Climate Change The Complex Issue of Global Warming

Climate Change The Complex Issue of Global Warming Introduction Global warming has emerged as one of the most important and complex global issues facing the international community. This phenomenon has led to climate change that has caused many negative impacts to the environment. The international community has come to a realization that it must pay greater attention to this problem. This paper will examine the complex issue of global warming by reviewing some important questions on the topic including the greenhouse effect, atmospheric carbon dioxide and the significant environment damages of increased carbon emissions.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Climate Change: The Complex Issue of Global Warming specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Greenhouse Effect and CO2 Global warming has been largely attributed to the greenhouse effect. By definition, the greenhouse effect is the process through which the atmosphere absorbs infrared radiation emitted from the Earthâ₠¬â„¢s surface once it is heated directly by the sun during the day. This heat energy is then used to warm the planet. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) play an important role in controlling temperatures on the Earth. These gases fulfill this role by preventing all the sun’s radiation from escaping from the earth through convection (Jacobson 316). The GHGs selectively absorb radiation in the infrared region and then release this heat energy in all directions. By trapping some of the Sun’s heat energy, the greenhouse effect ensures that the temperatures remain high even when the sun is not shinning directly on the Earths surface. The natural greenhouse effect ensures that the Earths average near-surface air temperature is 150 (Jacobson 316). Without the greenhouse effect, the average temperature would be -150 and this is too cold to support most life. In addition to the natural greenhouse effect, human activities have also increased this effect. The greenhouse effect attributed to activities by human beings is referred to as the anthropogenic greenhouse effect and it has led to undesirable increases of global temperature on the Earth. There are a number of main GHGs responsible for the greenhouse effect. Water vapor is the main contributor to the greenhouse effect on the planet due to its ability to absorb infrared radiation. The second major contributor is carbon dioxide and this gas contributes between 10 and 25% of the greenhouse effect depending on the region (Jacobson 317). Methane gas, which occurs naturally or though the fermentation of organic matter, is the third major contributor of the greenhouse effect. The Ozone layer, which is a naturally occurring gas that is mostly concentrated in the stratosphere, is the fourth major naturally occurring greenhouse gas. Nitrous oxide, primarily produced from agricultural activities, is also an important greenhouse gas. The level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has experienced significant increase from the 280 parts per million (ppm) levels of 1860. The IPCC reports that the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide has been steadily increasing over the past few decades (1). The concentration in ppm in 1998 was 365 while in 2007 it had risen to 379ppm. Readings from the Mauna Loa Observatory indicate that the current rate is 393ppm (IPCC 1).Advertising Looking for assessment on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More While natural atmospheric changes have contributed to an increase in the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere, scientists agree that human activities have caused the greater increase (Dimitrov 801). Fossil fuel use has been the major cause of the increase in carbon dioxide levels. Fossil fuels have been used as the primary energy source for the industrialization process carried out from the last century. Cement production is also noted as a significant contributor to the carbon dioxide in the e nvironment. Carbon dioxide concentration has also risen due to the extensive deforestation that has taken place since 1860 (Dimitrov 802). Trees act as carbon sinks and reduce the level of CO2 in the atmosphere. Extensive deforestation has meant that the only a small amount of CO2 is absorbed by trees leading to the rise in atmospheric CO2. Environmental Damages of CO2 Emissions A number of major adverse effects to the environment are predicted if the CO2 emissions are not significantly reduced. The rise in CO2 will lead to increased temperatures on the Earth and this will increase the frequency of heat waves. Heat waves are devastating since they might lead to major fires that destroy natural habitats and even populated areas. Heat waves will also increase the demand on the available water resources (Fung and Lopez 119). The global warming attributed to carbon emissions will also increase flooding as the frequency of storms increases and sea levels rise due to the melting of ice at the Polar Regions. Fung and Lopez assert that climate change caused by CO2 will affect the quality of surface water. Some areas will experience increased flushing of nutrients and the increased storm intensity might lead to additional pollution of water (Fung and Lopez 119). The biodiversity on the Earth will also be negatively impacted by climate change. Some species will not be able to adapt the changing climate leading to their extinction. Analysis In my opinion, we do not need to wait for more evidence about the future of climate change before acting. The available evidence already strongly suggests that climate change is occurring due to the increase in greenhouse gases all over the world. Human activities are responsible for the extra CO2 emissions that have led to global warming.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Climate Change: The Complex Issue of Global Warming specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The freq uency of the adverse environmental effects attributed to global warming has already increased. Failure to take action to mitigate climate change over the last few decades has led to an increase in the detrimental effects of global warming. While there is no single solution to fix the problem, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions to the environment is an effective method. The global community should start acting now in order to reduce carbon emissions and therefore mitigate the problems caused by climate change. Dimitrov, Radoslav. â€Å"Inside UN Climate Change Negotiations: The Copenhagen Conference.† Review of Policy Research 27.6 (2010): 795-821. Web. Fung, Fai and Lopez Ana. Modelling the Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources. NY: John Wiley Sons, 2011. Print. IPPC. Human and Natural Drivers of Climate Change. Jan. 2013. Web. Jacobson, Mark. Atmospheric Pollution: History, Science, and Regulation. Cambridge University Press, 2002. Print.