Global Warming Effect

Global Warming Effect

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Global Warming Effect

Since time immemorial, the earth’s surface and atmosphere have been heating up, but within a normal range of temperature. Over time, conditions have changed, and the temperatures surrounding the earth’s surface have rapidly increased to abnormal levels. Records reveal that the temperatures rose between 0.6° to 0.9° Celsius in 100 years, between 1905 and 2005 (Maslin, 2007). The revelation clearly shows the rapid change in temperature and the presence of an extensively influential factor. In addition, it also depicts of a continuous trend that will not end soon unless serious action is taken and mitigation strategies are implemented to reverse the occurrence. Studies reveal that man is the factor behind the continuous increase of the earth’s surface heat and his activities are the main contributors to global warming.

Global warming is an effect currently experienced on earth following the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The gases form a blanket that traps the sun’s heat, which, in turn, warms up the earth’s surface and atmosphere causing dire consequences. Man is to blame for the accumulation of greenhouse gases that are the source of the global warming process. Man’s activities that cause an increased release of greenhouse gases range from industrial to domestic, but all contribute to global warming.

Deforestation is a common activity among various communities and one that is contributing to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Urbanization is a leading reason for the increased rate of deforestation due to increased demand of land to develop and grow urban centers for commercial use. As such, they are sacrificing vegetation, which acts as a natural sink for the harmful greenhouse gases. Vegetation, including trees, takes in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and release oxygen during the process of photosynthesis. People and other animals take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Clearing vegetation leads to increased levels of carbon dioxide since the natural sinks for the gases are reducing while carbon dioxide emitters are increasing in number by the day.

Industrialization, which is also a man’s activity, involves the release of greenhouse gases that continue to accumulate in the atmosphere. It has indeed led to developments and has various benefits in the world, but it is to blame for the release of harmful gases. Industries often release waste gases into the atmosphere such as carbon, which is quite dangerous. The released gases combine and continue forming a thick covering in the atmosphere and accumulating more heat (Maslin, 2007). Despite the constitution of various environmental bodies to cater for the environment and enforce laws that protect the environment from global warming, industries are still emitting harmful gases. Consequently, the dangerous greenhouse gases continue to accumulate, and global warming continues.

Agriculture is a necessity among humans as it is the main source of food, without which they cannot survive. In order to sustain a healthy garden for the growth and maturation of the food products, chemical application is necessary to kill unwanted organisms. The chemicals are mainly applied through spraying, which is an effective means, but dangerous to the environment. Some of the fertilizers in use within the farms contain nitrogen oxide, which is a hazardous gas once emitted to the atmosphere. Its presence encourages the destruction of the ozone layer, which lets in excess sunlight and leads to an increased earth’s temperature (Maslin, 2007).

Global warming has profound effects on the earth and its occupants, which are advancing with the continuous increase of the earth’s temperatures. One of the noticeable changes taking place on the ecosystem is the melting of glaciers and ice on the Polar Regions and various mountaintops. Consequently, there is a rise in the sea level, causing rampant floods and erosion. The increased heat within the earth’s atmosphere has reached unbearable and abnormal levels such that the earth’s natural ice is melting. Permafrost from various regions around the globe is thawing because of the temperature changes. In turn, the thawing is leading to damages on the roads and sinkholes. Ice found in the Arctic Ocean is also diminishing at an extremely high rate owing to the increased temperature in the atmosphere. Clearly, man’s careless activities are taking a toll on the ecosystem and leading to its death.

Some areas have recorded extremely high temperatures to the extent of causing wildfires. The global warming effect is extending to various areas that have very high temperatures, which can light up fires that consume vegetation. Thus, vegetation, especially the wild one, is destroyed causing an accumulation of the harmful carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere. Man should take charge over his activities in order to reduce the global warming effects.

Man holds the answers to stopping global warming and his input is quite necessary in finding ways of reducing the accumulated greenhouse gases. Afforestation, for example, is an activity that man can undertake to increase vegetation that will utilize the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Additionally, man can also reduce the negative effects of industrialization by use of gas filters that eliminate harmful emissions. Human beings should realize that the negative effects of global warming eventually affect the people and rapid action is required to reduce the accumulation of harmful gases in the atmosphere (Maslin, 2007).

Reference

Maslin, M. (2007). Global warming: Causes, effects, and the future. Minneapolis, MN: MBI Publishing Company.