Essay on "Global Warming"

Essay 9 pages (2371 words) Sources: 4

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Another human activity is deforestation by which the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is increased. When animal waste is left unprocessed, it releases methane gas. Human beings also contribute in increasing cattle production by livestock breeding and this as a result not only causes deforestation but also produces methane gas. Last but not the least, the use of fossil fuels also contributes to global warming ("Global Warming," 2009).

Statement 2: Global Warming is Not Caused by Human Actions.

The scientific facts mentioned underneath indicate that the human activities are responsible for the recent issue of global warming.

1. CO2 (a greenhouse gas) is responsible for warming the atmosphere.

2. The atmospheric CO2 concentrations have rose from about 280 parts per million (ppm) to over 380 parts per million.

3. Measurements taken independently show that the increased CO2 in the atmosphere is a result of burning fossil fuels and forests.

4. Global average temperatures have experienced an increase of approximately 0.7°C. Most of the global warming has occurred over the past few decades (Wang & Chameides, 2007).

However, many researchers and environmentalists are of the opinion that the recent global warming is not caused by human activities but due to natural fluctuations (Wang & Chameides, 2007). The following discussion would argue the stated observations and point out the fallacies in them.

Argument 1: CO2 is not producing due to human activities

CO2 originates from natural sources such as volcanoes. It is used by all the animals for exhalation. Therefore, it is not logical to say that human activities are responsible for affecting its concentration in the atmosphere. The facts behind this phenomenon are clear. Not only the natural processes are releasing large quantities of CO2but they are also removing it simultaneously from the atmosphere. The nature has balanced and maintained this phenomenon since the beginning of universe (Wang & Chameides, 2007).

Argument 2: There is no known reason behind the climatic variance

Since the times unknown, the planet Earth has experienced a considerable fluctuation in the global climate. Scientists claim that this inconsistency is either due to internal variability in the climate system or there may be unidentified reasons behind it. Therefore, it is still not known how the climate system causes the present global warming (Wang & Chameides, 2007).

Argument 3: The Medieval Warm Period Contradicts Global Warming

The current warming trend can be compared with the Medieval Warming Period (a relatively warm period lasting from about the 10th to the 14th century). As MWP was crystal clearly an event occurred due to natural processes, the current warming is also likely to be caused by them (Wang & Chameides, 2007).

Argument 4: Recent Predictions Regarding a New Ice Age Also Invalidates Global Warming

The scientists and the climatologists In the 1970s said that they could see a forthcoming ice age. After several decades, the scientific community now claims that the Earth is warming. Thus, the scientists are not themselves sure what kind of catastrophe is to be faced by the Blue Planet (Wang & Chameides, 2007).

Argument 5: Scientists Cannot Provide Evidence that the Current Warming is Unnatural

After endless endeavors and costing millions of dollars in research regarding the Global Warming, climatologists and scientists are still unsuccessful in providing evidence that the current Earth's warming is not due to natural processes. They are not sure whether human interference is the sole cause of global warming or not (Wang & Chameides, 2007).

Conclusion

The latest research demonstrates that the warming of the climate "will not be as harmful as we once thought it might be" (Mendelsohn, 1999, p. 1). No one can possibly put a stop to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the Earth would continue to experience warming. However, the consequences of warming vary from country to country and they impose different controls (Mendelsohn, 1999, p. 3).

It has become increasingly clear after recent global change research that the only way to avoid global warming and to reduce its worst effects is to bring all the processes to a standstill that cause it. If better control over anthropogenic production of dust, smoke and gases is put into effect then prevailing environmental problems like acid rain, atmospheric turbidity, greenhouse effect, ozone depletion and global warming could all be diminished. Global warming can also be reduced if the energy sources are reassessed to reduce the fossil fuel use. If energy efficiency is improved then it would surely result in a clean and clearer atmosphere (D.Kemp, 1994, p. 179).

To cut a long story short, global warming must be reduced and avoided by taking all the necessary steps and every individual must realize that he/she has a responsibility towards the environment which should never be ignored.

References

Global Warming. (2009). In The Columbia Encyclopedia (6th ed.). New York: Columbia University Press. Retrieved May 3, 2012, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=117020655

Kemp, D. (1994). Global Environmental Issues: A Climatological Approach. New York: Routledge. Retrieved May 3, 2012, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=103862512

Mendelsohn, R. (1999). The Greening of Global Warming. Washington, D.C.: AEI Press. Retrieved May 4, 2012, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=97578046

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