Global Warming an Inevitable Future

Global Warming an Inevitable Future



Global Warming an Inevitable Future

Introduction

Imagine a world where deserts expand across the interior of continents; Coastlines are constantly attacked by hurricanes and floods; Entire islands are completely submerged underwater; vast forests are destroyed; Plants and animals of all kind are extinct. This world could become a reality. Global warming has been an issue that few people are actually aware of. There have been warnings about this for decades, but most of humanity has chosen to ignore them. However, if we want to keep our world, actions must be taken to prevent global warming. If these actions are not taken, the world as we know it will disappear. Global warming is an environmental threat to mankind and requires our immediate attention.

Analysis

Each year since 1992 has been recorded as some of the warmest years on record. Signs that global warming is occurring are evident: global average air and ocean temperatures have increased, snow and ice are melting over widespread areas, and the sea level is rising (Maslin, Mark, 2002). An increase in global temperature will have many dire consequences. Higher maximum temperatures will cause an increase in heat-related deaths. Heat stress will occur in livestock and wildlife. Many crops will risk damage. Demand for cooling methods will be increased (Gelbspan, Ross, 1997).

The Earth's heat is trapped in its atmosphere by greenhouse gases, which form a sort of thermal blanket over the Earth. As more greenhouse gases are produced, the thermal blanket is thickened and thus, more heat is trapped. The gases are made up of water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, and chlorofluorocarbons. These are all natural, but additional gases are created by humans from pollution. These gases are produced through burning fuels, cutting down forests, and animal wastes that let off methane (BBC). Carbon dioxide makes up nearly 80% of all greenhouse gases. More than a quarter of that comes from electrical power plants (Maslin, Mark, 2002). The output of carbon dioxide from human activities is the major cause of global warming, and humans must slow down the rate of carbon dioxide emissions before the damage we are causing to the environment becomes irreversible. Causing damage to the environment will ultimately cause damage to mankind (Di Silvestro, Roger. 2007).

Those who accept that global warming is truly occurring still believe that it will be many years before the effects actually ...