Global Warming

Global warming may well be the most threatening problem to the earth today.
Not only does it contribute to the melting of the ice caps, but also to the
endangerment of many species and climates around the world, and it’s not just a
risk for the environment. Global warming takes a tremendous toll on the economy as
well. Tourist islands will loose their appeal when the dunes erode and sea levels
rise. People whose living depends on fishing and farming will loose business too.
Significant flooding and droughts inflict costly damage to towns and cities, while
heat and insect related diseases could dramatically increase. Global warming is a
huge threat to the whole planet. In order to diminish its harmful effects, we must
take action now.

Global Warming is a gradual increase in the earth’s surface temperature,

caused by the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the
earth’s atmosphere. The greenhouse effect occurs when the sun’s heat is trapped
within the earth’s atmosphere. Greenhouse gases (such as CO2) act as a blanket and
trap more heat when they are in abundance. It has the effect of a greenhouse, but
on a MUCH larger scale. Statistics show that global warming has been and is
currently occurring. Carbon dioxide concentrations are now higher than any time
during the past 650,000 years (which is as far back as measurements go), and over
the past 50 years, the average global temperature has increased at the fastest
rate in recorded history! In 2003, 30,000 deaths in Europe and 2500 deaths in
India were caused by the heat waves. 2005 was the warmest year on record since
atmospheric temperatures have been measured! The warmer weather has had a
startling effect on the colder climates as well. Since 1979, the arctic sea ice
has been shrinking by about 9% per decade. Polar bears are drowning because of the
lack of thick ice, and seagulls were spotted for the first time at the north pole
in 2000. At its current rate of melting, the snow on Mt. Kilimanjaro may be gone
in 2020. The disappearance of cold climates could threaten many species, and
drastically increase the number of insects in the world, leading to further
sickness and disease.

Humans are said to be the cause of global warming. We have contributed

greatly to the large amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere by clearing forests, driving
cars, burning fuels, and countless other ways. Although some people still do not
believe in the phenomenon, it has been scientifically proven that CO2 levels are
dangerously high; out of the earth’s reoccurring pattern of ice ages and warming
periods. As if to take the blame off us, there are those who alter the scenario,
such as the sun’s heat rising in temperature; but the evidence is overwhelming. We
need to make a change now. This problem remains because we have been talking about
the possibility of global warming for a while, but we have done little about it.
If we wanted to stop the problem completely, we needed to address it clearly many
years ago. Now it is late in the save and we cannot entirely stop global warming.
But there are many ways in which we can help slow down the effects, and perhaps
try and reverse them.

Any of the following solutions could help slow down the process of global
warming, and ensure a longer life for this planet. One possible answer is using
renewable energies such as wind, solar, geothermal, and bioenergy. These energies
would decrease the amount of carbon dioxide emitted, and they are better overall
for the environment. We would also be conserving resources because these energies
have a renewable supply. Another solution is to reduce the use of cars and trucks,
while manufacturing more fuel-efficient vehicles. Almost a quarter of annual US
emissions of CO2 are caused by motor vehicles. To fix this, we need to increase
the fuel efficiency of cars. Not just to reduce CO2 emissions, but also to save
billions of dollars on fuel. In this way, we would lessen our dependency on
foreign fuels. Another key to environmentally-friendly vehicles are renewable
fuels. Like renewable energy, these would help decrease pollution as well as save
resources and money. By promoting public transportation, we can also diminish the
amount of driving. Another solution is to protect threatened forests, and manage
them in better ways. When forests are burned or cleared, the carbon (which is the
base for CO2) stored in them is released into the atmosphere. Tropical
deforestation accounts for about 20% of all human-caused CO2 emissions each year.
Trees also take in carbon dioxide to use in photosynthesis. When a large amount of
trees are gone, the carbon dioxide that they would have used is in the atmosphere.
By lengthening the time between harvests of some forests, letting older trees
remain standing, and of course protecting forests, we could help decrease CO2
emissions drastically. Any solution would take a good plan of action and a smart
twist in technology. By addressing the facts and educating people about global
warming, people should start trying to contribute ideas and time into a solution.

All of the solutions are important and should be started right away, but
renewable energy seems the most logical. This is the best choice because renewable
energy uses resources that we know will always exist as long as the earth is
extant. They also can be used over and over again, and we will not have to go
searching for more. We are given the elements, such as wind and heat. Why not use
them to our advantage? People have already begun the transition into renewable
energy. Wind towers are powering grids, solar panels store energy for
streetlights, and geothermal heating systems keep houses snug. Depending on the
views of the world population and their knowledge of global warming, it could take
years, or even decades. Currently, there is no time to loose. There has already
been enough damage to the earth, and only by carrying out solutions quickly can we
hope to secure our future. We will know there is a change by a slower rise or
lower concentration of carbon dioxide, and a lower global temperature. We will see
a change when we no longer rely on fossil fuels for energy, and strict policies on
CO2 output are reinforced. When our earth is cleaner and more stable, we know we
have made a difference.

This problem must be addressed because it is a real threat to the planet, and
the consequences of ignorance could be fatal. It is very possible that we can
change the situation. As long as it is known and dealt with properly, it could be
delayed. From all of us, it will take teamwork, education, and determination to
possibly halt or reverse the direction that the world’s temperature is heading.
People have to care enough about their planet to take the time to make positive
changes towards a better future. A solution for global warming would affect the
whole planet, not just humans. By using cleaner and more efficient energies, we
would also be saving the environment and the many species threatened by the rise
in temperature. If humans are to survive on a tiny planet in a vast universe
without knowledge of other life, we must view the earth’s health as top priority
before any other conflict existing in our lives today.