Is Global Warming Man-Made? (Essay Sample)

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Is Global Warming Man-Made?
Global warming is still questioned by many whether it is man-made. Global median temperatures have risen .74oC over the past 100 years, and this heating has caused a decline in glacier and snow cover in both hemispheres of the planet (Borunda). Some persist in saying that this rising level of temperature is only cyclical, and will soon be followed by a gradual decrease in planetary temperature leading to an ice age. However, as difficult as it may be to completely attribute the rise in temperature to human activity, it is certain that the superposition of man’s actions on the possible cyclical flow of climate has created the potential to wipe great amounts of life off of the planet.
An argument against the statement that the sun is responsible for influencing the cyclical rise and fall of the Earth’s temperatures, a study was undergone concluding that man-made greenhouse gases outdid the Sun by a factor of ten in responsibility for temperature rises (Rosenthal). Internationally, so much agreement on the human causation of global warming has taken place that since 1997, 172 nations have ratified the Kyoto Treaty, which creates limitations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Humans have factored into the warming of the atmosphere. Evidence can be found in the change in air's carbon dioxide content. In 2005, the atmosphere was 379 parts per million, while the natural range over the last 650,000 years is 180 to 300 parts per million ("Greenhouse Gases' Effect On Climate - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)"). The boom began with the Industrial Revolution, before which the atmosphere averaged 280 parts CO2 per million. Here it is evident that the use of carbon-based fossil fuels has driven the great rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Anderson).
The use of chlorofluorocarbons such as haloalkanes in refrigerators, fire extinguishers, and aerosol spray cans has contributed to the increasing size of the hole in the ozone layer. Without the ozone layer, protection from the sun’s potentially-harmful heat is decreased, contributing to the greenhouse gas effect ("Greenhouse Gases' Effect On Climate - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)"). Thinness in ozone protection can also contribute to skin cancer increases due to less protection from ultraviolet rays.
Many are hesitant about the expenses going into researching solutions for global warming – such pessimists have given up hope, what has happened is irreversible because humans will naturally always take the easiest path to greatest gain. Consumers generally do not see prioritize environmental effects over monetary factors, and this may ultimately lead to the planet's demise. However, such efforts as the one started by Al Gore with his film "An Inconvenient Truth" may be fundamental in triggering a new movement in favor of environmentalism; what may finally be needed is for environmentalism to be fashionable and "cool." While reversing the effects of global warming may have a bleak outlook, mitigating its effects may be man’s only option for sustainability.
What the USA should do to reduce global warming?
To curb global warming the US needs to start building cleaner cars and more modern electricity generators, increase the reliance on renewable energy sources, and conserve energy. With advancements in modern technology, there needs to be a production of building cleaner cars and more modern electricity generators (Biello). Cost-effective technologies to reduce global warming pollution from cars and light trucks of all sizes are available now. There is no reason to wait and hope that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will solve the problem in the future. Hybrid gas-electric engines can cut global warming pollution by one-third or more today; hybrid sedans, SUVs and trucks, from several automakers, are already on the market (Biello). If there is evidence that Hybrid gas-electric engines can benefit the environment, why are companies’ still building engines that are harmful to the atmosphere? Is it because it is cheaper to make a cylinder engine, which causes pollution with the consumption of gasoline? Many companies in the automobile and energy industries put pressure on the White House and Congress to halt or delay new laws or regulations -- or even to stop enforcing existing rules -- that would drive such changes. From requiring catalytic converters to improving gas mileage, car companies have fought even the smallest measure to protect public health and the environment. Americans should demand progress if they want it to be made.
To contribute to the effort of curbing global warming, humans need to use more renewable energy sources by implementing them into our everyday lives. For example, instead of using generated electricity, solar panels can be used to provide electricity for factories and homes. These sources of renewable energy can be the solution to the world's depleting ozone layer, but only if we put them to proper use. With proper use, energy will no longer be acquired from natural gases, oil or coal, but from solar panels and wind turbines.
Simply the US should combat global warming by reducing pollution from vehicles and power plants. Right away, we should put existing technologies for building cleaner cars and more modern electricity generators into widespread use. Reliance on renewable energy sources such as wind, sun and geothermal should be increased (Biello). The cost of combating global warming will be high. Most of it including foregoing the use of fossil fuels as a source of energy. But the benefits, however, will be great by securing a world that has a future. More benefits