Global warming: Causes, consequences and solutions Essay Example

deposits as well as sheep and cow dung. Despite observing a decrease in atmospheric methane levels so far no definitive evidence has been presented.

The emission of nitrous oxide, the third greenhouse gas, is caused by bacteria present in animal and human excreta as well as nitrogenous fertilizers used on soils and burning of oil, coal, and natural gases. Scientific studies reveal that nitrous oxide molecules possess a heat-absorbing capacity 270 times higher than carbon dioxide. Other greenhouse gases include hexafluoride and fluorocarbons.

(Tomera Audrey N. , 2001, page 115-116) The author explains that the greenhouse effect is related to regulating the entry of heat into the atmosphere via greenhouse gases. Solar energy reaching the earth is absorbed by both the earth and atmosphere, with two thirds of it being taken in and the rest reflected back out into space. This captured energy is subsequently emitted as heat (infrared radiation) into the atmosphere.

There are two theories that explain the cause of global warming. The first theory proposes that green house gases trap infrared waves, allowing some to escape into space but causing others to be absorbed and reemitted downwards, which leads to a warmer atmosphere (Hopwood Nick, Cohen Jordan, 2008). The second theory is called the black carbon soot theory and suggests that microscopic particles from forest fires, burning fossil fuels or truck and bus engines make up the black carbon soot aerosol. Approximately 10 million tons of black soot enters the atmosphere each year through these sources. When exposed to sunlight in the stratosphere, this black soot leads to ozone layer formation which also contributes to global warming by trapping heat.

According to Tomera Audrey N. (2001,

Pp 116-117), the third theory suggests that global warming is caused by the sun and not human activities. Supporters of this theory argue that the sun experiences seasons and storms, as well as an eleven-year cycle of solar flares and sunspots. They also claim that in addition to producing visible light, the sun emits ultraviolet light which can break down oxygen molecules into atoms.

Audrey N. Tomera explains that the formation of the ozone layer occurs when atoms bond with other molecules. Additionally, it has been suggested that solar and magnetic fields from the sun affect the Northern lights and alter the trajectory of cosmic rays as they penetrate our atmosphere. This hypothesis is bolstered by evidence showing that during a specific season, cloudy nights are warmer than those without clouds.

According to the IPCC (2007), global warming can have negative impacts on disease spread. The historical connection between climatic changes and the resurgence of once eradicated diseases is well-known. An increase in temperature may lead to an increase in disease vectors, which could result in variations in disease prevalence, such as an elevation in malaria cases across Africa. Climate factors like humidity, temperature and vegetation affect insects like ticks that transmit diseases. However, predicting whether these diseases will escalate or diminish is difficult because it depends on several factors including weather conditions. Although malaria is native to mountainous areas, mosquitoes cannot survive above a certain altitude due to low temperatures (Science Daily, May 23rd 2007, Pp117).

As global temperatures increase, malaria cases are expected to rise and the timing and prevalence of influenza may change. While tropical areas usually experience year-round influenza, the spread of tropical air

masses around the equator could disrupt seasonal flu patterns in certain regions, leading to constant illness. These environmental changes could cause various diseases to spread.

A Science Daily report published on May 23, 2007 revealed that climate change-related illnesses including allergies, respiratory diseases, and vector-borne diseases cause more than 150,000 deaths annually. The book "Monitoring and Predicting Agricultural Drought" warns that the rising temperatures resulting from climate change will trigger increased water evaporation from the earth's surface. This could lead to reduced water supply and prolonged droughts that would require farmers to adapt their practices to changing weather conditions as crop selection is highly influenced by temperature and climate. Even areas outside of deserts may undergo droughts due to variations in local weather patterns (Boken Vijendra K.).

Etal's (2005) study shows that while droughts are unavoidable, predictive models of climate can help to forecast weather patterns. Such knowledge can be applied in planning effective agricultural methods which have the potential to reduce the impact of drought. However, global warming has caused a shortage of food and water worldwide, leading to starvation and deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa, Pakistan, and India.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, by 2020, water scarcity could affect between 75 and 250 million Africans which may lead to a decrease in agricultural output of up to half. Al Gore states that the rate at which climate change is occurring is exceedingly fast, surpassing historical sea level fluctuations. The melting of glaciers due to global warming has caused an increase in water discharge into oceans from Antarctica and Greenland, leading to rising sea levels. Warmer waters also result in thermal expansion, worsening the situation.

According

to Gore Albert, nations including Bangladesh, Gambia, Indonesia, India, Mozambique, Pakistan, Senegal, Thailand, China, and islands are at risk of devastation if scientists' predictions of sea-level rise hold true. Coastal countries will be hit the hardest by the consequences of this rise. Gore also notes that wealthy nations will have an advantage in coping with these effects, as seen with the Netherlands and their extensive dike system. However, citizens of poorer at-risk nations will likely become refugees seeking shelter in wealthier countries. Irving Jonathan's book "Earth" supports the certainty of sea-level rise due to water expansion caused by heating. (Gore Albert, 2007, page 104)

The author suggests that the decrease of ice caps, continental glaciers, and major Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets may result in an indeterminate but significant rise in sea levels. It is projected that if current patterns continue, there will be a further 15 cm increase by 2010; however, due to global warming causing melting ice sheets, it is possible for more substantial increases of up to 95 cm by 2100 although this result remains uncertain. Furthermore, certain specialists hypothesize that the collapse of the West Antarctic ice sheet would lead to another surge in sea levels.

(Irving L. J., 1999, page 289) The authors contend that the accumulation of heat on the Earth's surface causes atmospheric circulation and the formation of warm and cold fronts, ultimately giving rise to severe weather occurrences such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and perilous storms. In support of their claim, they present Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 as an example.

According to McKinney Michael L. et al (2007, p. 482), a hurricane caused complete evacuation of a city and billions

of dollars in damage. Hurricane Rita also had devastating consequences, although less severe. Al Gore proposes that increased heat leading to ocean warming may result in stronger hurricanes on average, while scientists credit the depth and warmth of the top layer of ocean as crucial in determining wind speed during hurricanes.

On page 106 of his book published in 2007, Albert Gore cautions that the rise in sea levels will cause more harm due to the increasing frequency and severity of oceanic storms. This could result in fatalities. To fight against global warming, it is crucial to stop emitting greenhouse gases into the atmosphere altogether. Raising consciousness about the dangers associated with global warming and encouraging responsible environmental actions can help achieve this objective.

The government has suggested a "cap-and-trade" system to control greenhouse gas emissions in industries. This involves enforcing emission rules and allowing permits to be traded. The administration suggests auctioning off these permits or granting them for free, as done by the European Union's Emission Trading System. Both types of permits can be assigned and traded at market prices.

It is crucial to establish a dependable sound system that can minimize the effects of greenhouse gases and acidic rain. Customizing a policy for the United States is essential as it produces substantial amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, nations like China, which rely heavily on coal for energy, will eventually transition to alternative sources. Conversely, another solution could be treating emissions before their discharge into the atmosphere.

Efficient methods to minimize the effects of discharged gases on the environment consist of neutralization and carbon capture and sequestration. The latter approach involves storing gas underground, for instance

in depleted saline aquifers or gas wells, to prevent its release. Moreover, mineralization encompasses heating finely ground minerals with water and carbon dioxide to form calcium carbonate that is not hazardous.

While mineralization and carbon capture and sequestration may come with a high price, it is imperative to continue investigating alternative gas disposal methods. Moreover, utilizing solar and wind power as energy sources is recommended due to their affordability and lack of harm to the environment. Research shows that human activities are primarily accountable for the issue of global warming. Therefore, individuals must recognize their responsibility in adhering to regulations intended to combat this problem.

Scientists warn that future generations' quality of life will be affected if environmental predictions are accurate. A study has identified the causes, consequences, and potential solutions for global warming, which have been verified. However, cost-effective and long-term methods are needed to control greenhouse gas emissions. The research is hindered by its dependence on secondary data sources. Integrating current field research into these studies would provide more accurate results.