Global warming refers to the increase in the earth’s temperature (Maslin, 2007). This situation is what is normally referred to the greenhouse effect. Certain gases are critical for maintaining the temperature of the earth. According to Maslin (2009), when the earth’s surface reflects the sun’s energy as long wave radiation, this energy is trapped by the greenhouse gases warming up the earth’s atmosphere. Maslin (2009) argues that this greenhouse effect controls the temperature of the earth , and without it the earth would be 35 degrees Celsius colder. This natural greenhouse effect is responsible for maintaining the earth’s temperature (Maslin, 2009).
Why is Global Warming a Concern?
Man’s activities have increased over the centuries. The increase in development and industrialization has increased amounts of greenhouse gases that are being emitted into the environment tremendously over the preceding century. This has altered the natural greenhouse effect due to the increase in levels of such gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and Chloro-Fluoro carbons (CFCs) (Maslin, 2007). These gases are enhancing the natural greenhouse effect (Houghton, 2004).
Causes of Global Warming
Global warming is caused by a variety of reasons that are mostly human related. According Xie, Deser, Vecchi, Jian, Haiyan and Wittenberg (2010), indicate that the increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases as the main causes of the increased temperature levels of the earth’s atmosphere. According to Mibrath (1999) the reduction in the amount of forest cover because of increased levels of deforestation has contributed to the increase in global warming. Forests act as carbon sinks through absorption of carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Deforestation especially through forest fires becomes a significant contributor to greenhouse emissions in the tropical countries (Haldar, 2011).
Furthermore, burning of fossil fuels by humans increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Mibrath, 1999). Haldar (2011) argues that most countries depend on coal for power generation. In 2006, the United States produced 49 percent of the total electricity production from coal (Haldar, 2011). Fossil fuels such as natural gas also contribute to global warming. Haldar (2011) continues to note that the road transport sector is responsible for the emission of 15% of the greenhouse gases while the industrial sector contributes about 15% of the whole amount of greenhouse gases emitted. These combined with the 31% emissions from power generation contribute somewhat over 60% of the total greenhouse gases released to the earth’s atmosphere (Haldar, 2011).
Land use activities contribute to greenhouse gas emission. For instance, rice cultivation contributes to the emission of methane, whereas the use of fertilizers in agricultural production contributes to the emission of nitrous oxide (Haldar, 2011). Studies by Shang et al (2011) indicate that application of inorganic fertilizers during the rice-growing season in China results to an increase in methane emissions and a significant increase in nitrous oxide emissions during the non-rice season.
Impact of Global Warming
Global has caused some significant impacts. According to Haldar (2011), the increasing temperature levels are likely to cause an increased level of precipitation. Additionally, extreme weather conditions such as drought, tropical cyclones and high sea levels are also likely to occur. Already in the last couple of years a number of tsunamis have been reported around the world. There has also been increased melting of ice caps at the North pole and South pole that has contributed to the increasing sea level (Haldar, 2011). Furthermore, global warming has had an impact on food production due to the climatic changes (Halder, 2011).
Conclusion
Global warming continues to be a challenge as the level of industrialization continues to increase. Global campaigns are being made to encourage environmentally friendly ways of development across the world. Despite the increased need to develop a suitable global community, there is still need to develop better ways to prevent global warming and develop technologies that will reduce the causes and negative impacts of global warming.
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