GLOBAL WARMING

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Global warming is a continuing environmentalists and industrialists. point of contention among

Environmentalists claim that the Earth is in a warming cycle, where the average global temperature is rising, which can have disastrous effects on the planet. Industrialists contend that the environmentalists are panicking and there is no proof to their cl aims. So, who is right? That is a really tough question to answer, but some background information about global warming will help you to consider their arguments. GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT IS IT? Global warming is said to be a result of certain gases accumulating in the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect, which causes the Earths temperature to rise. The greenhouse effect is necessary for the Earth to maintain a suitable climate to sustain life. The atmosphere absorbs and traps some solar radiation (about 70%), while blocking and reflecting the reminder of the energy (about 30%) (Greenhouse Effect, Science Daily). But, changes in disruptions. the trapped/blocked ratio is causing environmental

The Earth is a giant ecosystem. When left in their natural state, ecosystems are self-regulating and sustainable entities, but when outside influences enter an ecosystem, disruptions are likely to occur. The natural greenhouse effect is necessary to support life, but when self-regulating mechanisms are altered, it impacts the natural balance.

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A good small-scale example of global warming is when your vehicle windows are closed on a hot day. Sunlight enters the vehicle causing the internal temperature to rise. Fortunately, you can open a door or window release the hot air to cool the vehicle. The same effect happens with greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. Factories, vehicles, volcanic eruptions, and other natural sources are emitting gases into the atmosphere, which contributes to warming the Earth. The only difference is that we cannot open a door or window to release the greenhou se gases to cool the Earth. Greenhouse gases are believed to be altering and disrupting the natural and self-regulating balance of the Earth. We cannot control events such as volcanic eruptions and other natural emission sources. But we can control our own behaviour to use resources wisely and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. MAJOR GREENHOUSE GASES Greenhouse gases come from many natural and sources. The major ones, and their sources, are: human-produced

1. Carbon dioxide fossil fuel sources, such as power plants, refineries, and motor vehicles; 2. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) extinguishers, air conditioners; 3. Halons fire extinguishers 4. Methane decaying vegetation, cattle, rice paddies, landfills, and oil field operations solvents, foam insulation, fire

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5. Nitrogen oxides fertilisers and bacteria Source: Switzer (2001) Some of these greenhouse gases are from natural source, while others are a direct result of natural resource extraction and consumption. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSUMPTION AND IMPACTS Humans have occupied the Earth for thousands of years and have always used resources as they saw fit, whether for basic survival or economic needs. Thousands of years of humans using natural resources for basic survival needs, such as hunter/gathering and subsistence farming, had a negligible impact on the planet. However, the industrial revolution changed the world forever. The revolution led to unprecedented economic growth and the indiscriminate use of natural resources and pollution. Some industrial and economic forces view the Earth as a vast and limitless supply of resources to use and squander, which was the rule of the day for many decades. As a result, pollution has affected the land, sea, and air all over the world. In the last forty (40) years, the United States and other developed nations have cleaned up their act, implementing environmental laws and regulations. However, there are some growing industrial nations with few, if any environmental laws and regulations. THE EVIDENCE IN ICE Greenhouse gas emissions and accumulation is causing the global

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temperature is increasing at a rate of 0.5% per year (Switzer). In the last one hundred years, the average temperature increased by 0.4 0.8 degrees Celsius (Global Warming, Carbon Planet). An average temperature change of just a few degrees (single digits) is likely to cause a rise in sea levels from melting polar ice this is happening right now. Glacial ice core samples have shown that from 1860 1995, carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have risen from 290 ppm to 361 ppm, which is a 25% increase over a ninety-five year period (Owen). The early years of this period coincide with the industrial revolution when factories produced coal emissions during operating and manufacturing processes. It is estimated the six billion metric tons of carbon is released into the air each year, which equals about one ton per person on the planet (Owen). Other events such as drought, prolonged heat, increased fire hazards, increased air pollution, and air stagnation are likely to occur. Many parts of the world have been under extreme drought conditions now for decades. Global warming does provide benefits for northern latitude countries, however. The increased temperature can lead to longer agricultural production seasons and the ability to grow a wider variety of crops to help the local and national economies. IS A RESOLUTION IN SIGHT? Any time an environmental issue is emotionally and logically argued,

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resolution is extremely difficult because radically different points of view are presented. There is no way to equally assess emotions and data. Emotions are based on gut feelings and instincts. Data is empiricall y produced findings, predictions, and results. Both sides of these arguments are valid. However, they are not on the same level playing field, which leads to a lot of contention and resentment. But both sides usually agree that pollution has negative effec ts and consequences on the ecology, environment, and well being of living and non-living things and that action needs to be taken to mitigate these effects.