Category: Global Warming

Introduction

Research shows that the environment can be safe if meat consumption is reduced in the United States and other parts of the world. This is mainly because of the greenhouse gases that are emitted during the processing of meat. Moreover, animals consume too much feeds before they can produce the desired quantities of meat. Some scholars argue that people should stop eating meat, mainly because it is harmful to human health. The issue of animal welfare has always been put in question, even though environmental conservation is the major concern of many. It is noted that individuals in various parts of the world are unwilling to give up meat consumption. However, reduction, shift to other sources of protein, and consumption of organically manufactured proteins, are some of the alternatives that environmentalists suggest to save the environment and reduce global warming. Many individuals ask themselves which type of meat would be friendly to the environment because such information is not within the public domain.

A statement released by the United Nations Environmental Program established that domestic animals are the second main contributors to ecological deprivation, which results in climatic transformation. This is mainly because of air and water contamination (Steinfeld 23). The livestock sector contributes approximately eighteen percent of greenhouse gas emissions, which is even more than the transport sector. A combination of agricultural by-products, waste disposal, and treatment constitute a larger percentage of greenhouse emission. This is directly related to meat consumption. I am in support of a recent report released by one of the environmental lobby group, which concluded that lamb meat is the worst in terms of environmental degradation. The beef was ranked second according to the report while cheese came in third place. Pork and farmed salmon were the least polluters of the environment. Chicken is the best animal meat to consume because it does not contribute to global warming. This article aims at evaluating the role of meat consumption in environmental degradation and global warming.

Meat Production

In my opinion, meat production processes, particularly concentrated animal feeding operations, have tremendous effects on the environment, which implies that they contribute to climatic change through the emission of dangerous gases. Animals are no longer given special care as they used to be in the traditional society, but instead, they are crammed into tiny stalls without vegetation. Such animals are provided with feeds, which are produced in different places and transported through roads. Some are simply injected with hormones and antibiotics on a regular basis to increase their rates of growth. In my view, farmers are simply driven with the desire to make a profit, meaning that animals should mature as fast as possible to provide meat products. Animals kept under such settings are regarded as part of nature since they constitute a natural cycle.

Their by-products get in contact with the environment, which poses a great threat to human life. This is because their waste products are exposed to the fields and could be swept into rivers, which may perhaps result in the formation of dead zones. By-products from pigs contain high quantities of hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and cyanide, which infiltrate the air. Peoples meat processing areas have always suffered from complications, such as nose bleeding, ear problems, diarrhea, and lung infections (Foer 32). Just as Foer observed that waste products from pigs and chicken have the possibility of contaminating water bodies beyond thirty-five miles, I am also in support of a similar view since this occurs in major rivers in over twenty-two states in the United States. A recent study conducted in the United States affirmed that antibiotics utilized in treating animals could be causing drug resistance.

Studies suggest that meat is not an option for a hungry population since it needs more input as compared to other sources of food. Fruits and vegetables do not need too much input, as well as energy. Foer approximated that farmed animals produce more wastes. In terms of water usage, Steinfeld was of the view that livestock consumes approximately eight percent of global water usage. In the United States, people consume too much animal protein, which is contrary to the recommendations of the health practitioner. This is the major cause of obesity in the country. People in the United States consume over two-eighty eight pounds of proteins, which is the highest in any developed country. Bosshardt was of the view that this eating rate is sixty percent more as compared to the rate at which people from Europe use meat stuff. In the United States, meat consumption has always been viewed as a sign of status, apart from being the staple food (56). However, many individuals have never considered its effects on the environment since cows products are known to produce methane gas, which contains a considerable amount of carbon dioxide gas. Studies suggest that one cow could perhaps produce over five hundred liters of methane in any single day. Hamerschlag (26) was of the view that one kilogram of beef generates over twenty-seven kilograms of carbon dioxide gas. Apart from producing a dangerous gas to the environment, cows and other grazers are not good manufacturers of food since they consume over seven kilograms of grain for each kilogram of beef produced.

Just as health experts suggest that individuals should resort to consuming grass-fed and organic beef as opposed to factory-manufactured beef, I seem to agree that this contributes to environmental degradation. Factory manufactured beef has several effects on the environment because of the gases emitted during the process of feed production. Others argue that grass-fed animals are even dangerous to the environment since they produce more methane and use more feeds, given the fact that they take time to grow. I subscribe to the views Manning (53), which supported the idea that grass-fed animals are healthier since they produce meat that is less hazardous to the environment. Proponents of modern agricultural production techniques suggest that animals crammed in a few stalls need less land to offer similar products as those kept in large farms. This favors the environment because the new system prevents carbon emission, which would be released to the soil through cultivation. Rastogi observed that confinement feeding is essential in the sense that it reduces greenhouse emissions.

Consumption of Pork

Rastogi (38) conducted a study, which revealed that at least five to six pounds of feeds are needed for a pig to produce one pound of pork. This figure is far much less as compared to beef production. Hamerschlag observed that pigs produce twelve kilograms of carbon dioxide to generate one kilogram of pork, which is less than a third when compared to beef production.

In this regard, only one-third of greenhouse gas emission is attributed to pork production. Therefore, it is factual that pork farming produces fewer gases that are dangerous to the environment as compared to beef production. Advocates of animal rights, on their part, refute the claims that factory production of pigs is the only way to resolve issues related to environmental degradation. They recommended that pigs should be authorized to wallow in dirt and experience ordinary actions since this practice encourages ecological protection. Eriksen was against the idea since out-of-doors pig manufacturing leads to soil and ecological dispossession owing to nitrogen discharge.

Chicken Consumption

Chicken meat is perceived to be lean for the body. Environmentalists suggest that chicken rearing has lesser environmental effects as compared to big farm animals, such as cows and pigs. Adler (28) advised that individuals should resort to eating chicken meat, in case they are unable to control their meat-eating habits. His suggestion was that chicken consumption would yield major environmental benefits, apart from financial and health benefits. Unlike big farm animals, Hamerschlag noted that chicken release just six kilograms of carbon dioxide for every kilogram of meat produced. This amount is approximately half that of the amount produced by pork and beef. Chicken production is safe to the environment in the sense that little energy is used in burning out protein calories as compared to beef protein.

A study conducted by Rastogi established that over twenty to forty units of fossil fuels are used in burning out beef and pork proteins as compared to five units needed for burning out chicken proteins. However, this study implied that chicken production contributes to several environmental challenges. This proves that meat consumption contributes to environmental degradation and global warming, irrespective of the meat consumed. Manure produced by chicken could easily seep into the land and would have the capability of spreading bacteria, which is dangerous to the health of other organisms. Nitrogen and phosphoric acids from chicken manure are harmful to water bodies. These harmful chemicals are washed into streams, rivers, and coastal areas whereby they affect the quality of water, encourage the growth of algae and create dead zones, which are highly hazardous to the environment. The case is even serious for the factory production of chicken.

In factories specializing in chicken production, antibiotics and hormones are often employed. This affects the environment in the sense that they interfere with the natural growth of organisms. The process of cleaning up chicken and processing them for human use consume huge volumes of water as compared to any other process of preparing meat. Hamerschlag was of the view that by-products of such processes are usually dangerous since they contain harmful chemicals and other products with a high concentration of gases. Allison (63) conducted a study that proved that organic and free-range rearing of chicken is even more dangerous as compared to factory farming. The study established that the energy needed for organic production of chicken is over thirty-three percent as compared to the free-range system, which is simply twenty-five percent. The global warming percentage is expected to be forty-six percent higher for organic farming as compared to free-range farming, which would be twenty percent. Chicken takes a considerable time to mature under the free-range system, as compared to an organic farming system.

Fish Consumption

Substituting conventional sources of meat with fish seems to be the ultimate solution to the problem of global warming and environmental degradation. However, the challenge presented by fish consumption is different, which confirms that meat consumption, irrespective of the type, contributes to environmental degradation. The challenges presented by fish consumption are even serious as compared to those presented by beef, pork, and chicken consumption. Greenhouse gases are not the major problem in fish consumption, even though the use of boats in catching fish poses environmental challenges. The by-products of fish are dangerous to the environment since they pollute the air and water bodies. The major issue facing this alternative of acquiring fulfilling protein demands is overfishing. The use of radar technologies and the GPS do not favor fish varieties since they ensure that big fish are destroyed systematically. In my view, a study conducted in the United States by Clark and Clausen (91) suggesting that over seventy-five percent of major fisheries are fully exploited, over-exploited, or even depleted is valid. Clark and Clausen cautioned that people have been fishing down the food chain without considering the issue of sustainability. In lakes and rivers, it is rare to come across big fish. The above scholars observed that what was previously considered trash fish, including tilapia, could not be found easily in major lakes and other water bodies in modern society.

Modern anglers use non-standard dragnets, which do not give room to small fish, and other varieties of endangered specify a chance to survive. Some endangered species, such as seals and porpoises, are not spared since they are caught alongside other varieties of fish. I agree with Foer, who was of the view that not all animals captured are usually used as food, but instead, over eighty percent is thrown away, which is a waste. Foer suggested further that there would be no fish in the next fifty years if the current trend were allowed to go on. According to Foer, the likelihood of having a blank marine is high in subsequent years. Since a blank ocean in the next fifty years is a fact, individuals have resorted to fish agriculture, which is commonly termed as aquaculture, which is a different method of fishing in lakes and rivers. However, fish farming is not compliant to the demands of the environment. In other words, it is dangerous to the environment since it contributes to environmental degradation. In most cases, various varieties of fish are packed in confined places with no space to whirl, but instead, they merely move around their own desecrates. Fish farming encourages the use of antibiotics and hormones to avoid diseases and encourage growth, respectively. Hamerschlag performed research, which ascertained that farmed salmon has a high absorption of PCBs and other chemicals used in killing insects, even though its carbon manufacturing is reasonably low. Hamerschlag observed that greenhouse emission is approximated to be 4.14 kilograms of carbon dioxide for every one kg of fish meat produced.

I support Clark and Clausen, who was concerned with the way fish is fed. They observed that under the aquaculture system, fish is acquired through a poor system. This increases the chances of catching even small fish in the lakes, which has a tremendous effect on the marine ecosystem. The life of small fish, which is used in catching big fish, is in danger. Fish products do not have many effects on the health of individuals. They boost an individuals health by providing the essential type of fatty acids referred to as omega-3. However, Griesbauer (44) suggested that many people forget that fish contains mercury particles, which are extremely dangerous to the human nervous system. Mercury particles affect pregnant women since they can affect the brain of children

Conclusion

From the studies conducted by several scholars, it is concluded that meat contributes to environmental degradation and global warming. However, many environmentalists have never paid attention to this emerging trend that is threatening the atmosphere. Most of them are keen on ensuring that land is utilized in an environmentally secure manner instead of encouraging people to reduce meat consumption. The main solution to the problem of global warming is agitating for sustainable development. This means that todays production should take into consideration the future generation. In this case, meat production should be friendly to the environment to prevent global warming. The future generation would have nothing to produce in case the rate at which the environment is being destroyed persists. Many scholars advise that the only way to ensure sustainability would be through the formulation of laws. Scholars advancing this approach compare global warming to segregation in the United States. Segregation was a policy that had oppressed and subjugated many people in the United States. It was easy to end the policy by designing appropriate laws. Therefore, laws should be designed at the national and international levels. The government of the United States should come up with strong laws to punish those who destroy the environment. Similarly, the US should facilitate the designing of international environmental law. The only solution to pollution is the designing of laws.

Works Cited

Adler, Ben. Are Cows Worse Than Cars? American Prospect, 12.1(2008): 28-41. Print.

Allison, Richard. Organic chicken production criticised for leaving a larger carbon footprint. Poultry World, 3.1 (2007): 16-31. Print.

Bosshardt, Richard. Eating less meat has many benefits. Orlando Sentinel, 9.18 (2011): 18-24. Print.

Clark, Brett, and Clausen, Rebecca. The Oceanic Crisis: Capitalism and the Degradation of Marine Ecosystems. Monthly Review, 3.2 (2008): 91-104. Print.

Foer, Jonathan. Eating Animals. New York: Little Brown and Company, 2009. Print.

Griesbauer, Laura.Methyl mercury Contamination in Fish and Shellfish. Pro Quest Discovery Guides, 3.4 (2007): 35-56. Print.

Hamerschlag, Kari. A Meat Eaters Guide to Climate Change and Health: What You Eat Matters. Lifecycle Assessments: Methodology & Results. New York: Environmental Working Group, 2011. Print

Manning, Richard. The Amazing Benefits of Grass-Fed Meat. Mother Earth News, 4.1 (2009): 48-63. Print.

Rastogi, Nina. The Kindest Cut: Which Meat Harms Our Planet the Least? Slate, 4.2 (2009): 32-48. Print.

Introduction

There is a significant amount of scientific data that supports the claim of global warming. Scientists from all over the world are working together and integrating the results of simultaneous studies. The collaboration of the different scientists allowed them to make the claim that due to global warming, there is an average increase in temperatures in recent decades (Lunine 2013). They also noted that the impact of global warming was the melting of polar ice sheets.

Due to the melting of the polar ice sheets, a considerable amount of water was free from the giants block of ice. Thus, it gave way to rising sea levels, shrinking polar ice, and retreating glaciers (Lunine 2013). It is important to know the direct effect of melting ice and rising sea levels, especially when it comes to communities that can be found near shorelines.

It is also important to find out if the melting polar ice sheets contributed to summers that are seen to be growing hotter, as well as weather events are perceived to be more unpredictable (Casper 2010). Another important discovery made in recent decades was the realization that global warming is more likely the byproduct of human activity.

Global Warming

Modern men and women are used to a certain lifestyle. They cannot survive without the constant presence of electronic gadgets. In many households all over the United States, families are used to the comfort brought about by air-conditioning systems. In large cities characterized by concrete jungles and superhighways, the residents use cars like other people use bicycles. In other words, the vehicles that they own are not considered as items of luxury, because these are items of necessity.

Aside from cars and motorbikes, modern men and women love to travel using modern transportation systems like cruise ships, large aircraft, and trains. All these transportation systems and electronic gadgets require fossil fuel to run. The petroleum products that are needed to produce electricity gives off harmful byproducts in the form of greenhouse gases.

Global warming is made possible by the excess amount of greenhouse gases or GHG in the Earths atmosphere (Webersik 2010). If one will take a closer look at GHG, he will find out that the major component is carbon dioxide. This is the same gas that human exhale in the process of breathing. However, GHG like carbon dioxide has a unique property that enables it to trap the heat from the suns rays.

In order to understand the dynamics at work in global warming, it is best to observe a real-life greenhouse, the structure that botanists construct in order to raise high-value crops all throughout the year.

In other words, due to the conventional design of a greenhouse, the farmer can plant crops that normally would not survive during the winter months. The heat that was trapped using glass materials and other related structures allow the plants to live comfortably even if the temperatures outside the greenhouse hovered near the freezing point.

Scientists all over the world are in agreement that the Earths surface temperature has risen more than 1.1 degrees Fahrenheit or 0.7 degrees Celsius (National Center for Atmospheric Research 2015). In 2007, scientists tracking the impact of global warming made the assertion that it is the root cause of retreating glaciers in Latin America, and the cause of elevated sea levels in coastal regions.

It must be made clear that glaciers are dynamic systems (Kusky 2009). Glaciers are always moving due to the influence of gravity and changing global climate (Kusky 2009). Therefore, the behavior of glaciers can be used to determine the impact of global climate change. A glacier is an example of a large concentration of ice.

However, the largest forms of ice on Earth are ice sheets and ice caps. For example, ice sheets are huge masses of ice. It is described as continent-sized masses of ice that covers Greenland and Antarctica (Kusky 2009). The ice sheets that cover Greenland and Antarctica are two of the largest glaciers on this planet. It must be pointed out that the glaciers found in this region contain about 95 percent of all the glaciers on Earth (Kusky 2009).

There is mounting evidence to show that polar ice caps or ice sheets are melting. One of the direct evidence for this phenomenon is the rising sea levels. Scientists are in agreement that if global warming continues unabated, the end result would be a considerable rise in sea levels that could reach up to 230 feet or 66 meters (Kusky 2009).

This piece of news may not be a cause for concern for people living in elevated areas or those that lived far from the sea. However, those who are living in coastal areas, those who are residents of small islands, this information is highly disconcerting for them. Consider the impact of 100 feet of increase in current water levels. A hundred feet of water can easily submerge a house or building.

Global warming contributes to the melting of the ice caps because polar glaciers are formed when the mean average temperature lies below freezing (Kusky 2009). This is the reason why large masses of ice are formed in regions that are far from the direct impact of the suns rays. It is important to point out that in this part of the world, the glaciers have little or no seasonal melting because this area is always below freezing (Kusky 2009).

Melting of Polar Ice Sheets

Scientists are worried when they examine current data concerning global warming. They sounded the alarm as early as 2005 when they found out that the Arctic ice can be utilized as an early warning system when it comes to a significant increase in temperature (Ferrey 2010).

A group of researchers discovered that in the winter of 2004 and 2005 a chunk of ice that was measured as large as the country of Turkey cracked and fell into the sea (Ferrey 2010). If the melting and cracking of large glaciers continue unabated, and the rate of melting is not reversed, scientists predicted that at least 40% of perennial ice cap will disappear in the year 2050 (Ferrey 2010).

Disturbing reports are coming in, and it compelled many interest groups to work together to reverse the impact of global warming. It was discovered that 552 billion tons of ice melted from Greenland during the 2007 period (Ferrey 2010). Researchers utilized satellite data, and they found out that a record amount of surface ice was lost over Greenland in 2007 (Ferrey 2010). There was a 12% increase in the amount of ice that melted when they compared data from the 2005 period.

When they compared data that was recorded in the early part of the 1990s, they found out that it was four times the amount that was melted during that period. In order to gain perspective on the seriousness of the problem, the amount of ice that melted could have covered Washington, D.C. (Oerlemans and Fortuin 1992).

Scientists saw the tell-tale signs of global warming when they realized that Arctic ice took longer to form and melted earlier than expected (Casper 2010). According to the Yukon Conservation Society, the darker water around the edge of the glaciers absorbs the heat from the sun and quickly melts away (Casper 2010).

Thus, the darker area gets bigger (Casper 2010). When this happens, the larger area absorbs more heat. As a result, more ice will melt. Scientists discovered that there are many shrinking glaciers over the past 50 years (Casper 2010).

They also found out that the surface area of summer sea ice floating in the Arctic Ocean in 2007 was more than 20% below the previous record (Ferrey 2010). Researchers asserted that the rapid melting of glaciers has affected wildlife. For example, 6,000 walruses were compelled to walk ashore in Northwest Alaska in 2007 (Ferrey 2010). This was the first time that they walked into shore in recorded history (Ferrey 2010).

Global warming is causing the rapid melting of the polar ice caps and ice sheets. However, the melted ice contributes to the cycle of degradation, because white sea ice reflects about eighty percent of the suns heat off the Earth (Ferrey 2010). The rapid disappearance of sea ice means that heat is not reflected back, thus, the oceans will absorb the heat of the sun. When this happens, the oceans will be warmer, and this will exacerbate the problem.

Impact of Melting Polar Ice Sheets

It is imperative to maintain a high amount of glacial ice on Earth (Spalding 2010). Aside from the fact that polar caps and ice sheets help reflect the suns rays, it is also instrumental when it comes to the storage of fresh water (Spalding 2010). When the level of freshwater increases due to the melted glaciers, the excess amount of water will endanger the communities in coastal areas. There are many islanders all over the world that will be affected by the impact of melting ice caps.

There are also key cities around the world that are built near bodies of water. For example, cities like New York, New Orleans, and Amsterdam are in danger of massive flooding when ice caps continue to melt unabated (Spalding 2010). There are also a significant number of small island nations that are only a few feet above sea level (Spalding 2010). The radical rise in sea levels means that these islands will be submerged in water in the near future.

Cities and small island nations that prone to massive flooding will be forced to evacuate its residents. When this happens, a massive migration of people will affect the economy of neighboring nations. Another problematic impact of rising sea levels is the possibility of contaminating freshwater sources (Spalding 2010). Water from ice caps contains salt.

The habitats of certain species will be affected by the melting ice caps (Rosser 2008). For example, scientists found out that several polar bears drowned because they were forced to swim greater distances (Spalding 2010). They needed to travel between ice floes (Spalding 2010).

Conclusion

Scientists are alarmed by the rapid degradation of the environment, as seen by the disappearance of sea ice, melting ice sheets, and melting polar caps. They voiced out their concerns because ice caps and ice sheets are important regulators of the Earths ecosystem. For example, ice is known to reflect the suns rays. Thus, ice played a major part in regulating the Earths temperature. The rapid decline in the amount of glacier and sea ice means that there is less ice that could reflect the suns rays.

This means that the disappearance of glaciers contributes significantly to global warming. The rapid melting of sea ice contributes to a vicious cycle, and at the end, more ice is melted. The impact of melting polar caps and ice sheets is an environmental disaster that will affect the lives of people all over the planet. It must be made clear that the ice caps in the Antarctic regions of the Earth are also massive storage areas of freshwater.

Thus, when ice caps are melted at an abnormal rate, more freshwater is dumped into the oceans. When this happens, sea levels will rise significantly. A sudden rise in sea levels will cause massive flooding in cities that were built near the seashore. There are cities and small nations that are a few feet above sea level. Thus, the rapid rise of sea levels will dramatically increase the probability that these population centers will be submerged in water.

When this happens, the threat of massive flooding will trigger a mass migration of people. The mass migration of people will negatively affect the economy of neighboring nations, a well as territories that are above sea level. The disappearance of glaciers will negatively affect the habitats of wildlife. Thus, the rapid melting of polar ice caps will affect every aspect of human life.

References

Casper, J., 2010: Global Warming Cycles: Ice Ages and Glacial Retreat. Facts on File, Inc., 106 pp.

Ferrey, S., 2010: Unlocking Global Warming Tool Box. PennWell Corporation, 319 pp.

Kusky, T., 2009: Climate Change: Shifting Glaciers, Deserts, and Climate Belts. Facts on File, Inc., 143 pp.

Lunine, J., 2013: Earth: Evolution of a Habitable World. Cambridge University Press, 267 pp.

National Center for Atmospheric Research, cited 2014: References. Web.

Oerlemans, J., and Fortuin, J, 1992: Sensitivity of glaciers and small ice caps to greenhouse warming. Science Journal, 258, 115-117.

Rosser, S., 2008: The A-Z of Global Warming. Gardner Books, 255 pp.

Spalding, F., 2010: Catastrophic Climate Change and Global Warming. Rosen Publishing, 64 pp.

Webersik, C., 2010: Climate Change and Security. ABC-CLIO, 163 pp.

The issue of global warming nowadays to a certain extent affects every country in the world. Some of them may even face disappearance from the Earth. Jon Shenks 2011 documentary The Island President depicts the tragedy of the small island nation of the Maldives endangered by the global rise in sea level. The story of President Mohamed Nasheeds strivings reflects how hard but still possible it is for a developing country to oppose the planet destruction.

The film covers the first year of Nasheeds presidency in 2009. Nasheed became the first democratically elected president of the country and an ardent advocate of sustainable environmental policy. From the beginning of this term, Nasheed developed a plan for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the Maldives for the following decade. Those measures were vital because the Maldives is situated at a very low altitude and a slight increase in the sea level resulting from the global warming and greenhouse effect put the country in danger of being flooded (Carrington par. 3).

Nasheed planned that all the energy in the country should be solar and wind. He argued that the cost of switching to renewables would be less than the money that the Maldives were spending on energy. As a part of his environmental campaign, Nasheed conducted his first ministerial meeting under the water. In 2009, Nasheed traveled to the Copenhagen Climate Summit where he tried to draw the attention of the world superpowers to the fact that they should reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Thanks to Nasheeds persistence and firmness in his beliefs he managed to agree with the US, China, and India on gas reduction. His efforts brought the climate change issue back into political fashion (Bradshaw par. 1).

The Island President is one of the brightest depictions of the rising problem of environmental refugees. Environmental refugees are defined as those people who have been forced to leave their traditional habitat, temporarily or permanently, because of a marked environmental disruption that jeopardizes their existence and/or seriously affected the quality of their life (Westra 3). As a coastal state, the Maldives are a likely source of refugees fleeing from the rising sea level.

Scientists suggest that under current pollution level and continuing temperature rise the Maldives may disappear in the next 30 years (Sykes par. 1). It may be almost impossible for nearly three hundred fifty thousand of Maldivian people to migrate anywhere. The impending threat of submergence of the whole country under the ocean may lead to social uprisings, cultural and spiritual devastation, and crash of economic ties (Cafaro 109).

Moreover, the legal state of environmental refugees is very hard to define. If the state ceases to exist because of flooding it will be unclear whether the citizens of this state will be considered its citizens anymore (Barry and Frankland 182). Such developments require urgent measures to come with global warming and the establishment of a reliable legal framework in the question of environmental refugees.

All things considered, it can be said that The Island President is another striking evidence that the issue of global warming cannot be underestimated by the actors of the international arena. As the primary responsibility for climate change lies on the shoulders of the developed countries, it is up to them to decide whether they want to be responsible yet for hundreds of thousands environmental refugees or to curb their insatiable desire for increased profits and save the environmental situation at least at its present level.

Works Cited

Barry, John, and Gene Frankland. International Encyclopedia of Environmental Politics. London, UK: Routledge, 2013. Print.

Bradshaw, Peter. The Island President  Review. 2012. Web.

Cafaro, Philip. Life on the Brink: Environmentalists Confront Overpopulation. Athens, GA: U of Georgia, 2012. Print.

Carrington, Damian. The Maldives Is the Extreme Test Case for Climate Change Action. 2013. Web.

Sykes, Patrick. Sinking States Climate Change and the Next Refugee Crisis. 2015. Web.

Westra, Laura. Environmental Justice and the Rights of Ecological Refugees. London, UK: Earthscan, 2009. Print.

Introduction

Global warming refers to the rise in the normal temperature of the earths near-surface atmosphere and water bodies ever since the middle of the twentieth century and its predictable continuation. As reported by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, in the year 2007, the universal surface temperature rose by 0.74 to 0.18⁰C for the duration of the twentieth century.

This was the panels fourth assessment report and the study concluded that a better part of this phenomenon referred to as global warming in is as a result of human activity.

Climate representation extrapolation concluded in the most up-to-date IPCC report point out that the earths surface temperature is to be expected to go up an additional 1.1 to 6.4⁰C during the twenty first century (Noon, 2012, p 1). Even as some quarters dispute these projections and disagree with existing evidence of global warming as being caused majorly by human activity, the facts are just too compelling.

However, human activities are not the sole causes of global warming as there are several other causes including natural factors. With global warming increasing day by day, the increasing advancements in technology have had their share of contribution in the disastrous impacts of global warming.

The main cause of this phenomenon is the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere and these bar heat from escaping from the earths surface. Thus, a way(s) of reducing the amount of these gases in the atmosphere needs to be worked out. Deforestation is another cause of global warming.This leads to increased radioactive forcing from CO2, methane, ozone chloro-flouro carbons and nitrous oxide (Noon, 2012, p 1).

Since 1750, the concentration of CO2 has increased by 36%, while the level of methane has grown by 148% due to industrial revolution (Atmosphere Changes, 2011). This is when people cut down trees, those trees and other green plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) which is a greenhouse gas. CO2 is produced by the human being and other animals.

With fewer trees, it would be difficult for people and animals to breathe since there would be more CO2 in the air, yet human beings and animals do not breathe CO2 but oxygen (O2). However, some studies suggest a slight cooling effect; others suggest a slight warming effect. Increased solar activity and increased greenhouse gases warm the atmosphere while increased solar activity warms the stratosphere but increased greenhouse gases cools the stratosphere (Nicklen, 2012, p 1).

Occurrences illustrating increase in global temperature

Sea levels getting higher

For the last century, observations show that sea levels moved higher world over. The average figure stood at more or less seventeen centimeters. Observations show that the order at which the level went up in the last decade is shockingly almost two times that of the last century. An example of an area going through this phenomenon is the marshland going under water at Bayou Chitigue, Louisiana.

The estimated sea-level rise for this marshland is 1.38 centimeters per year. For a period of four years, straight up buildup averaged 2.07 centimeters annually which means the lands elevation was corresponding to the increase in sea level (Nicklen, 2012, p 1).

Coastal marshlands constitute the most useful ecological units in the world. These lands at the land-ocean periphery offer loads of direct gains to humanity, as well as home for money-making fisheries and wildlife, storm defense, enhanced water quality by way of deposit, nutrient and effluence elimination, leisure, and visually pleasing values.

These precious ecological units will be extremely susceptible to the consequences of the fast increase in sea level projected to take place in the course of the next century as an outcome of global warming. The effects of rising sea water levels have had adverse effects on aquatic animals. Many animals are dying due to lack of food and also due to effects of poisonous substances which occur especially from industries.

Rise in global temperature

Every single one of the three main universal surface temperature reconstructions gives an indication that the planet has become hotter ever since 1880. The largest part of this warming has taken place from the 1970s, with the twenty hottest years taking place from 1981 and with all ten of the hottest years taking place in the last twelve years.

The years beginning in 2000 up to date have seen a reduction in solar output with the period 2007 to 2009 a noticeable solar least amount. Despite this, surface heat levels keep on rising (Natural resources defense council, 2012, p 1).

The effects of increase in universal temperature are evident from the outbreak of a variety of viral ailments like malaria. The causal agents of these illnesses thrive well in environments with elevated temperatures. The outbreaks have especially been experienced in the developing world. As a result, the economies and health of people are affected negatively.

Mortality rates of both children and adults have gone up in the last two decades. Economies suffer because a larger part of the resources are directed at curbing these ailments through vaccinations and efforts to eliminate the causal agents altogether.

Other than viral infections, high temperatures pose difficulties to persons with cardiovascular complications. In severe occurrences, persons have lost lives as a result of heatstroke aggravated by elevated temperatures. High temperatures also lead to heat fatigue difficulties and respiratory difficulties as a result of harm to lung tissues which is a danger to persons with asthma.

Industrialization leads to increased radioactive forcing from CO2, methane, ozone chloro-flouro carbons and nitrous oxide. Industrial revolution is the main cause of the constantly increasing concentration of CO2 and methane. Particulate and soot are also the reasons of global warming. They are also caused by volcanoes and human made pollutants especially aerosols (Jones, n.d, p 1).

Warming oceans

The worlds oceans have taken up a great deal of the augmented heat, with the upper seven hundred meters, that is, two thousand three hundred feet, of ocean illustrating increase of 0.302⁰F ever since 1969.

Increasing heat levels have an effect on the physical nature of all oceans. As air temperatures go up, water density decreases and the water parts from a nutrient-filled chilly stratum underneath. This forms the starting point for a sequence effect that affects all oceanic life that depends on these nutrients for continued existence.

The most pronounced effects of this warming on oceanic populaces are alterations in natural homes and food provision and shifting ocean alchemy. Single-celled plants, phytoplankton, that thrive at the ocean floor and algae utilize the process of photosynthesis for making food. The process takes away carbon dioxide from the air and changes it into natural carbon and oxygen which provides for virtually all ecological units.

Studies show that phytoplankton survives in cooler oceans. In the same way, algae which are a plant on which other oceanic life feeds is declining due to oceanic warming. Thus, the most important nutrients are barred from finding their way upward and are stuck to a small stratum near the floor. The temperatures of the sea surfaces have been shown to rise.

This poses a great danger to aquatic life as water bodies warm up and result to coral reefs which have adverse effects aquatic life. Many of the coral animals died after being weakened by bleaching, a process linked to the warmer waters.

Annual growth cycles have been affected leading to disruption of entire oceanic food chains. Heat-driven organisms like phytoplankton have commenced their annual growth phase earlier in the season as a result warming oceans. Creatures that once traveled to the floor for nourishment are now hitting upon areas devoid of nutrients (Jones, n.d, p 1).

Migration patterns that never existed before have been manifested along the east and west coasts. For instance, heat tolerant groups have spread out northward. The effect of this is a new jumble of species in a totally new location, in the end leading to alterations in predatory routines. Those species that will not be able to become accustomed to their new environment will die and become extinct.

The chemical composition of oceans is another aspect that is being altered due to increasing global temperatures. Higher carbon dioxide levels being emitted into oceanscause a rise in their acidity. With higher acidity levels, phytoplankton is trimmed down. The result is reduced marine plants to absorb greenhouse gases.

Elevated acidity levels also impact negatively on other life forms like corals and shellfish. These might become extinct with time if nothing is done to counter global warming.Since the diversity of species is important for human survival, human life will be adversely affected and even human survival will be threatened.

Disappearing ice sheets

Ice sheets at Greenland and Antarctic are diminishing at high rates. Statistics from NASAs Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment illustrate how Greenland dropped ice ranging from 150 to 250 Km³ annually from two thousand and two to two thousand and six. Antarctica dropped more or less 152 Km³ of ice in the period from two thousand and two and two thousand and five.

Ice sheets outline the earths surface and form the principal freshwater source. Shrinking ice sheets put many humans at risk from floods, rise in sea levels, droughts and deficiency in drinking water.The areas that are majorly threatened include Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and several other small island nations.

Ecological units in these areas are being messed up and life that has been thriving there now faces extinction if nothing is done. Animals that wont thrive in flooded areas such as polar bears face such threats.

Extreme weather events

Quite a number of excessive climate events have taken place in the last few years and they are as a result of global warming. These include pronounced heat waves and intense precipitation. They are expected to increase if appropriate steps are not taken to curb rise in global temperatures. Their effects are detrimental and lead to loss of lives since they are difficult to predict.

Temperature of large lakes increase and the large lakes worldwide have had their temperatures rise drastically. These temperature rises have contributed to increase in algal blooms in lakes and favor invasive species, increase lake stratification and lower lake levels. These changes have adversely affected the fish populations in major lakes thus hindering fishing industrial activities.

Extreme droughts and floods

The high temperatures increases evaporation and more prolonged droughts in some areas of the earth. The increased evaporation leads to increase in amounts of rain received in parts of the world. This leads to flooding. In other cases, some areas receive more rainfall at the expense of the areas which experience drought spells.

However, this is controlled by wind movements which carry the rain bearing clouds with them leaving their areas of origin with no rain bearing clouds thus such areas experience droughts while the areas of destination receiving enormous amounts of rain thus floods. There is a prediction of more violent swings between floods and droughts which will not support any meaningful agriculture thus famine and food insecurity.

This is significant because of the changes in climate patterns which affect rainfall and drought seasons most likely by shortening rainfall periods and lengthening the drought seasons. In ecological systems the earlier timing of spring events and the pole ward and upward shifts in fauna have contributed to global warmingby increasing the recent warming of the earth.

If the process of global warming continues, it will change the ecosystems of certain regions. It is expected that most of the ecosystems will be negatively impacted by these rising temperatures and rising levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Global warming is generally expected to cause elimination of plants and animals and reduced multiplicity of the ecosystem.

Poor human health

The warm temperatures are bound to cause more deaths due to heat waves and more allergy attacks as the pollen season grows longer there have been some changes in the ranges of animals that carry disease like mosquitoes. Due to the environmental changes caused by global warming, these disease vectors have mutated over time and have become more difficult to manage. As such they spread more diseases posing a threat to human existence.

Effect on animals

Garbage disposal points when burnt produce large amounts of greenhouse gases. Garbage which is not burnt is left to rot; during this rotting process methane is produced in enormous amounts (Shahan, 2011, p 1). Since methane of one of the greenhouse gases, global warming is bound to increase. Deforestation is another cause of global warming.

This is when people cut down trees, those trees and other green plants absorb carbon dioxideCO2) which is a greenhouse gas. CO2 is produced by the human being and other animals. If the amount of trees and plants is reduced, then less oxygen (O2) produced by the greenery will be released into the air, so people and animals will feel difficult to breathe as increased level of CO2 will be present in the atmosphere. It is the plants which breathe in CO2 and give out O2.

How to curb global warming

This phenomenon needs to be brought to a stop to avoid further negative effects and make the planet habitable for all forms of life. The first step needs to be reducing, reusing and recycling waste. We need to choose reusable commodities as opposed to non-reusable ones.

Production of commodities with least packaging needs to be encouraged. Recycling can be done on paper, plastics, glass and even metal products. This goes a long way in reducing up to an approximated two thousand for hundred pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

Humanity needs to use minimal amounts of heat and air conditions in homes, offices and even in transportation means like vehicles. We can begin by insulating our walls and setting up weather stripping about all building openings in a bid to reduce warm up costs by an estimated twenty five percent.

Practices like turning down the heat while asleep or off in the course of the day and maintaining heat levels all the times are recommended. Statistics indicate that maintaining thermostats at two degrees lesser in winter and upper during summer is likely to keep at bay more or less two thousand pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

Car owners need to drive less and smart. Reduced driving translates to fewer carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Mass transportation systems like trains are effective. Whenever driving, we need to ensure that the vehicle is running resourcefully. Tires need to be appropriately inflated and the entire engine well serviced. Every liter of fuel saved keeps carbon dioxide off our atmosphere in addition to saving on running costs (Anair, 2012, p 1).

All of us need to ensure we plant trees and maintain the worlds forest cover to maintain our world green. In the course of photosynthesis, these plants take in carbon dioxide as they release oxygen. With many of them then there will be a good balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Turning off the faucet when brushing teeth is also an effective way combating global warming. This will help reduce the amount of water used thus reduce the pressure on the water supply. Turn off all electrical devices that is, lights, fans television, and computers among others, when they are not in use. This helps in energy conservation thus lessen the pressure on raw materials for energy production.

Using energy-efficient appliances to help save about a third of the energy bills with similar savings on greenhouse gas emissions without scarifying features, style or comfort may as well be used as a remedy. Checking for leaks in toilets, faucets pipes, irrigation systems and others could also be a good prevention method. This will help in water conservation to a greater degree.

Installation of low flow shower heads and having showers instead of having baths, which will also reduce on the amounts of water used in the bathroom. This is where several people share a vehicle to work or school (McCarthy, 2005, p 1). This is an effective way of saving on fuel by exploring economies of scale.

People can also ride a bike instead of driving. This will save on fuel costs while giving one the daily exercise.Mitigation climate change is the reduction of the amount of future climate change.

Conclusion

We have seen that we are our own enemies and enemies of the earth which our own livelihood depend on. It is our own activities that are degrading the natural resources endowed to us by Mother Nature earth. There is much we can do to mitigate the situation and have a cleaner healthier world.

Our own existence is at stake, and the future depends on what we will do from now on. Should nothing be done to correct the situation, we shall cause our own extinction.The general consensus is that global warming is as a result of human activity. Therefore, efforts need to be directed at environmentally safe practices if the planet is to remain habitable for people, other animals and plants.

Universal cooperation efforts such as the Kyoto Protocol need to be encouraged and all world states need to back such efforts.The issue with reducing and stopping the menace of global warming is basically about risk and risk management. There are things that must be sacrificed to save the situation; we have to risk the life without some luxuries to save the future.

In light of the fore-going, the following would help save the situation. All nations should sign the Kyoto type of protocol as a preventive measure towards global warming (McCarthy, 2005, p 1).

Each family should consider establishing small forests and agricultural societies to embrace agro-forestry. This would help in preserving trees and forests which are very significant in preventing global warming as well as other environmental calamities.

Families should also minimize the number of electronics in their households to help in preservation of energy would consequently preserve forests as less trees will be cut out. Countries in the tropics may also consider installing solar panels to minimize on the reliance on hydro-electricity and coal fuel. Government owned public transport should also be established to help regulate the number of private vehicles.

Planting of more trees in areas which did not previously have plantation cover and in areas where deforestation has occurred, the cut trees should be replaced and more trees should even be planted (Anair, 2012, p 1). Similarly, civic education should be provided to citizens to educate them on the importance of conserving and planting trees. This will enhance CO2 absorption thus reducing amounts of greenhouse gases in terms of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere.

Practice of organic farming where by the organic matter produced as waste from the farms is used as sources of manure and the use of insects and other animals in pest control should be implemented. This eliminates the use of inorganic fertilizers and means of pest control while advocating for alternative ways of promoting agriculture. Since these inorganic materials are not easily bio-degradable, they accumulate in soil causing toxic effects to terrestrial and aquatic life. They also produce Flouro-chloro carbons as byproducts of degradation.

Global warming is a very serious environmental issue facing our world today and it is destroying our lives each and every day. As discussed earlier, the most important cause of global warming has been human activity (Natural resources defense council, 2012, p 1). As a result, the most effective way of combating this disastrous impact is by human changing their ways of living by using alternative ways of livelihoods just to avoid causing the effects of global warming.

This could be done best by using prevention measures by industrial firms because they are the most contributing factors of human activity contribution to global warming. This being said, the world can work together to prevent global warming as much as possible by using prevention measures.

Reference List

Anair, D. (2012). Global warming: science and impacts. Union of concerned scientists: citizens and scientists for environmental solutions. Web.

Atmosphere Changes. (2011). Web.

Jones, J. What causes global warming: Learn the major human causes of climate change. Web.

McCarthy, M. (2005). Dramatic changes in west Antarctic ice could produce 16ft rise in sea level. The Independent, 28. Web.

Natural resources defense council. (2012). Global warming. Web.

Nicklen, P. (2012). What is global warming? The Planet Is Heating Upand Fast. Web.

Noon, M. (2012). Big green wants to repeal the industrial revolution. Washington Examiner. Web.

Shahan, Z. (2011). Yes, global warming is real and caused by humans. Web.

Introduction

• Global warming had become a thorny issue by autumn of 1998.
• Different groups in the US embarked on a cost benefit analysis of reducing CO2 emissions.
• There were suspicions among countries on the reduction of global warming activities.

While the opponents of climate change argued that the steps towards reducing CO2 emissions as required by the Kyoto Protocol were so expensive, the Clintons administration had forged bilateral agreements with industrialized nations on how to limit CO2 emissions. Most nations felt reluctant to join the initiative citing a research by former IPCC chair Bert Bolin. He predicted that the level of CO2 in the atmosphere will continue to rise, from 370ppm in 1998 to 392ppm by 2010, however much the Kyoto commitments are fulfilled.

The Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol requires industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gases emissions by 5.2% in comparison to 1990 as the benchmark year.

Other reports indicated the years 1998 and 1999 as the warmest, melting of ice at the North Pole during the summer and massive decrease in the thickness of polar ice to 5.9 feet in 1990s from 10.2 feet in the 1960s.

The fourth Conference of the Parties (COP) in Buenos Aires, in Argentina, saw US join over 150 nations in signing the Kyoto Protocol. US received massive opposition from European nations, India and China; they claimed that US was trying to buy its way out of reducing the emissions through international trading emissions. As this hullabaloo continued, reports disclosed early onset of spring and an increase in the growing season from the Mediterranean Sea to sub-Arctic by eleven days since 1970. These worrying trends called for the course of actions in reducing emissions.

The Hague Conference

• The Clintons administration had tried to get the support of their opponents before heading to the COP 6 meeting at The Hague in 2000.
• At the Hague conference, US insisted on the use of emission-trading mechanisms and credit for land-use practices.
• The Hague negotiations fell apart with no common agreement among the environmentalist movements themselves.

The administration warned of the consequences of climate change on the health and well-being of their citizens; therefore, justifying the need for urgent course of action. However, his critics cited the cost-effectiveness, the effect on the economy and efficiency as some of the drawbacks to the course of action. In this, they wanted to use forests and agricultural land management in meeting their greenhouse gas reduction level. This approach received unequivocal rejection from other nations who argued that there was no direct correlation between the role of soils and forest credits in minimizing CO2 emissions.

Effects of Global Warming

• In January 2001, the IPCC confirmed that in the 20th century, the global temperature had risen by 1 Fahrenheit.
• The graph below also reveals the trend of increased combustion of fossil fuels like petroleum, natural gases and coal.
• Therefore, the world ought to look for other sources of energy like wind and solar.

This change was noted to have been due to increased combustion of fossil fuels. The black line indicates massive release of CO2 in the atmosphere by all the fuels. Clearly, this trend calls for immediate actions to reduce carbon emissions to a level that was present before 1900. Notably, after 1950, the world reduced the limits of coal usage in energy production while this was a positive move, petroleum usage rose to a level much higher than before hence no alteration to the carbon emissions into the environment.

The IPCC Report

In February, another IPCC report outlined possible consequences of global warming, for example:

• Floods,
• Droughts,
• Cyclones,
• Species extinction.

The picture below is self explanatory on the effects of global warming hence the urgent need to reverse this process.

There were also constant changes in rainfall patterns thus resulting to pressure on available water sources. In addition, there were melting of equatorial glaciers in Peru and Africa, delayed freezing, early breakup of lake ice, notable circulation of warm water in the North Atlantic and massive reduction in Greenland and West Antarctic sheets. The constant droughts were also seen as means of adding CO2 into the atmosphere that is northern soils could release CO2 into the air. Droughts lead to death of fauna and flora since they mostly depend on adequate rainfall patterns.

Bush Refusal

• President Bush vowed not to implement CO2 reduction initiatives in spite of all these reports from scientific researchers.
• Bush refused to give in to the Kyoto protocol demands.
• The President commissioned a group of experts to legitimize his position.
• The NAS National Research Council confirmed the scientific view of increase in global temperatures and even cited human actions as the main cause.

Bush held that scientists should do more research on climate change. At this time, CO2 concentration levels in Loa had reached 368ppm. The incomplete scientific research as he claimed could harm consumers; this was a total violation of his campaign pledge. His refusal to cooperate with Kyoto members prompted European nations to continue reducing emissions without involving the US. Even with these findings, Bush persistently continued to oppose the Kyoto Protocol. Markedly, the US President and his Vice President Dick Chimney had a lot of investments in the oil industry and such actions could reduce the profit levels of their firms.

Research Findings

• In 2002, Bush committed $4.6 billion over five years to encourage firms to reduce carbon intensity of the economy by 18% in the next ten years.
• Continued research revealed the main cause of the rise in global temperatures as human activities.
• A report in Nature, in 2003, disclosed that global warming was the cause for species extinction and biodiversity thus disrupting the eco-system.
• Scientists discovered that, currently, trees grow and die faster than 20 years earlier.
• The Bush administration still viewed the effects of global warming as unsubstantiated threats that had little effect on the economy.
• In February 2005, the Kyoto Protocol went into action after Russias ramification in late 2004.

Carbon intensity is the ratio of greenhouse gases like CO2 to the GDP of a country. This administrations step attracted little support from environmentalists like Eileen Claussen and Myron Ebell. In the Polar Regions, ice was melting and flowing into sea water more rapidly than scientists had anticipated. There were also sharp retreats of glaciers, increased precipitation and thawing of permafrost. The above picture showing death of animals and plants attests this claim. The rapid rise in global temperatures disturbed scientist, and they are frightened on what might happen in the next 100 years.

The alteration in trees lifespan led to a study on possible sink avenues for the excess CO2. The increase in temperatures went hand in hand with the increase in CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Notably, in 2004 at the COP 10 meeting, the US delegation were of the opinion that science has not shown a level that one can view as of great danger; therefore, they are not aware of what level of emissions to avoid. The Protocols commitment was to reduce CO2 emissions by 8% in 2012, below the 1990 levels. So serious was this issue that individual states in US defied the federal governments position and started initiatives to cut CO2 output.

Mitigation Measures

Major cities and companies in the US adopted the terms spelt out in the Kyoto Protocol. For example,

• They set up reduction targets for greenhouse gas,
• Improved energy efficiency,
• Improved waste management,
• Increased production and use of renewable energy sources.

These companies believed in benefiting from their actions. BP, for instance, reduced emissions by 10% and made a saving of $65 million over three years through designing an internal carbon-trading strategy. Later, in 2007, US refused to give in to the idea of setting emission limits and Bush went ahead to violate EPAs assertions on limiting emissions of greenhouse gases.

Conclusion

Global warming had become a global issue with most US residents accepting that radical measures should be taken to avert the impeding consequences.

Currently, global warming remains a serious threat.

Industrialized countries like US and China should be at the forefront in limiting greenhouse gases emissions into the atmosphere. Therefore, global warming control requires an inclusive approach.

The Earths temperature is maintained by balance between the energy emitted from the sun and re-emission of the same into the atmosphere. This balance can be altered if certain atmospheric gases are injected into the atmospheric system.

Energy from the sun is radiated back into the atmosphere in form of long wave radiation which is then held back by these greenhouse gases. If the condition becomes extreme, it results into a general global temperature rise leading to a phenomenon called global warming.

There has been increasing awareness over the past few years over the devastating effects of global warming. The political class, research scientists and the general public have voiced their concerns and views on the global warming debate. The proponents of this debate argue that unhealthy human activities have significantly changed the climate patterns of the world, probably to the worst state.

Those who oppose this point of view assert that the concept of global warming is just a creation of the mind and not a reality. They feel that the world has ever been hotter than it is today and that whatever is being experienced today are mere climatic variations which are not permanent.

The arguments presented in this paper will expound the causes of global warming and its potential impacts to the human race. It is evident that aspects of climate change are being experienced and deeply felt in most parts of the planet today. For this reason, mitigation strategies are necessary and not the politics behind it.

There is a natural greenhouse effect that keeps the temperature of the earth in a certain state with expected continual increase. The available greenhouses responsible for the narrow band of temperature found on earth include carbon dioxide, methane and Nitrogen dioxide. It has been estimated that concentration of these gases in the atmosphere lead to change in the average temperature of the earth.

For instance, in the last one century, scientists have directly linked the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere with the increase in temperature of the earth. These gases are released from different sources. Carbon dioxide, which is considered as the chief green house gas, is released from combustion of fossils and deforestation.

Nitrogen dioxide is chiefly emitted from industries during industrial processes while methane released from a combination of industrial and agricultural processes. Predictions of future climate warming changes are hard to be accurate but serious estimations from IPCC indicate a climate change of from 2.3-4.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. This change is thought to cause devastating consequences on earth.

Problems associated with global warming

Some of the most important questions we should be asking ourselves are for example, what effect will we have in consideration of the rise in sea level? Will water volume impact us negatively?

What about food availability to the population? Will the ecology be in any harm and will man also be affected? If we can get the right response to each of these questions, then we will be in a position to address global warming in totality and without bias.

The change in climate will automatically lead to changes on earth. To begin with, earth snow resources which include snow on mountains and other parts will melt and lead to formation of water. This water will flow to oceans and seas and lead to a rise in sea levels. The rise in sea levels will negatively alter the lifestyles of people near coastline.

Due to increased temperatures on natural ecosystems animal and plant life will shift towards the poles and cause loss of reefs, mangroves and other species found here. Associated droughts will lead to reduced agricultural produces and thus cause hunger especially in the developing world. Increased sea levels would lead to increased storms which will be severe and frequent.

There will be creation of geopolitical instabilities in regions experiencing climate change. Serious droughts and heat waves are bound to increase and lead to catastrophic deaths. For instance the sea wave that killed more than 20,000 people in Europe back in 2003 is thought to be as a result of climate change.

Primary causes of global warming/climate change

The exact causes of global warming have not yet been established. Scientific linkages to greenhouses have been considered sufficient in explanation of the causes of global warming. Scientific facts reveal that global warming is caused by the blanketing abilities of the Greenhouse gases available in the atmosphere. These greenhouses gases discussed above trap different amounts from escaping the earth and thus lead to rise in temperatures.

For instance methane is has been proved to trap the highest capacity, as much as 21 times that of carbon dioxide. But the major greenhouse gas attributed to global warming is carbon dioxide due to its abundance over all the other greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide is released from industrial activities such combustion of fuel and petroleum related products. This gas is very important for plants for in the processes of photosynthesis. As a result, it gets regulated by the presence of enough plants.

But under overproduction of the gas, its levels continue to increase in the atmosphere due to frequent releases and continual depletion of resources, forestation, that reduce the amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, thus leading to over-accumulation of the gas in the atmosphere.

This over-accumulation now leads to great trapping of carbon dioxide hence leading to causal of global warming. Practices such fossil fuel and biomass burning, deforestation and continued industrial activities have been identified as the primary causes accumulation of carbon dioxide in the air and thus the primary causes of global warming.

Stakeholders on each side of the issue and their positions

Since it has been identified that global warming is catastrophic, identification of stakeholders has taken a critical dimension for comprehension of the situation. Contributors of slight changes in the availabilities of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have been named as stakeholders. Governments and policy makers play a critical role in climate change.

Their policies are thought to be influential since they are responsible for implementation of the policies. Industrial giants and others are stakeholders as far as energy needs are concerned.

They are responsible for production and accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Lately, it has been identified that almost each individual plays a critical role in changing the climate and thus inclusion of each individual to the stakeholders list is under consideration.

Our future climate will entirely rely on legislative measures enacted by nations. Scientists have successfully put the much needed research into the changing climate pattern. This information is vital only if it is adopted by governments both from the rich and poor countries.

The politics of environmental conservation should be a thing of the past. It is disgusting to learn that no single country is ready to swallow its pride and pursue a reduced emission policy o f green house gases. Even if scientific extrapolations are not impeccable, we have lived through the most trying climatic times coupled with turbulent weather.

Ethical reasoning: Alternatives that might be pursued to address the issue

A conflict resolution is a very sensitive are of human interaction. As such it greatly affects decision making process and thus the general lifestyles of human beings. Due to this effect, careful examination of involved parties is significant in peaceful and happy solution arrival.

Since global warming is an issue which creates a conflicting situation, close examination of the implication of decisions arrived in the process is very important in making consensus decisions in companies and governments. This is where philosophical concepts come in and they relate as discussed below.

Virtue ethics demand examination of human values and character. In the process of decision making and implementation process as global warming is concerned, all involved stakeholder must examine their virtues and character as regards good and bad concerning their actions.

Dedication to good character is preferred in this theory although there is a clear lack of definition of a good set of virtues. Thus the involved stakeholders in global warming should examine their virtues and character in the process of implementation of decisions.

Secondly utilitarian theory seeks to determine the amount of good produced after a specific action. This theory considers makes comparison of involved costs and benefits in resulting to a specific action although there are clear limitations as regards measurement of human costs as concerns global warming all parties should examine their actions and the associated benefits resulting from costs.

This theory seems to align to business as usual as different parties give justification of their good and actions as valid. This theory is hugely employed in the world today whereby different stakeholders are justifying their actions based on the benefits they acquire from them.

Thirdly, human rights theory seeks to determine whether particular parties have been granted their rights in approaching a certain situation. This theory proposes the rights of people to exist in their environment with access to food and shelter without barrier and thus experience life.

This theory protects all individual in the same level and thus makes no exceptions. As regards decision making in global warming, this theory would lead to insistence on decisions and actions that would be of low harm to humans for example in the automotive industry.

Lastly, the theory of social justice seeks recognition of all involved people and cultures with examination of their rights, equal treatment and equal exposure to opportunities. This theory defines the society as equal with all elements impacting it in the same way. This theory brings the most commendable alternative in crisis solutions and should thus be adopted in solution arrivals

Conclusion

It is evident that global warming effects are devastating. With a collaborative approach, negative future impacts could be prevented through a harmonized approach.

Consideration of ethical reasoning is imperative in consensus arrival. It is also important that all involved stakeholder take into account effective implementation through consideration of each party as equal in role play and implementation process by adoption of social justice theory.

Global Warming

Global warming is currently one of the main concerns of environmentalists and different governments around the world. Meadowcroft et al. (2019) define global warming as a long-term increase in earths temperature that is primarily caused by human activities such as burning of fossil fuel. The process releases greenhouses gases to the atmosphere, which has led to a consistent increase in the global temperature. The process has led to climate change, where rainfall patterns have become erratic, flooding and cyclones more common, and drought more prevalent that it ever was registered. The oil and gas industry has largely been blamed as the main contributor of global warming.

Resource Scarcity

Resource scarcity refers to the limited nature wealth that people need to meet various needs. The changing climate has affected the agricultural sector that is responsible for feeding the world. Minerals and oil are also becoming getting depleted because of overexploitation. In this industry, it is estimated that most of the oil reserves may be depleted in less than 50 years. It means that there is a need to find a way of using these scarce resources sustainably. Finding an alternative energy sources may be one of the best ways of dealing with the problem.

Population Growth

The global population is growing rapidly, causing even greater strain on limited resources. In 1950, the global population was estimated to be 2.5 billion people, but that number increased to 6.9 billion people in 2010, which represents a 174% growth rate (Badran et al., 2017). Currently, it is estimated that the global population is 7.7 billion people. It is necessary to find a way of sustaining this population using the scarce resources. Embracing new practices in the oil and gas sector is critical because unlike other industries, this sector has been criticized as being the leading cause of global warming and climate change.

Loss of Biodiversity

Loss of biodiversity is another concern that stakeholders in the oil and gas industry have to find a way of addressing. Scientists and environmentalists have argued that as long as the global community is still using oil and gas for both domestic and industrial purposes, the problem of climate change is likely to get worse (Walker, Pekmezovic and Walker, 2019). Players in this sector need to redefine their approach and operational strategies to overcome the numerous challenges that may cripple their operations in the future.

Financing Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Development

Achieving sustainable development requires taking a different approach to exploiting the limited resources. Funding has been identified as one of the issues that many organizations in different industries and countries face. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the oil and gas sector has not been facing a serious financing challenges because of the growing demand for products it offers in the global market. However, the countrys renewable energy sector has had challenges of financing. The stakeholders in this industry has been keen on wooing investors into this sector because of the great potential that it presents. Players in this sector should consider having the government as one of the principal investors in the industry. In an interview that was conducted with some of the experts in this field, one of the respondents stated that the government has the financial capacity to support the growth and development of renewable energy sector (Schoenmaker and Schramade, 2019, p. 87). It is the responsibility of stakeholders in this field to convince the government to be part of the initiative.

In other countries around the world, renewable energy has gained massive popularity as a means of promoting sustainable development. In Germany, private citizens are actively involved in the production of clean energy (Schoenmaker and Schramade, 2019). Using solar panel, they generate more than what they need and sell excess to the national grid. Others are using biomass to help in the production of alternative energy. The researcher highly recommends such practices in Saudi Arabia as a means of solving the financial problem. Instead of relying wholly on the government to fund such projects, individual citizens can take the initiative and participate actively in the generation of solar energy. Those who can generate enough energy to meet their domestic needs will help reduce the pressure on the national grid. Those who cannot who can generate excess energy can help boost the national grid.

The concerted effort by all stakeholders in the energy sector will help address the financing challenges. If the strategy is working in Germany, it can also work well in Saudi Arabia. Mansdorf (2019) notes that for such initiatives to work, it is important to promote public-private partnerships. Some of the major infrastructural developments can be done by private players, but with the support from the government. The researcher also recommends that the government should invite foreign investors into this industry to help solve the financial challenges that may limit the growth of renewable energy.

Implementation of Innovative Business Strategies That Will Help in Addressing the Sustainability Challenges in the Chosen Organization

Innovation and technology presents the perfect solution to sustainable development in the energy sector. Organizations in this industry are concerned about two factors that may affect its sustainability. First, it is becoming increasingly evident that continued use of fossil fuel poses serious global environmental challenges. Secondly, it is estimated that in a few decades to come, most of the current oil reserves may be depleted (Arezes et al., 2019). It means that there is need to find a lasting solution to these sustainability challenges that the industry faces. Stakeholders must realize that they can no longer rely on traditional practices to solve current problems. They have to redefine their approach to managing concerns that stakeholders have identified.

Technological advancements offers a perfect way of addressing the problems identified above. Through innovation, the concept of solar power has emerged as the best way of tapping the sun energy and converting it into other forms that can be used both for domestic and industrial needs. Innovations in the fields of biomass, geothermal, wind, and sea tides are also enhancing sustainable development in this sector. These technologies have helped in transforming the industry in many European and North American countries. The same can be replicated back at home and many other developing economies around the world. In fact, Mansdorf (2019) argues that promoting the use of renewable energy may be the solution to lowering the cost of manufacturing in the developing economies.

The scope for further development in this industry is limitless. As the global population continues to increase, the demand for energy will continue. Finding alternative energy sources that are reliable is the only way of reducing reliance on oil and gas. Promoting a circular economy where recycling and effective management of resources is encouraged may be necessary at this stage. As shown in figure 2 below, a circular economy promotes principles of refuse, reform, reduce, reuse and recycle in the management of resources to ensure that there is as little waste that is generated as possible when using scarce resources. For instance, wastes can be transformed into energy instead of being taken into landmines. Brinkmann and Garren (2018) also believe that the use of virtual organizations, clean energy, and updated machines can help reduce carbon footprint. It will ensure that as little waste as possible is generated both at work and in residential areas. It is also necessary to use sophisticated technologies to facilitate effective management of wastes.

Review Sustainability and Its Influence on Production and Design in the Energy Sector

The energy sector plays a critical role in the global economic development. As such, it is essential to enhance its sustainability despite the numerous challenges that have emerged over the recent past. Sustainable design principles may help enhance growth in this sector. One of the most important principles in sustainable design is energy efficiency and the need to use renewable sources. There is a need to ensure that stakeholders understand the need to promote production of renewable energy. Conservation of materials and resources is another major principle in this model that promote responsible use of limited natural resources. Safeguarding water and enhancing its efficient use is a factor that organizations in this industry should observe. Indoor environmental quality is essential as an aspect of occupational safety and health administration to keep workers safe and healthy. Finally, the model identifies sustainable site planning as a critical principle that enhance success when promoting sustainable development. Knowing what needs to be done at a specific time and in a given way is essential. Figure 3 below identifies these principles.

The concept of lean management and implementation is one that can also help in promoting sustainable development in this industry. It emphasizes the need to promote continuous improvement, a long-term approach to work that systematically seeks to achieve small, incremental changes in processes in order to improve efficiency and quality, (Lo and Ha-Brookshire, 2018, p. 62). It has five principles that players in this industry can embrace. The principles include defining value, mapping value stream, creating a flow, establishing a pull, and pursuit of perfection. In the energy sector, lean management can be promoted by encouraging modularization, the use of sophisticated extraction, processing, and transportation technologies, and protection of the environment.

Addressing the problem of functional obsolescence is also critical in this industry. Before expensive machines can be rendered obsolete, they can be adjusted and improved to meet the current needs. The same should be done by products within this industry. These products should be recycled as much as possible to reduce their burden on the environment. Brinkmann and Garren (2018) also talks about the need to embrace ethical practices in the energy sector. Ethical issues such as safe working conditions, minimum wage, and equal opportunities for all irrespective of their gender, religious affiliation, race or any other such demographical classifications is important. They can help in enhancing sustainability within a firm and in a given industry.

Review the Impact of Regulations and International Codes on Sustainability in the Energy Sector

The international community and the government of Saudi Arabia has set key codes of practices that players in the oil and gas sector must observe. These codes define oil extraction practices, code of conduct when processing, storage policies, and transportation. The role of these codes is to protect people and the environment by eliminating or significantly reducing possible cases of leakages, spillage, and fire outbreak (Arezes et al., 2019). Each company in this sector is expected to get a label and certification that proves they have met the set standards. In Saudi Arabia, the government has enacted strict policies meant to enhance sustainability of the industry despite the growing concerns about the impact that the industry has on the environment. The strict supervision by various authorities has forced all stakeholders to rigorously adopt these policies.

These policies are useful in embedding sustainability in the energy sector. They are meant to ensure that players in the sector do not embrace practices that may have adverse effect on the environment. The international community is piling pressure on players in this sector to find ways of making their practices and products more environmentally sustainable. The codes and policies being embraced are meant to address these concerns. As Arezes et al. (2019) observe, these codes and implementation strategies will need to be as transparent as possible so that all interested parties can understand milestones already made. The government has been criticized of hiding the truth about actual impact of the industry on the environment. Such issues should be effectively addressed.

I believe I can influence the management of my current organization to adopt regulations and codes that can enhance sustainability of the firm and the industry. I can achieve that goal by explaining dangers of the current practices and benefits that the organization can achieve when it embraces ethical practices. Some of the areas of focus that I would emphasize on include cost savings, risk management, employee satisfaction, and reputation building when these new practices are embraced. Other benefits that I would outline to the management include the ability of the company to attract green investors from the international community and the ability of having a stable supply chain (Brinkmann and Garren, 2018). Large international corporations are currently focusing on promoting production and use of green energy. When this company succeeds in convincing the international community that it is committed to the generation and supply of renewable energy, it will attract major investors from North America and Europe. It will help in addressing some of the financial challenges discussed above.

The Importance of Sustainability Reporting

Sustainability reporting is critical in enabling the management to assess the current state of the company and its ability to withstand emerging and unforeseen forces in the market. It allows the management to know areas that need changes to enhance its ability to achieve continuous growth. In this case, the company that was of interest in this energy sector was Saudi Aramco Company. As the largest company in Saudi Arabia and one of the leading oil and gas companies in the world, it is important for its leadership to understand the relevance of sustainability reporting. It should reveal the impact that its strategies and operations have on the environment and the local and global society (Arezes et al., 2019). Doing so is one step towards embracing environmentally friendly practices.

Such initiatives show that the company appreciates the negative impact of its products on the society but it is willing and committed to making some changes to address these concerns. Making investments on sustainability initiatives may have long-term benefits for the firm. The return on investment (ROI) may not be visible in the short-term, but it will help the firm to protect its reputation and define a path towards future success. Table 1 below shows key financial metrics of Aramco.

The financial record above shows that the companys revenues have been growing consistently from 2016 to 2018. In fact, its revenues in 2018 was more than twice what it was in 2016. It is a strong indication that the company is growing rapidly and has the financial capacity to support sustainability projects, especially in research. Figure 4 below supports this argument as it confirms that Aramcos profit was equal to that of Apple, Google, and ExxonMobil combined.

The chart above (figure 5) shows the sharp rise of Aramco as a dominant company in the energy sector. The process of nationalizing the company started in 1974 and was completed in 1980. It soon experienced some challenges, but by 1990, it started experiencing meteoritic rise to this day as shown in the chart. This impressive growth can only be sustainable if this firm embraces sustainable practices, especially focusing on protecting the environment.

Reference List

Arezes, M. et al. (Eds.) (2019) Occupational and environmental safety and health. Cham: Springer.

Badran, A. et al. (Eds.) (2017) Water, energy & food sustainability in the Middle East: the sustainability triangle. Cham: Springer.

Brinkmann, R. and Garren, J. (Eds.) (2018) The Palgrave handbook of sustainability: case studies and practical solutions. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Lo, C. and Ha-Brookshire, J. (Eds.) (2018) Sustainability in luxury fashion business. Singapore: Springer.

Mansdorf, S. (Ed.) (2019) Handbook of occupational safety and health. 3rd edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Meadowcroft, J. et al. (2019) What next for sustainable development: our common future at thirty. Northampton, MA: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Ramady, M. (2018) Saudi Aramco 2030: post IPO challenges. Cham: Springer.

Schoenmaker, D. and Schramade, W. (2019) Principles of sustainable finance. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Walker, J., Pekmezovic, A. and Walker, G. (2019) Sustainable development goals: harnessing business to achieve the sustainable development goals through technology, innovation and financing. 2nd edn. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

The Global Warming Controversy

The issue of global warming has become a growing concern over the last few years. Although our president doesn’t seem to believe this is an issue, I believe it is a growing problem that will have a significant impact on the future and the Earth. Many people believe it is caused by the population of humans creating humanic gases polluting the earth’s environment. Some others, such as Donald Trump and even Global Scientists, do not believe in Global Warming. This has become a big debate worldwide, and global warming can be supported by many factors.

Evidences Supporting Global Warming

One reason I think Global Warming is real is because of all the fires occurring in places. Just a few months ago in California, there were wildfires happening all over the state, burning over 77,000 acres of forests and natural lands. In Australia, almost the whole continent has fires burning down just about everything that there is. There have been 28 deaths since the fires, and approximately 18 million acres of land that has just burned. All of Australia’s artifacts, landmarks, and nature have almost all been destroyed because of this. Another follow-up reason for my claim is that ice in Antarctica is melting, and polar bears are dying. This is causing the ocean levels to rise up. The average temperatures there should range around -10 degrees to -45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now Antarctica has been getting low negatives, such as -6 degrees and even up to 15 degrees. It may seem really cold to humans, but there it is actually warmer than usual, causing big chunks of ice to fall off of cliffs or ice caps and fall into the ocean, making it rise. The ocean is now rising ⅛ of an inch per year, which actually is a lot. The icebergs in the water are also melting, making animals such as polar bears need to swim farther in the ocean trying to find one and end up drowning from exhaustion. Polar bears’ thick coats also are getting too hot for them, also making them die from the heat. Lastly, the coral reefs are dying. From 2016 to now, over half of the coral reefs have bleached to death. Because the waters have warmed up due to rising temperatures, the coral is dying.

Counterarguments to Global Warming

Other people do not think global warming is real for many factors. Some people believe that there isn’t just one answer to global warming. Some say that human gasses are doing it, while other scientists may say global warming is caused by just natural heat increase. A quote on climate.nasa.gov says, ‘Climate change is real. There will always be uncertainty in understanding a system as complex as the world’s climate. However, there is now strong evidence that significant global warming is occurring.” (2005, 11 international science academies). When the California Wildfires occurred, lots of people believed that global warming was the issue, for that isn’t the case.

According to https://www.npr.org, the wildfires were actually started by power lines falling down and leftover campfires in campsites and forests. Others could consider that if natural disasters are actually caused by accidents such as powerlines or lighting strikes that it wouldn’t be true that global warming exists. However, that isn’t the case for most worldwide situations. The coral reefs are dying, and it’s not mainly because of pollution left over by humans. It is actually because of warming waters caused by warmer temperatures than usual near Australia and the fires occurring everywhere there. The Australian fires were caused by various ways, such as lighting strikes but mostly because of human gases. The global warming caused by human gases causes temperatures to rise all over the planet.

Global Warming: Immediate Action Required

Many places all over Earth are in danger, and it’s best for everyone to pitch in. If this keeps happening, everything on planet Earth could be destroyed. It may not seem like the biggest concern as of now, only happening in some areas, but it could spread globally soon enough if we help by not causing pollution in the air, such as burning oil and having power plants in cities. We can use clean energy sources and improve our land usage. We can even do the smallest things, like cleaning up our trash and not littering on the streets or putting a bottle in a recycling bin will already improve the economy. The Earth is dying, and it needs our help. In my opinion, I think global warming is real, and we need to act fast and help our planet.

References:

1. Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet. (n.d.). Retrieved from NASA: https://climate.nasa.gov/
2. DeCapua, J. (2020, February 17). Australia’s Wildfires Are Releasing Vast Amounts of Carbon. Retrieved from NPR: https://www.npr.org/2020/02/17/806981021/australias-wildfires-are-releasing-vast-amounts-of-carbon
3. Global Warming. (2021, August 6). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming
4. Global Warming: Causes, Effects, and Solutions. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming-overview/
5. Hannah Ritchie and Max Roser. (2020). “CO₂ and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.” Our World in Data. Retrieved from: https://ourworldindata.org/co2-and-other-greenhouse-gas-emissions
6. NASA. (2005). Climate Change. Retrieved from: https://web.archive.org/web/20090225045242/http://nationalacademies.org/onpi/06072005.pdf
7. Pearson, H. (2019, January 22). Most Coral Reefs Are at Risk unless Climate Change is tackled, Report says. Retrieved from Nature: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00186-7
8. State of the Climate: Global Analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/202001
9. Ward, B. (2018, November 26). What Causes Wildfires and How Do Humans Contribute? Retrieved from National Geographic: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/what-causes-wildfires

Understanding Global Warming

We all know that we have to do something about global warming. Do you want to have a closer look? You may already have a personal observation from the unusually warmer winters and autumns coming late…let us take a look at some facts about global warming before getting deep inside.

For ages, global warming has been a great crisis that slowly develops every day and badly affects the world environmentally, economically, medically…almost in every field of our life we find it involved in one way or another. The temperature of the average global has risen by 0.8C since the start of the industrial revolution. That may not sound like too much, but the consequences are really huge. Occasionally we need to examine the world we have always evaded in order to find supervision for the choices we brand today.

The Science and Data Behind Global Warming

• What exactly is global warming?
• What actually causes it to happen and increase in the first place?
• What is the latest update on global warming development?
• What impact does it leave? What are the most blamed countries?
• How is the middle east and -specifically talking- I mean Egypt involved in global warming?
• It’s the concern of politicians and world leaders, not me. What difference can I make?

Explaining the definition and the causes of global warming:

Global warming simply happens when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air contaminants and greenhouse gases collect in the atmosphere and engross sunlight and solar radiation that have bounced off the surface of the Earth. Global temperatures have varied in step with carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, and these concentrations shot up way above anything experienced
over the past half-million years. Human activity is the only cause of this sudden surge.

Climate scientists talk about temperatures, greenhouse gas concentrations, and emissions. To understand what they are saying, you must be prepared to study figures, think about probability, and allow for scientific complexity to bring reduced to media simplicities.

• First: temperature.

There is a broad consensus that global temperature shouldn’t be allowed to rise more than 2 degrees C above preindustrial levels, although Prof. Rajendra, head of the international panel on climate change (IPCC) with its 2500 climate scientists, now says that 1.50 degrees C would be more appropriate. Land-based temperatures have already risen by 0.80C, and current levels of emissions in the atmosphere commit us to a rise of 1.30C due to the time lag between cause and effect. The biggest danger is runaway global warming.

Let’s say the area of arctic ice decreases. Then there is more dark water to engross heat from the Sun. This, sequentially, causes more ice to melt, exposing more dark water, causing more melt, more dark water, more melt. This is a chain response that could cause temperatures to rise without any supplementary help from us.

• Second: greenhouse gas concentrations.

The Stern Review (2006) stated that greenhouse gas concentrations at the time it was written were at 430 ppm C02e (parts per million of carbon dioxide equivalent). A figure of 382ppm is sometimes mentioned, but this does not include methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N20). Beforehand the industrial revolution, the figure was 280ppm. According to the Stern Review, ‘stabilization at 450ppm C02e is almost out given that we are probable to touch this level in ten years. It, therefore, set a target for stabilizing at 550 ppmC02e.

• Third: emissions.

Despite the Kyoto Protocol (adopted in 1997), emissions have been rising at an ever-increasing rate. In 2006, James Hansen, who heads the US NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, said: ‘A global tilting point be reached in ten years if levels of greenhouse fumes are not reduced. Global warming, at this point, becomes irresistible. The prestigious Tyndall Centre for Climate Change, in a 2006 report, “Living Within a Carbon Budget’, said that a 90 percent cut in United.

Kingdom greenhouse gas releases, including those from delivery and commercial airline, is needed by 2050, adding that emissions must be diminished by an unparalleled nine percent a year from 2010 for up to 20 years. With this kind of reduction, oil factories would no longer be sustainable, so we would be hopefully moving to a carbon-free economy better for us and for the next generation. What about sea levels? Greenland is the size of France and Spain united and mostly covered with ice two kilometers deep. Meltwater is plummeting down fissures and lubricating the base so that glaciers are sliding into the sea faster than expected. It was predicted that Greenland would drop 80 km3 of ice in 2006. NASA’s Grace Satellite showed that it actually lost 287 km3 that year. If greenhouse gas emissions are not stabilized within a decade, sea levels could increase several meters before the end of the era.

Impact and Realities of Global Warming

What changes to the climate are humans causing through global warming?

Global warming, caused by greenhouse gas pollution, is causing instantaneous and direct changes to the planet. The Earth’s temperature had by now warmed by one °C compared to preindustrial levels. This temperature rise may seem small, but small rises in temperature transform into big changes in the world’s climate. This is because the quantity of extra energy needed to increase the world’s temperature, even by a little, is enormous. This extra energy is like force-feeding worldwide.

• Hotter days:

Let us not get so far; you may have noticed the unusual heat waves that have struck our country (Egypt) in recent days; the Egyptian Meteorological Authority is expecting a coast-to-coast heatwave until Friday, with Cairo, Lower Egypt, and coastal zones to be mainly affected by the weather. Upper Egypt is probable to have hot weather throughout daylight hours, with temperatures set to descend across the country at nightfall. We are going to talk about that deep below.

• Expanding sea levels:

Augmented ocean temperatures are melting glaciers and ice caps all over the globe. Melted ice raises the volume of water in our oceans. Warmer temperatures also result in the expansion of the water’s mass, which causes sea levels to rise, intimidating lowland islands and seaside cities.

• More recurrent and intense life-threatening weather events:

Dangerous weather events like bushfires, cyclones, droughts, and floods are becoming more frequent and more intense as a result of global warming.

• Oceans are warming and acidifying:

The oceans have absorbed furthermost of extra heat and carbon dioxide so far – more than the air – making the seas both warmer and more acidic. Warming waters are whitening coral reefs and driving sturdier storms. Rising ocean acidity threatens shellfish, including the tiny lobsters without which marine food chains would, unfortunately, break down.

What is the latest update on global warming development?

This graph shows the change in global surface temperature relative to 1951-1980 average temperatures. Nineteen of the 20 warmest years have happened since 2001, with the exclusion of 1998. The year 2020 is almost certain to rank among the five warmest years on record. 2019 was the second warmest year since record-keeping began in 1880, and the 2010s were by far the warmest decade.

This year, i.e., 2020, has been especially warm in Eastern Europe and Asia, where average temperatures were at least 7.2 F above the historical average, NOAA reported. South America and the Caribbean also saw unusual warmth. In the United States, the average temperature from January through March was the eighth warmest since 1895, according to NCEI records. Temperatures were particularly high in the Southeast, averaging 54.6 F. That fell just short of the January-March record of 54.7 F, which was set in 2012 but was 5.5 F above the 126-year average.

The good news is that global momentum around climate change is building toward an upsurge. Six of 10 Americans are now either “alarmed’ or “concerned” about climate change, a number that has further than doubled in the past five years. Hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life, including students, teachers, societies of faith, and healthcare experts, are taking to the streets to demand climate action. And more than 500 global corporations have dedicated themselves to setting climate goals founded on the best obtainable science. And recently, during the corona pandemic, the ozone has treated itself and closed after years of extreme corrosion in its layer.

Egypt and Global Warming

How is the middle east and -specifically talking- I mean Egypt involved in global warming?

Egypt is a characteristic example of a developing country that is exceptionally vulnerable to climate change and which confronts various threats to its economic, social, and environmental sustainability. This causes massive essential pressures on Egypt’s competitiveness. These pressures can also be defined as developing threats to national security. They are powered by a mounting population and growing demand coupled with the constrictions of a limited resource base and could improve into genuine crisis situations if not rapidly and conclusively addressed.

Declining precipitation levels, changing weather patterns, and rising seas in the Nile Delta are slowly but progressively making a tough situation worse, particularly in the area of food and water. Companies are very much affected by the shortage of available resources, and they cannot survive in the future if they cannot predict and adapt to major trends like climate change.

Taking Action: Every Individual Counts

It’s the concern of politicians and world leaders, not me. What difference can I make?

Let’s imagine: a parent and child are spraying their garden. Father controls the tap while the daughter grasps the hose. When they’ve done the job, he says, “That’s enough for now. Stop all the holes in the spray heads with matchsticks.”
“Dad!” she replies, “Are you mad? Turn the tap off!”

The father’s unwise approach is rather like present strategies where we are commanded to use low-energy light bulbs and travel less, whereas politicians and world leaders are allowed, even inspiring the abstraction of as much fossil fuel as possible. Can’t they recognize that once out of the ground, this reaches the atmosphere?

If politicians are serious about greenhouse gas emissions, they must find a way to reduce, not increase, the amount of coal, gas, and oil that is mined within or imported into a country; unless they control the tap, all your effort to diminish emission in a hundred little ways will be hopeless.

But how will politicians be convinced unless the public put pressure on the commercial lobbyists will twist any difficult legislation to their own benefit? Politicians pretend to the electorate that they are anxious when they introduce objectives, taxes, and incentives, but these dull instruments cannot promise that their promises will be met. A new wave of thinking proposes that the way out must involve individuals. The atmosphere does not belong to companies – not even to countries or administrations. We all (as individuals) have an equal right to its life-maintaining properties.

Other active solutions:

Celebrities are a great inspiration for people. People will love to follow them and see their healthy, non-polluting lifestyle and how they are dealing with such a problem. They can play an important role in increasing awareness. Many celebrities already use their platforms to raise awareness about reasons that are close to their hearts; here are some of the actors that are making climate change and the environment their main priorities.

Leonardo DiCaprio set up his own foundation in 1998, which is ‘devoted to the protection and comfort of all Earth’s populations.’ So far, the foundation has funded over 200 projects around the world and awarded $ 100 million in grants.

Mark Ruffalo

Another celebrity with ties to an organization aimed at protecting the environment and raising awareness about climate change is Mark Ruffalo. A co-founder of The Solutions Project, which also counts his fellow Avengers star, Don Cheadle, in its ranks, Ruffalo is focused on supporting the aim to bring renewable energy to everyone.

In the end, it’s in our hands whether to take this seriously and start making decisions and increasing awareness or to just keep consuming pollutants and increasing toxic emissions harming the ozone and making it worse.

References:

1. NASA Global Climate Change. (n.d.). Global Warming: Vital Signs of the Planet.
2. Stern, N. (2006). Stern Review: The Economics of Climate Change. HM Treasury, London.
3. Hansen, J. (2006). The Threat to the Planet. New Scientist, 2596, 24-27.
4. Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research. (2006). Living Within a Carbon Budget. Retrieved from https://www.tyndall.ac.uk/sites/default/files/living_within_a_carbon_budget.pdf
5. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/ipcc_far_wg_FAQ.pdf
6. Union of Concerned Scientists. (n.d.). How Does Climate Change Affect Sea Levels? Retrieved from https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/how-does-climate-change-affect-sea-levels
7. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (2021). Global Climate Report: Annual 2020. Retrieved from https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/202013
8. Climate Reality Project. (n.d.). The Climate Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.climaterealityproject.org/climate-crisis
9. Hassan, R., Scholes, R., & Ash, N. (2005). Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Current State and Trends: Findings of the Condition and Trends Working Group. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Series, Vol. 1. Retrieved from https://www.millenniumassessment.org/documents/document.356.aspx.pdf
10. Ahmed, M., & Zekri, S. (2013). Understanding Egypt’s Vulnerability to Climate Change. The World Bank, Washington, DC.

The Gravity of Global Warming

Global Warming is the gradual heating of Earth’s surfaces, oceans, and atmosphere. It is primarily a problem of too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which traps heat and warms the planet. According to Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), we have the largest share of fossil-fuel burning in America. As we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas for energy or burn and cut down forests to produce pastures and plantations, our atmosphere assembles and overloads carbon. Global Warming is affecting weather and temperature, sea levels, coastlines, ocean acidification, and more. The carbon we put in the atmosphere today will determine our climate’s future and our future generations. Some ways we can stop global warming are by using energy wisely, reducing transportation, and consuming less meat.

Impact on Weather Patterns and Ecosystems

Global Warming is making hot days hotter, rainfall and flooding heavier, hurricanes stronger, and droughts more severe. These climate extremes will be the most visible impact on our everyday lives. As humans, we use energy to run vehicles, heat our homes, conduct business, and power factories. It is making a significant difference to the landscape of our world. The frequency of large wildfires and the total area burned have been steadily increasing. The probability of fire occurrence is increasing because of drier conditions. “In 2002, Colorado, Arizona, and Oregon endured their worst wildfire seasons ever. The same year, drought created severe dust storms in Montana, Colorado, and Kansas, and floods caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage in Texas, Montana, and North. Dakota’ says NRDC. Wildfires threaten wildlife because there is no way to escape, their habitats are being destroyed, and bigger fires are changing the balance of the ecosystem.

Rising Sea Levels and Coastal Threats

In addition, global warming is partly to blame for heavy storms and floods. Because warmer air can hold more moisture, heavier precipitation is expected in the years to come. No single storm or flood can be attributed directly to global warming, but climate conditions are at least partly responsible for past trends.

Rising sea levels are being affected tremendously, including the thermal expansion of seawater, melting glaciers, and ice sheets on land. For example, the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps is generated by higher temperatures and then eventually leads to melting glaciers. The result of this leads to a gain in sea levels, and a large rise in global sea levels poses many threats. When sea levels rise rapidly, even a small increase can have devastating effects on coastal habitats. As seawater reaches further on land, it can potentially cause flooding of wetlands. When large storms hit land, higher sea levels create bigger and more powerful storms that can damage anything and everything in their path. Large storm events, such as hurricanes, can dramatically alter coastlines and affect sea level rise as well.

Coastal regions are being affected because the increase in sea level along the coasts of continents is much more significant than the global average. Rising sea levels will have a serious impact on beaches which is a place that people love to visit and great locations for real estate. To live on the coast and enjoy pleasant scenery is the ultimate dream, but beachfront property is at risk from rising sea levels. Many coastal states have added sand to their beaches to offset shore erosion, and many property owners have elevated their structures in low-lying areas. Governments have looked into buying land and having residents relocate their future land because of the result of the erosion and potential harm to properties by large storms.

Warmer oceans affect weather patterns, cause more powerful tropical storms, and can impact many kinds of sea life, such as corals and fish. Warmer oceans are one of the main causes of rising sea levels. Krill, an extremely important link at the base of the food chain, is being affected by temperature because it reproduces a significantly smaller number when ocean temperatures rise. This disturbs the life cycle of marine animals like penguins, seals, and whales, which can cause predators to receive less food as well.

The impacts of ocean acidification are caused when carbon dioxide dissolves into seas and reacts with water. “Oceans have absorbed about 1/3 of the carbon dioxide produced from human activities since 1800 and about 1/2 of the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels”, stated Teach Ocean Science. Stress on marine life due to acidification leads to dying or severely affected ecosystems. When carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, carbonic acid is formed. This leads to higher acidity
mainly on the surface.

Solutions and Proactive Measures

As humans, we are fully capable of making changes to our environment, and it desperately needs help. We can contribute to ending global Warming by simply cutting back on small things in our everyday life. We can save money and reduce the amount of pollution by getting more energy-efficient light bulbs, unplugging our computers, printers, and other electronics when we’re not using them, and washing clothes in cold water instead of hot water. This will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

Secondly, we can reduce transportation. Examples of this would be riding your bike to get ice cream on a hot summer day instead of driving to get it, carpooling to work with your co-workers, and riding the bus to get around town for a shopping day. Another option is considering a fuel-efficient vehicle, which would help consumers lower their expenses on fuel and pollute less. This would make a huge impact on the environment.

Lastly, we can make a difference by consuming less meat. The farms that give us access to meat use carbon dioxide to run the greenhouses, and as a result, they produce large amounts of gas emissions, massive volumes of water are consumed, and it causes a lot of pollution. There are several ways we can reduce the amount of meat we consume. Trying to eat one vegan meal per day, making a grocery list before going shopping, and choosing meatless alternatives on the menu when going to restaurants are great ways to cut down on meat.

Overall, global Warming has affected America for centuries. As global warming progresses, natural resources will be further depleted, and there will be risks of wildlife extinction, melting of the polar ice caps, floods and droughts, sea level rise, population risks, unsustainable land, and more. In order to stop global Warming, we need to take action. Risking depletion of this natural environment is happening. With a balance between protecting our environment and developing human technology, this country would be able to simultaneously progress the capabilities of mankind with the beauty and necessity of our natural environment.

References:

1. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). (n.d.). Climate Change: Basic Information. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-you-can-stop-global-warming
2. Teach Ocean Science. (n.d.). The Impacts of Ocean Acidification. Retrieved from http://www.teachoceanscience.net/teaching_resources/education_modules/ocean_acidification/the_impacts_of_ocean_acidification/
3. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2023). Climate Change Impacts. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/climate-impacts
4. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). (n.d.). Causes of Climate Change. Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov/causes/