What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how can they be arrested?
Global warming has always been an earth-shattering issue as it is being concerned by all nations throughout the world. Generally, global warming refers to the gradual increase in global average temperature with respect to the increase in concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere. By the end of the 21st century, global warming is likely to cause a rise in Earth’s temperature of around 2-5 degrees centigrade (Woodford 2006). This worries scientists as it may invite higher degree of climate change to the earth and therefore, it may correspond to enormous consequences on our beloved environment. Thus, the potential impacts of global warming in terms of climate change should be taken fully into attention and responsible measurements need to be implemented to arrest this problem.
One of the significant effects of global warming is the tremendous rise in temperature at North and South poles (Woodford 2006). As a result, ocean is warmed up by the increasing global temperature. According to Riebeek (2007), the world’s glaciers have steadily receded, and Arctic sea ice extent has steadily shrunk by 2.7 percent per decade since 1978. The melting of ice caps and glaciers has brought to higher sea level. Currently, the world’s sea level is rising at 3 centimeters per decade (Woodford 2006). Rising sea level will enhance coastal erosion and cause more frequent coastal floodings. This problem is serious because as much as 10 percent of the world population lives in coastal areas less than 10 meters above sea level (Riebeek 2007).
On the other hand, global warming is likely to cause more erratic weather patterns on the Earth (Woodford 2006). Warmer temperature will alter weather patterns, making it likely that there will be more intense droughts and rain events. It will also lead to frequent heat waves and natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, typhoons and storms. Residents of poorer countries who do not have sufficient resources to fend off changes in climate will be affected the most in terms of widespread infectious diseases such as malaria (Riebeek 2007). Besides, frequent cases of fires are likely to take place, which may lead to deaths and air pollution.
In addition, global warming is putting pressure on ecosystem. Warmer temperature shifted the growing seasons in many parts of the globe (Riebeek 2007). Nature’s plan is disturbed by global warming and millions of ecological creatures are going to be affected. Species that failed to adapt themselves under a hotter environment may end up facing the crisis of extinction. Also, shorter and milder winters will fail to kill some insects, thus increase the risk of damage to ecosystem by infestation.
To tackle this global crisis as to reduce the impacts of climate change, prompt actions should be taken to cut down the emission of greenhouse gases. People are encouraged to use efficient electricity appliances and end-use efficiency. At the same time, people are urged to practice passenger vehicle efficiency such as hybrid cars. Albert Gore, the main character in the film An Inconvenient Truth (2007) suggested the use of renewable technologies and carbon-capture-and-storage technologies to further address the problem. All nations should cooperate and work together as a powerful body to deal with this global crisis by forwarding the message of awareness to the whole world.
As a conclusion, global warming nowadays harms the Earth in terms of increase in temperature continuously, erratic weather patterns and pressure on ecosystem. With global energy and fossil-fuel use still increasing, major climate change seems almost unavoidable. However, according to the film An Inconvenient Truth (2007), records indicated that human do have the capacity to rise above themselves and above history with determination. Thus, everyone should have the strength to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases as much as possible and make this world a better place!
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