Introduction
Global Warming, also called the greenhouse effect or – more correctly according to some – as climate change, has been given much recent media coverage, though is not a new phenomenon. What is new is that the rate of change is said to have increased, in line with a rise in global population, mainly due to greater consumption of fossil fuels. This research paper discusses the validity and causes of Global Warming, its effects, and how we can counter those effects to keep Earth habitable for future generations of the human race.
Is Global Warming a Reality?
There are those who insist that Climate Change is the correct term, and – maintain that Global Warming (GW) has not been proven to exist. The article “Global warming vs climate change” (updated Jan 2011) illustrates this conflict of opinion. Even prominent individuals like Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ireland-based budget airline Ryanair, dismisses GW as “a plot by scientists seeking research cash.” (Hickman, Sep 2010). Also, Rose (Oct 2012), writing in the UK Daily Mail, noted that figures show that between 1997 and mid-2012, there has been NO overall increase in global temperatures.
Because “experts” have shown “proofs” (for and against) based on scientific data, the dispute raging over the issue goes on. Slanted interpretation and/or subtle manipulation of scientific data may have created “evidence” to support arguments on both sides. Also, there are said to be vested interests at work behind the scenes. Some believe that major oil companies fund anti-global warming groups to maintain current levels of oil consumption.
Assuming Global Warming is Real, What Are the Principal Causes?
According to Walls-Thumma (n.d.) average temperature rises since 1900 have been much higher than normal historical changes, principally due to the increased amounts of greenhouse gases (GG) in our atmosphere. According to her National Geographic article, in the U.S. those increased amounts are due to the following: burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil – said to be the main cause; power generation: causes over 50 percent of U.S. GG emissions; transport: increasing rapidly – already at least 27 percent of U.S. emissions; agriculture: contributes to at least seven percent of the U.S. GG emissions. Schulman (2007) also blames man’s interference with nature’s delicate balance as the prime cause of GW. Carson’s book Silent Spring (1962) underlines the point by painting a picture of a society that destroyed itself by indiscriminate use of pesticides and herbicides.
Of course there are also natural sources of GG. These include natural methane release from wetland regions and arctic tundra, and the normal climatic cycling mentioned earlier (see “Causes”, n.d.). However, that same article suggests that the causes most responsible for harming our planet are man-made ones, especially pollution caused by fossil fuels, methane released during mining operations, plus – importantly – the world’s human population growth. The more people there are, the more fossil fuel is needed and burnt, more passenger and freight transportation is needed – all generating yet more GG. In addition, while the planet’s trees are busy converting CO2 to oxygen, man is cutting down forests on a grand scale, using the timber for building and the land for agriculture, exacerbating the problem. In short, man continues to deplete Earth’s natural resources, seemingly giving little thought to the future. The seriousness of the situation is highlighted by Milton (n.d.) in his article “Top Causes of Global Warming Hit Record Highs.” He listed the individual contributions of CO2, methane and nitrous oxide, which together he claims have caused a 30 percent global increase of GG since 1990, and predicts a gloomy outlook for mankind if GW is not halted.
What Are the Effects of Global Warming?
According to an article “Effects of Global Warming” (n.d.) the numerous adverse effects include melting ice at the Earth’s Poles with a consequent decline in the Arctic polar bear numbers and the Antarctic penguin population falling from 32,000 pairs to just 11,000 in 30 years. There has been increased rain and snow globally, more storms, flooding, and sea levels are rising faster than previously. By the year 2100 levels could rise up to 8 inches (20cm). Conversely, rainfall in dryer areas is decreasing, bringing more drought.
What Can We Do to Save Energy and Reduce Global Warming?
There are many things we as individuals can do, measures we can take, energy savings we can make. There are things we can all do to save energy, to save money, or to help save the planet – maybe all three. The following selection is from the list of The Top 50 Things To Do To Stop Global Warming, derived from the Global Warming website: replace standard tungsten filament lamp bulbs with energy-saving Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL); fit your heating/airconditioning system with a programmable thermostat set 2o lower in winter and 2o higher in the summer; when buying new appliances, choose energy-efficient models; fit an insulating “jacket” to your water heater; install double glazing; always run washing machines or dishwashers with full loads and at off-peak times; shower instead of bathing – uses one fourth of the energy; recycle as much as possible; plant a tree (more if you have space).
Conclusions
Works Cited
Carson, Rachel. Silent Spring. From: Models for Writers – Short Essays for Composition: Rosa, Alfred & Eschholz, Paul. Boston. Bedford/St Martins. (2010). Print.
“Causes”. Oracle ThinkQuest. (n.d.). Web. 31 January 2013.
“Effects of Global Warming.” (n.d.). National Geographic. Web. 31 January 2013.
“Global warming vs climate change”. Skeptical Science. (Updated 6 January 2011). Web. 30 January 2013.
Hickman, Martin. (September 2010). “Global warming? It doesn’t exist, says Ryanair boss O’Leary.” The Independent. Web. 31 January 2013.
Milton, Chris. (n.d.). “Top Causes of Global Warming Hit Record Highs.” planetsave.com. Web. 31 January 2013.
Rose, David. (October 2012). “Global warming stopped 16 years ago, reveals Met Office report quietly released and here is the chart to prove it.” Daily Mail. Web. 31 January 2013.
Schulman, Audrey. (2007). “Fahrenheit 59: What a Child’s Fever Might Tell Us About Climate Change.” (Originally published in Orion Magazine). From: Models for Writers – Short Essays for Composition: Rosa, Alfred & Eschholz, Paul. Boston. Bedford/St Martins. (2010). Print.
“Top 50 Things To Do To Stop Global Warming.” (Last updated Oct 2010). Web. 31 January 2013.
Walls-Thumma, Dawn. (n.d.). Leading Causes of Global Warming. National Geographic. Web. 30 January 2013.
