By Judy Morgan
As the global human population explodes in numbers, we are reaching the limits of the ecological
"carrying capacity" of the earth. One of these limits is the amount of carbon dioxide we
can generate without changing the planet's climate. Commonly referred to as global warming, most
scientists believe we have already begun to change the global climate with potentially disastrous
consequences.
Global Warming Causes Effects
Global warming results primarily from human activities that release heat-trapping gases and
particles into the air. What are Global Warming Causes, Effects? The most important causes
are the burning of fossil fuels and the destruction of forests (since trees absorb carbon
dioxide). Fossil fuels refer to coal, oil, and gas, which were created over millions of
years from decomposing organic matter (dead plants and animals). The planet has only a
limited amount of these fuels, since they take so long to create.
The heavy use of fossil fuels, increasing rapidly since the early 1800's, has had the
unfortunate effect of increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide and other carbon-based
gases in the earth's atmosphere. Carbon-based gases maintain heat within the atmosphere,
keeping the sun's energy from being reflected back out into space.
Global Warming and Scientific Consensus
There has been a growing scientific consensus that the earth's climate is being affected by
this change in the atmosphere. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the current
warming trend of the earth's average temperature is greater than at any time during the
past 400-600 years.
Seven of the ten warmest years in the 20th Century occurred in the 1990s. Glaciers are
receding throughout the world - for example, the Greenland ice sheet has lost about 40%
of its thickness over the past four decades. In addition, the global sea level is rising
about three times faster over the past 100 years as compared to the previous 3,000 years.
According to an assessment prepared by the Smithsonian Institution and several other U.S.
agencies, global temperatures increased by about 1 degree Fahrenheit over the course of
the last century, and will likely rise even more during this century.
Scientists predict that unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced substantially,
temperatures in the United States will rise by about 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit on
average in the next 100 years, an even larger increase than what's predicted globally.
The U.S. consumes 25% of the world's oil (with only 4.5% of the earth's population). It
is by far the
largest single contributor to greenhouse gases and global warming.
Clearly, it will take a powerful movement to change the U.S. lifestyle so that we conserve fossil fuels and rely on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal energy.
Global Warming and the Future
Global warming will cause a faster rise in sea level, with the loss of low-lying lands
around the world. More heat waves and droughts will occur, resulting in more conflicts
over water resources.
Global warming will produce more extreme weather events, including floods, deaths, and
destruction of property. It will result in a greater potential for heat-related illnesses,
including the wider spread of infectious diseases carried by insects and other pests into
previously pest-free areas.
There also appear to be periods in the earth's history when climate shifts happen very
rapidly, triggered by unknown mechanisms. If the current warming triggered an abrupt
climate shift, the earth's food supply would be affected, conceivably resulting in
catastrophic shortages of food.
Solutions Of Global Warming
As an individual, what can you do about global warming? Are there any the solutions of
global warming? Together, we can be instrumental in the solutions of global warming,
starting at home:
- Drive less, and purchase more energy-efficient cars. Support legislative efforts to
increase the standards for fuel efficiency in vehicles and to develop alternative fuels.
- Buy appliances with the Energy Star label, developed by a government program to demonstrate
a high degree of energy-efficiency. Always check for the energy performance labels required
for appliances. Energy-efficient appliances may be slightly more expensive, but they'll save
you money in the long run.
- Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, which use a third to a
quarter of the electricity and last ten times as long. This can significantly cut down on
your energy bills.
- Weatherize your home so that you require as little heat and air conditioning as possible.
In addition, you can landscape your homes so that deciduous trees on the south side block
the summer sun, while allowing light through in the winter, and evergreen trees on the
north side provide a winter windbreak, as well as additional shade in the summer. The more
trees, the better since trees absorb the carbon dioxide emitted when we burn fossil fuels.
- Talk to your community leaders and association boards about planting more trees and
planning for more walkways and bike paths to local stores, schools, etc., along with better
public transportation to workplaces and shopping centers.
Closing Thoughts about Global Warming
Global warming is a crisis that compels us to
"
think globally, act locally."
It has already forced many countries to begin to work together to change their energy use.
The U.S. has an opportunity to be a leader in this effort, but it will only happen if
there is strong citizen support to change our lifestyles to be less dependent on fossil
fuels. We can make a difference with every step we take toward this change, and influence
others to become involved as well!
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You can help raise awareness of global warming by forwarding this article to others.
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About the Author
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Judy Morgan has worked with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection for 15 years.
Her email course
Healing the Environment: Healing the Planet Starts at Home
available through www.selfhealingexpressions.com addresses the issues impacting the
environment and what individuals can do to make a difference. Lesson topics included:
Detoxing Your Home; Clean Air for Healthy Lungs; Healing Water and Waterways; Greening Your
World; Sustainable Agriculture; Biodiversity; Renewable Energy, Earth Spirituality and more.
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Copyright © 2003 Judy Morgan. All rights reserved. If you are interested in publishing this article, please email .
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