INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL WARMING
Global warming is the increase of average world temperatures as a result of the greenhouse effect. Certain gases in the atmosphere act like glass in a greenhouse allowing sunlight through to heat the earth’s surface buy trapping the heat as it radiates back into space.(Young People’s Trust for the Environment,2019)
Gases in the atmosphere that act like glass in a greenhouse include; water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, and other greenhouse gases. (Mann&Selin, 2019)
CAUSES
Fossil fuels- burning coal, oil and gas produces carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
Deforestation- Trees help regulate the climate by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. When they are cut down, carbon stored in the trees is released into the atmosphere.
Intensive farming-cattle and sheep produce large amounts of methane when digesting their food, while fertilizers produce nitrous oxide emissions.
Waste disposal-Waste management methods like landfills and incineration emit greenhouse and toxic gases including methane.
Mining-overexploitation of natural resources and emissions from international freight transport contributes to global warming.
(Solar impulse foundation)
EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING
On biodiversity- increase of temperatures and climate changes disturb the ecosystems, modify the conditions and cycles of plant reproduction.
On Oceans-Because of global warming, permafrost and ice are melting at the poles and increasing the sea level. The large amount of CO2 captured by the oceans makes them more acidic hence affecting adaptability of seashells.
On humans- The scarcity of resources like food and energy gives rise to conflicts
On the weather-More droughts, heatwaves, precipitations, natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, storms and wildfires.
(Solar impulse foundation)
SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL WARMING
Renewable energies-usage of renewable energies like solar, wind, biomass and geothermal.
Energy & water efficiency-reducing consumption of energy and water by using more efficient devices e.g. LED light bulbs, innovative shower system is less costly and important.
Sustainable transportation-Promoting public transportation helps reduce CO2 emissions thus fighting global warming.
Sustainable infrastructure-building new low energy buildings and renovating the existing constructions.
Sustainable agriculture & forest management-Encouraging better use of natural resources, stopping massive deforestation and making agriculture greener and more efficient.
Responsible consumption & recycling-Adopting responsible consumption habits is important, be it regarding food, clothing, and cosmetics or cleaning products. Recycling is an absolute necessity for dealing with waste.
(Solar impulse foundation)
Conclusion
Global warming is caused by Fossil fuels, Deforestation, Intensive farming, Waste disposal and mining. It contributes to negative effects on biodiversity, oceans, and humans and alters with the climatic changes. We should therefore employ usage of renewable energies, use energy and water effectively, sustainable transportation, sustainable infrastructure, sustainable agriculture, forest management and responsible consumption and recycling to avoid global warming effects.
References
Young People’s Trust for the Environment (2019) Definition of Global Warming.
Retrieved from https://ypte.org.uk/factsheets/global-warming/introduction
Michael E Mann&Henrik Selin (Apr 1, 2019) Gases in the atmosphere that cause global warming.
Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/global-warming
Solar impulse foundation-causes of global warming, effects of global warming and solutions to global warming.
Retrieved from https://solarimpulse.com/global-warming-solutions