use of gas rather than coal and oil due to its greater energy efficiency.
 Invest more money into public transport and increasing fuel efficiency of cars, for example.

Advantages of the approaches

1. Changing to nuclear power is one of the fastest ways of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
2. Difficult to enforce effectively. Fines often mean little to large industries.
3. In the UK government legislation already exists, and new buildings now have a minimum of 20% increase in
their energy efficiency.
4. Can work well if advice is given in conjunction with indigenous populations.
5. Would reduce soil erosion, and absorb carbon dioxide.
6. In the UK the aim is to keep carbon dioxide emissions at 1990 levels and this depends on substitution of gas
for coal and oil.
7. Fossil fuels would be the most expensive fuel, therefore reducing their use. Car companies are already
investigating more energy efficient fuels and energy sources.

Disadvantages of the approaches

1. Much concern exists over the safety of nuclear power, especially after the Chernobyl accident. Disposal of
nuclear waste is problematic and the construction of new power stations is highly expensive.
2. Encourages a more mindful approach to the environment.
3. Difficult to oversee on a large scale.
4. Implementation is difficult, especially when the destruction is widespread as in Amazonia.
5. Tree growth is very slow and it would take many decades to replace the trees lost through deforestation.
6. There would be a need to construct many more power stations.
7. Encouraging people to use public transport if highly problematic, especially for those living in rural areas.

In the widest sense there are a variety of approaches that can be taken to global warming, but without large
scale international co-operation the problem is likely to worsen before it improves.

The evidence that exists for global warming is far from conclusive and it is important to examine all the
evidence before reaching a conclusion.