The Greenhouse Effect – College Essay Example

on plants, animals (including humans). When discussing climate change, scientists primarily focus on global warming caused by human actions. It is widely acknowledged that human activities have significantly changed the composition of Earth's atmosphere through increased levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. Human activities are mainly responsible for the buildup of these gases in the atmosphere. According to scientific consensus, these gases effectively trap heat in the planet's atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Therefore, human activities are intensifying the natural greenhouse effect by increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The duration for which key greenhouse gases emitted by human activities remain in the atmosphere can vary from decades to centuries.
Since the late 19th century, there has been an observed increase in temperature of about 1F across both hemispheres and over oceans. This warming trend is supported by evidence such as melting glaciers, reduced snow cover in the northern hemisphere, and warming below ground. In the United States, each person emits approximately 6.6 tons (almost 15,000 pounds) of greenhouse gases per year. The main contributors to these emissions are burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation, which account for about 82% of total emissions. Other sources include methane from landfills, livestock, natural gas pipelines, coal, industrial chemicals, and more. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, human activity had minimal impact on atmospheric gases; however, even during that time period there were natural climate changes occurring. The Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point as human activities began to alter both climate and the environment through changes in agricultural and industrial practices.The gases in our atmosphere are being significantly affected by population growth, increased

fossil fuel burning, and deforestation. Currently, the United States has the highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions compared to any other country. The amount of emissions can vary across states due to factors such as fuel types used for electricity generation, population density, and travel distance by vehicles. Individual choices related to electricity consumption in homes, waste production, and personal transportation can have an impact of approximately 4,800 pounds of carbon equivalent emissions, accounting for nearly 32% of total per capita emissions. The remaining 68% of emissions are primarily influenced by factors such as U.S. industries, office types, food production methods, and various other elements. Regional climate changes are expected to differ significantly from the global average in terms of scale and speed. Vulnerability to climate shifts varies among different ecosystems and human settlements. Additionally,nations differ in their ability to cope with and adapt to the challenges posed by global warming and climate change.
Some nations may be more severely affected by global warming while others may benefit more significantly. Generally, poorer nations are more susceptible to the consequences of global warming, especially those heavily reliant on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and lacking resources to protect against its effects. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified Africa as the most vulnerable continent due to widespread poverty hindering adaptation capabilities.

The average global temperature has increased by nearly 1F in the past century and is projected to rise further by 2 to 6F in the next century. Even this seemingly small change could have a significant impact on Earth's climate. During the last ice age, temperatures were only 7F colder than current levels, resulting in extensive

glaciation across North America. Therefore, even a slight long-term temperature increase can profoundly affect sea levels, crop-growing regions, air quality, and drinking water sources that people depend on.

While specific outcomes of global warming remain uncertain, some changes may bring positive benefits. Warmer temperatures could improve living conditions for individuals in colder climates and aid in cultivating new and improved crop varieties. However, it is important to note that certain locations will experience negative consequences from these changes as climate change alters habitats and ecosystems crucial for all living things.Rapid climate change can disrupt the delicate balance of rainfall, temperature, and soil type in certain places, endangering numerous organisms. While past changes allowed for adaptation or migration, future changes may occur too quickly for survival. The ocean's ecosystems are also at risk as even a slight long-term increase in temperature can cause significant variations in resources necessary for human survival. These include ocean levels, agricultural areas, air quality, and water sources. Projections suggest sea levels could rise by up to 2 feet over the next century, posing risks to natural systems and coastal structures. This could lead to coastal flooding and saltwater infiltration that endangers plant and animal life. Increased salt levels have already reduced oyster populations in the Delaware and Chesapeake bays. Rising sea levels also make oceanfront properties more vulnerable to storm waves and necessitate relocation or barrier construction at substantial expenses. Additionally, coastal flooding negatively impacts drinking water quality in affected regions.Global warming has the potential to warm cold regions on Earth, which could allow for crop cultivation in areas that were previously unsuitable. However, it can also result in droughts in currently

viable crop cultivation regions, leading to food scarcity in certain parts of the world.

The impact of climate change on human health can be both direct and indirect. Directly, high temperatures and humidity can cause heat stress and related health problems. If not treated properly, heat stress can become a serious medical concern. Scientists predict that global warming will lead to an increase in extremely hot days in many places, increasing the risk of heat-related health issues. Indirectly, this could affect human health through disturbances in ecosystems, changes in air pollution levels, disruptions to food and water supplies, as well as coastal flooding.

The severity of these impacts will depend on how humans and nature adapt to climate change. Certain individuals and communities are more susceptible to these effects, especially impoverished individuals in poorer nations who lack resources and financial means to address health issues. The most vulnerable groups include young children and elderly adults.

The release of carbon dioxide and methane gases into the atmosphere contributes to the natural greenhouse effect by trapping solar energy and causing a rise in Earth's temperature.Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, amplify the effects of climate change. This increased energy consumption in transportation, residential areas, and industries leads to higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As a result, greenhouse gases accumulate over time and can have various consequences for global climate patterns.

The destabilization of natural systems caused by climate change poses risks to overall human health rather than specific groups. However, measuring the exact level of risk is challenging due to variations in vulnerability among different populations. Developing countries with

factors like overcrowding, limited access to food, poverty, and local environmental degradation are particularly susceptible.

Developed nations also face health risks from an aging population. Climatic changes directly and indirectly affect human health significantly. For instance, more intense and longer heat waves can lead to an increase in heat-related mortality and illness. Nevertheless, it is important to note that as temperatures rise, cold-related deaths may decrease.

Furthermore, extreme weather events such as storms and floods can result in a higher number of deaths, injuries,
psychological disorders,and exposure to chemical pollutants present in water supplies.Climatic changes can impact the transmission of vector-borne infectious diseases by expanding the range and season of vector organisms and accelerating parasite maturation. Additionally, non-vector-borne infectious diseases may increase in tropical and subtropical regions due to climate effects on water distribution, temperature, and microorganism proliferation. Climate change can also cause a rise in respiratory illnesses due to changes in pollens, spores, and air pollutants. The agricultural, animal, and fisheries productivity affected by climate change can worsen hunger and malnutrition in developing nations. The rise in sea levels disrupts public health through physical and demographic disruptions. To address these risks, public health professionals are evaluating dangers and implementing adaptive measures such as improving medical care services, disaster preparedness efforts, air conditioning use, water purification systems installation, vaccination campaigns. Public education targeting individual behaviors is crucial for minimizing health impacts alongside professional training. However, it's important to assess potential health risks associated with technological adaptations like pesticide use. Furthermore., enhanced international monitoring of health-risk indicators related to climate change is necessary.The detailed analysis reveals that the prevalence of certain diseases and threats to human well-being largely depend

on the local climate worldwide. Extreme temperatures directly contribute to loss of life, while specific diseases primarily occur in warm regions. Additionally, warm temperatures can lead to air and water pollution, further endangering human health.

The immediate impact of climate change is the direct consequences of rising temperatures. On any given day, the number of fatalities significantly increases due to extremely high temperatures caused by various factors. Individuals with heart problems are particularly vulnerable as their cardiovascular system works harder to regulate body temperature during hot weather. Hot weather also leads to heat exhaustion and respiratory issues becoming more common.

Furthermore, higher air temperatures result in an increase in ground-level ozone concentration. While ozone in the upper atmosphere acts as a protective barrier against harmful ultraviolet radiation, it becomes a pollutant at lower altitudes. Ozone damages lung tissue and poses challenges for individuals with asthma and other lung diseases. Even brief exposure to ozone can cause chest pains, nausea, and pulmonary congestion in otherwise healthy individuals.

In many parts of the country, a mere four-degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature could raise ozone concentrations by approximately 5 percent.Data on mortality and hospital admissions indicate that death rates rise during extremely hot days, particularly among the elderly and young people living in urban areas. A tragic heatwave in July 1995 led to over 700 deaths in Chicago. Projections suggest that if Atlanta's temperature rises by two degrees Fahrenheit, there could be an annual increase in heat-related deaths from 78 to anywhere between 96 and 247. However, the installation of air conditioning can help individuals adapt to higher temperatures, potentially resulting in the lower estimate being accurate. Moreover, warmer temperatures may

decrease cold-related deaths compared to those caused by heat. In the United States, around 1000 deaths per year are attributed to cold-related causes, while twice as many occur due to heat-related factors. Alaska and Illinois are the only northern states included among the ten states with the highest number of cold-related fatalities since they experience sporadic cold spells or extreme events like Colorado's severe snowstorm in November 1997. It is unlikely that global warming will mitigate either of these situations.Moreover, fatalities due to heat are more affected by temperature changes compared to those caused by cold. A decrease from -20F to -15F has minimal impact in contrast to an increase from 95F to 100F. Additionally, global warming poses potential risks for certain infectious diseases found primarily in warm regions as it enables the northward spread of mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. Consequently, "vector-borne" diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis may become more prevalent due to global warming. This is especially true for algal blooms in contaminated water that can lead to cholera outbreaks. However, the effect of global warming on mortality rates remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the United States has successfully controlled malaria outbreaks in warmer areas where disease-carrying mosquitoes exist by implementing emergency measures such as relocating vulnerable individuals to air-conditioned buildings and reducing emissions. It is crucial to have public health programs that monitor, quarantine, and treat infectious diseases caused by climate change. Although investing in air-conditioning and public health programs incurs additional costs, it is often preferred over the adverse health consequences that would otherwise arise.Continuous research is being conducted in the field of global warming science, although definitive answers

are not always provided. The certainty lies in the fact that human activities are rapidly contributing greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and causing our planet to warm up. There are concerns about global warming, including uncertainties surrounding its extent, speed, and potential effects. These uncertainties will persist for a significant amount of time. The specific nature of the risks associated with global warming remains uncertain, but they are indeed real. Our response to global warming should be guided by current scientific knowledge and our best judgment.

Efforts are currently underway at all levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and understand the risks of climate change. Many cities and states in the United States have conducted inventories of emissions and implemented programs for reductions. At a national level, the USGCRP coordinates extensive research on climate change. The Clinton Administration has engaged the private sector, states, and localities in partnerships addressing global warming while also strengthening the economy.

On a global scale, countries have committed themselves to enhancing international responses to climate change risks. The U.S is actively working towards improving international action under the Framework Convention on Climate Change.

It is crucial to acknowledge that activities such as using a computer or having lights on contribute to global warming.
Even the simplest act of taking a hot shower contributes to this problem. The use of energy derived from fossil fuels results in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions each time it is used. The majority of electricity is generated by burning non-renewable sources, such as coal, natural gas, and oil. These sources have a limited supply and release greenhouse gas pollutants when they are burned. Thankfully, advancements in technology now

provide us with pollution-free methods to produce electricity. We can utilize sunlight, wind, water, biomass, and geothermal heat to fulfill our daily electricity requirements. These resources are referred to as "renewable energy sources" because they are either consistently available (like sunlight and wind) or capable of replenishing themselves (like wood). By incorporating renewable sources into our electricity generation processes, we can substantially decrease greenhouse gas emissions as well as other pollutants.