Global warming is real and represents a danger to the planet
Global warming has remained to be a hot topic for debate since the discovery of its impact in the environment since the 1970s. The argument between the skeptics and the supporters of climate change reduction and global warming continues to argue regarding its impact and possible consequences to the entire planet. Skeptics believe that the talk about global warming should not be given enough attention because it is not true and there have been studies that claim that the globe is actually cooling down. However, the skeptics could not deny that the studies showcasing the impact of global warming and how it influences natural calamities, which in the past was not capable of destroying millions of infrastructure and killing thousands unprepared for the disasters. Global warming is real and present a danger to the planet as studies and the current weather and environmental conditions showcases that global warming could indeed wipe out the planet if not prevented.
Since the early times, there have already been studies and evidences that prove that global warming is real and is influencing the planet, presenting danger not only for its continued lifespan but also to the life forms living in the planet. According to Johansen (2002) carbon emissions had gradually increased since the 1800s and eventually resulted into the growing influence of global warming to the planet. The first few works which emphasized the increase in carbon emissions are noted in the works of Arvid Hogborn and Svante Arrhenius, known Swedish scientists. For Hogborn’s theory, he theorized that the rise in carbon dioxide rates in the atmosphere would result into an increase in the planet’s overall temperature. In Arrhenius’ theory, he supported Hogborn’s claim that any possible increase in carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere may result into the increase of temperatures in the planet. In his 1896 piece entitled “On the Influence of Carbonic Acid in the Air upon the Temperature of the Ground”, Arrhenius displayed his computations and showcased the first known mathematical model to understand global warming. Under the theory, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can influence directly the Earth’s heat capacity and its ability to redirect heat if necessary back to the atmosphere. Since there were no readily available documents and data that could be used, Arrhenius devised his theory equation that could estimate the effects of either an increase or decrease of atmospheric carbon levels. Through the equation, it was noted that temperatures would increase up to 8-9 degrees Celsius in the Arctic should there be an increase of 2.5 to 3% in carbon emissions. The equation also explained the process of ice age and how it could form. The equation explained that temperatures would need to drop by almost 4-5 degrees Celsius through carbonic acid level drops for ice age to exist. Essentially, Arrhenius’ theory eventually proven that the carbon dioxide and temperature levels had increased throughout the years and eventually resulted to high instances of heat throughout the years .
Another notable study that showcase the reality of global warming is cited by Pittock (2009) as scientists from the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in California recorded that high carbon emissions are listed in the atmosphere. Roger Revelle and Charles Keeling, notable scientists from the department, stated that normally, carbon dioxide is immediately returned to the atmosphere due to the occurrence of the water cycle. However, with the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere each year, most of the carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere and fosters global warming. Keeling’s study was done in Mauna Loa and Antartica and the results showcase a gradual to a great increase in carbon dioxide rates in the area since 1958. It is also concluded in the research that the increased carbon dioxide rate is also the major reason as to why global warming persists. Eventually, the studies were supported by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Program as their studies also reflected a steady increase of carbon dioxide emissions in the planet as temperatures have increased to over 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the 20th century. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released their own statistical evidence regarding the presence of global warming. They concluded that the increased temperature since the mid-20th century is due to anthropogenic greenhouse gases. .
Aside from these studies, the visual evidences, and the ongoing situation of the planet proves that global warming does exist and presents danger to the planet. Currently, the carbon emission rates throughout the globe had severely increased and scientists have noted that man has contributed to this increase. In the 2011 Guardian UK (2011) statistics, at least 10 countries have contributed to the high CO2 emissions that influence the carbon dioxide retention of the atmosphere. Leading the pack is China with almost 7,711 million tonnes worth of carbon emissions, followed by the United States with 5,425 million tons and India with 1,602 million tonnes. The other countries that followed the list are Russia, Japan, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Iran and the United Kingdom. It is noted that these numbers would still increase throughout the next few years due to the consistent use of materials that can produce carbon emissions that can influence the planet . Subsequently, the increased carbon dioxide emissions and the growing number of countries still using carbon emitting products now showcases a high increase of deaths due to global warming. In the article written by Vidal (2009), the UN had noted that almost 300,000 deaths have been estimated due to global warming each year. Almost 300 million people are affected with severe heatwaves, floods, storms, and even natural calamities like earthquakes and massive forest fires. It is estimated that the number of deaths due to global warming would increase up to 500,000 deaths in 2030. The report of the UN also noted that by 2030, the possible cost of damages, deaths and other related expenses would reach up to $600 billion a year. The study also noted that if global warming is not resolved in any way, its likely that 310 million more people would suffer health complications due to high temperature increase in the environment, 20 million would fall into poverty due to the lack of food, shelter, and means to live in; and at least 75 million more would be displaced as global warming. Kofi Annan, then leader of the UN by the time of the report, noted that the politicians should be blamed for these numbers as global warming’s influence could be prevented if they have acted. So far, many groups and organizations are working with the UN and environmental institutions to fight the increasing effects of global warming around the globe .
The presence of global warming must not be taken lightly given the many evidences and the continuous disregard of many uneducated citizens over their actions towards the environment. The natural calamities alone and the changing weather patterns are clear signs that global warming is very real and the dangers it could give to the people and the planet is not impossible. Excess carbon emissions also contribute to the growing global warming issue and as studies clearly noted how high temperature increases due to carbon emissions and the capacity it could cause to the country. It may take years or decades for global warming strategies to show a significant effect to the current levels of CO2 and greenhouse emissions, however, beginning the recovery process now would enable the planet to recover from the blows of man-made climate change. It is also crucial to resolve the problem immediately as the hazards of continuous pollution and warming may trigger additional risks to life that can no longer be mediated with regular policies and climate mitigation procedures. It is important for people to act together to eliminate the real threat global warming may do. If not, it is likely that the world’s lifespan would decrease significantly through time.
References
Guardian UK. (2011, January 28). An atlas of pollution: the world in carbon dioxide emissions. Retrieved March 4, 2013, from Guardian UK: http://image.guardian.co.uk/sys-files/Guardian/documents/2011/01/28/CarbonWeb.pdf
Johansen, B. (2002). The Global Warming Desk Reference. Westport: Greenwood Publishing.
Pittock, B. (2009). Climate change: the science, impacts and solutions. Collingwood: CSIRO Publishing.
Vidal, J. (2009, May 29). Global warming causes 300,000 deaths a year says Kofi Annan thinktank. Retrieved March 3, 2013, from Guardian UK: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/may/29/1
