(Tutor’s Name)
(Assignment)
Summary Report 1
What factors contributed to the problem?
Volcanic activity is a major contributing factor to the issue of climate change. The eruption of volcanoes leads to the release of large quantities of water vapor, ash, dust, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. In the atmosphere, these sulfur dioxide molecules will react with water vapor leading to the formation of sulfuric acid, which is then spread all over the world through winds. The sulfuric acid formed in the atmosphere can significantly affect the amount of solar radiation entering the Earth’s surface and thereby the climate of the land beneath.
Burning of fossil fuels is another major issue contributing to climate change. When fossil fuels are burnt, the combustion process causes to release huge volume of carbon dioxide (CO2) back into the atmosphere. Being carbon dioxide a dangerous greenhouse gas, it damages the ozone layer of the environment leading to a serious environmental issue called global warming, which in turn increases the average global temperature and seal levels. Today, a huge volume of CO2 is released into the atmosphere from transportation and industrial production.
Similarly, it seems that changes in land use can notably impact the carbon cycle, which in turn can have a significant influence on the climate of the globe. Though CO2 sequestration could be achieved through some forms of agriculture, some other forms of agriculture as well as deforestation can potentially lead to the release of CO2back into the environment. In addition, “changing the use of land on Earth can cause changes to Earth's albedo, which increases or decreases depending on what the land is being used for” (Virgilo’s climate change project). This process can alter the amount of solar radiation that hits the Earth’s surface increasing the potential of climate change.
Trash also contributes to climate change significantly. It is identified that trash in landfills results in the emission of methane, a major greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, landfills constitute the third-leading cause of methane emission in the United States. It adds that 20% of the methane emissions come from landfills (Worland). Despite different policies and technologies introduced by the U.S government to fight this issue, trash in landfills remains to be a significant contributor to climate change.
Who is Involved?
Though natural factors like volcanic eruptions contribute to climate change, anthropogenic factors or human made factors play a more significant role in worsening climate change. Anthropogenic climate change simply refers to the climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions by humans. Environmental scientists indicate that human activities account for a significant percent of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. They add that this proportion has notably increased over the last two decades.
Industrial sectors play a crucial role in worsening the issue of climate change. Combustion of fossil fuels in factories and other industrial sectors results in the release of CO2 into the atmosphere and this process in turn leads to ozone layer depletion and global warming. Hence, industries’ role in climate change is inevitable.
Thoughtless waste dumping activities by individuals, households, and companies also play their role in speeding up climate change. As discussed already, waste dumping leads to the release of huge volume of methane gas into the atmosphere and thereby damaging the ozone layer.
Humans involve in the process of climate change by engaging in deforestation too. Human cut trees for various purposes such as house construction, infrastructural development, and industrial processes. Undoubtedly, deforestation causes increase in the average atmospheric temperature thereby leading to climate change.
What Solutions have been tried before?
Afforestation is a major strategy that has been tried before to fight the issue of climate change. It is clear that trees receive carbon dioxide and release oxygen during the photosynthesis process. Therefore, planting more trees will be helpful to reduce the volume of CO2 in the atmosphere. In addition, afforestation is a great way to minimize the amount of solar radiation that hits the Earth’s surface. In these ways, afforestation has been introduced earlier as a solution to climate change.
Similarly, electric vehicle was introduced as a solution to climate change. Electric vehicles were launched with intent to reduce the use of internal combustion engines and thereby to minimize CO2emissions into the atmosphere. The launch of hybrid cars (a car with a petrol engine and electric motor) was also key approach to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and to fight climate change effectively.
Identifying the inextricable link between plastic and climate change, governments worldwide have taken measures to limit the use of plastic and to recycle plastic wastes in an attempt to climate change. From air quality reduction to ocean toxicity, plastic wastes contribute notably to eco-system disruption and thereby climate change. Environmental agencies and governments noted that plastic wastes can pollute and dreadfully reduce the quality of soil, air, and water. Starting in developed countries like U.S and U.K, the move to reduce the use of plastic bags and other products is currently followed by developing and third world countries too.
Similarly, national and local governments have imposed huge fines on business enterprises that exceed the accepted level of CO2emissions. In the last several years, many automakers were fined, in the United States, for violating CO2 emission standards. To illustrate, in June 2016, Volkswagen agreed to pay $14.7 billion in settlement over emission violation in the United States (Isidore and Goldman).
What do others think about the Problem?
Today, nations, organizations, and individuals have identified that climate change is a serious problem posing potential threat to long-term survival of mankind. Numerous global surveys indicate that people are increasingly concerned about dreadful environmental issues like global warming and climate change. People have recognized the significance of promoting environmental sustainability. In the spring 2015 survey conducted by Pew Research Center, people worldwide were aware of the horrible issue of climate change and they wanted their government to take strict actions to respond to this issue (Wike, Richard).
In the survey, majority of the people in 40 countries opined that climate change is a serious environmental problem that requires immediate intervention. On a global average, 54% of the people think that climate change is a very serious problem (Wike, Richard). Hence, it is obvious that 46% of people globally are yet to recognize the dreadfulness of climate change.
There are many people who believe that climate change is yet to begin harm people’s lives. They think that climate change is an issue that would harm people’s lives in future. As a result, they have not yet recognized the actual potential of the problem, and therefore, they do not pay due attention to this environmental issue. However, some governments in the Third World are yet to take strong actions to respond to climate change as they do not want to regulate corporate activities in the country and thereby hurt their economic growth momentum.
Finally, communities have started responding to climate change effectively. It is identified that current communities do not support industrial activities or entrepreneurial ventures unless their operations are in strict compliance with legally accepted environmental standards.
Summary Report 2
What is the history of the problem and how long has it existed?
The history of climate change could be dated back to 19th century when some notable natural changes in paleoclimate and natural greenhouse effect were first observed (NASA). Towards the end of the 19th century, scientists warned that greenhouse gas emissions by humans could harm the environment and end up in climate change. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, many theories of climate change such as volcanism and solar variation were emerged. In 1960s and 1970s, scientists could produce a lot of convincing evidences to prove the warming effect of the carbon dioxide gas. They also indicated that atmospheric aerosols produced by human activities had some cooling effects.
With the development of computer technology in 1990s, the Milankovitch theory of the ice ages was confirmed and it led to the understanding that human caused emissions contribute to global warming and greenhouse gases are the leading cause of climate change. Since then scientific research on climate change has been expanded to evaluate the casual relationship between global warming and climate change. Climate change is a significant process that would last over a long period of time, generally from decades to millions of years. Throughout history, governments and local institutions have taken measures to address the issue of climate change mainly by limiting CO2 emissions and promoting afforestation.
What caused the problem?
As discussed already, a combination of natural causes and human made causes resulted in climate change. Natural causes such as volcanic eruptions play a role in enhancing the problem of climate change. Compared to human made causes, natural causes have minimal impacts. One can undoubtedly say that profit oriented but thoughtless activities of human play an inevitable role in enhancing the momentum of climate change. Increased deforestation for meeting space needs; massive industrial production; senseless use of transport facilities; and unscientific waste disposal directly result in emission of greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane. Hence, humans’ greed for money and power is the primary cause of climate change.
Even though most of the countries worldwide have effective laws and regulations in place to fight climate change, it is frustrating to see that many countries still enforce these laws and regulations pathetically. They do this simply to sustain the interests of large corporations in their economy and to stabilize the growth momentum in the long-term. These nations try to enhance their economic growth at the cost of environmental sustainability. In addition, many corporate enterprises also keep seeking ways to trim down their production costs through violating existing environmental standards and practices.
How does the problem affect you? How does it affect others?
One of the major impacts of climate change is that it would increase the average atmospheric temperature and there will be ‘hotter days and more frequent and longer heat waves’ (EPA). There is no doubt that this situation can have direct effect on my health. In addition, climate change and associated depletion of ozone layer may increase the amount of harmful radiation like ultraviolet rays hitting the Earth’s surface. My health will be really affected by these harmful radiations. Studies suggest that exposure to intense heat may increase an individual’s risk of health problems such as heat stroke, dehydration, and respiratory and cardiovascular diseases (EPA).
In addition, climate change can have a significant toll on farmers because unexpected changes in temperature, precipitation, or rains would drastically affect agricultural yields and production. This situation may persuade farmers to stay away from agricultural production – a situation that may threaten the food security of a region. In addition, climate change also poses serious challenges to fishermen because a rise in the average sea surface temperature may result in the destruction of many species of fishes. In short, one can say that climate change has a lot of negative physical as well as mental health effects on humans in addition to increasing the risk of vectorborne and water-related diseases.
What are the symptoms of the problem?
Symptoms of climate change are numerous. Undoubtedly, a rise in the average atmospheric temperature will be one of the notable symptoms of climate change because people will experience hotter days and be affected by health problems such as heat stroke and dehydration. Scientists say that more droughts and wilder weather may also signal climate change. People may strongly suspect climate change if they experience significant changes in rain and snow patterns. In many parts of the globe, the time and duration of rain and snow has been already changed. Warmer oceans and increased ocean acidity can be direct symptoms of climate change.
Since global warming and climate change contribute to melting of glacial layers, there will be a rise in sea level. In some places, climate change may cause a season of smoke as changing climate results in bigger, smokier wildfire there. Reports indicate that stronger and more intense hurricanes since 1980s signal climate change.
How can you find more information about the problem?
In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the issue of climate change, discussing the issue with farmers, who are directly affected by changing rain and snow would be a potential strategy. This talk with farmers will be beneficial to understand how change in temperature, precipitation, and rain patterns affects their agricultural yields and production. In the same manner, talking to people in metro cities can be a great way to obtain a great deal of information regarding climate change.
Undoubtedly, internet provides an infinite source of information about climate change. This massive source includes books, journals, and magazines written by experts in the field. In addition, different surveys and market studies conducted over time could be gathered from internet.
Can you separate the problem into smaller parts and define and analyze those parts?
The issue of climate change can be separated into smaller parts such as greenhouse gas emissions, ozone layer depletion, and global warming. As noted already, greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere harm the ozone layer, which functions as a protective layer to prevent harmful and hot radiations from the sun. The damage of ozone layer would result in huge amount of harmful radiations hitting the Earth’s surface and increasing the average atmospheric temperature.
A rise in the average atmospheric temperature is the major cause of global warming that can have devastating effects on eco systems and biodiversity. Global warming can horribly affect people’s physical and mental health, aquatic ecosystems, and agriculture. Finally, global warming causes climate change.
What obstacles keep you from achieving the goal to solve the problem?
Undoubtedly, people’s greed for money and power seem to be a potential obstacle to solving the issue of climate change. People/companies tend to increase their profitability at the expense of environmental sustainability. For instance, corporations dump their industrial waste unscientifically so as to trim down their operating costs. In addition, companies often tend to exceed accepted levels of emissions in an attempt to reduce production costs.
Likewise, climate change is a global problem, and therefore, combined efforts of nations worldwide are inevitable to solve the issue of climate change. In spite of strict measures taken by developed countries to limit harmful emissions, ineffective environmental policies in the Third World become an obstacle to addressing climate change.
Works Cited
EPA. “Climate Change Impacts”. Web. https://www.epa.gov/climate-impacts/climate-impacts-human-health [Accessed 20 Jan 2017].
Isidore, Chris and Goldman, David. “Volkswagen agrees to record $14.7 billion settlement over emissions cheating”. CNN Money, June 28, 2016. Web. http://money.cnn.com/2016/06/28/news/companies/volkswagen-fine/ [Accessed 20 Jan 2017].
NASA. “Climate change: How do we know?” Web. http://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ [Accessed 20 Jan 2017].
Virgilo’s climate change project. “Factors Contributing to Climate Change”. Web. http://virgiliosclimatechangeproject.weebly.com/d3---factors-contributing-to-climate-change.html [Accessed 20 Jan 2017].
Worland, Justin. “How Your Trash Is Contributing to Climate Change”. Time, Sept. 21, 2015. Web. http://time.com/4042559/trash-climate-change-landfill/ [Accessed 20 Jan 2017].
Wike, Richard. “What the world thinks about climate change in 7 charts”. Pew Research Center, April 18, 2016. Web. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/04/18/what-the-world-thinks-about-climate-change-in-7-charts/ [Accessed 20 Jan 2017].
