Global Warming (Article Sample)

Global Warming: A Looming Crisis Harzel Omodia Karatina University Global Warming: A Looming Crisis Introduction Global warming, a term that has gained significant attention in recent years, refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature mainly influenced by human activities. This essay explores the causes, effects, and the pressing need for action to address this environmental menace. Causes of Global Warming Global warming is primarily effected by the greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons form a “blanket” over the earth’s atmosphere thereby preventing dissipation of heat and elevating the temperatures. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation (Data, n.d.-b) industrial processes, and agricultural supplements e.g. organic fertilizers are the major contributors to greenhouse gases. The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production is a major contributor to CO2 emissions (Deziel,2019) Effects of Global Warming The effects of climate change have extensive and significant implications. A major visible consequence is the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, leading to rising sea levels. This phenomenon poses a remarkable threat to low-lying coastal regions and island nations. Additionally, global warming is associated with an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and heavy rainfall, causing damage to infrastructure and agriculture (IPCC — Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, n.d.). Ecosystems and biodiversity are also at risk due to global warming. Many species are struggling to adapt to rapidly changing environments, leading to population declines and, in some cases, extinction (Living Planet Report 2022, n.d.). Climate changes can disrupt ecosystems, affecting the distribution and behaviour of plants and animals such as polar bears, with cascading impacts on food chains and ecosystems (“CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE,” 2022). Rising temperatures have resulted in the emigration of Adelie penguins from Antarctica in search of cooler places. Other species such as mosquitoes and ticks are however thriving in such environments. The population of bark beetles, that feed on pine trees, have increased tremendously in forested areas. A Call for Action Addressing global warming is urgent, necessitating collective action. Governments worldwide, as seen in the (Climate Change Regulatory Initiatives | Climate Change | US EPA, n.d.-b) new carbon pollution standards, must enact policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reforestation are critical. Industries should adopt sustainable practices and clean technologies. Individuals play a vital role through energy reduction, waste minimization, and sustainable choices. (“The Science, Economics, and Politics of Global Climate Change: A Review of ‘the Climate Casino’ by William Nordhaus on JSTOR,” n.d.). Conclusion Ultimately, global warming is a critical environmental challenge driven by human activities. It has far-reaching...