Business Environment: The Natural Environment, Stakeholders, and Policy - Essay Example

Global Warming as an Environmental Issue Introduction Global warming is arguably the most debated environmental issue in the world today. Fern (2003,p.6) notes that the global warming issue has been a big concern from governments, environmentalists, corporation, and individuals all over the world. This is due to its negative impacts on the environment. Fern (2003, p.6) defines global warming as the rise in the earth’s and ocean’s average temperatures. Nwankwo (2009, p.4) reveals that the world has experienced a significant increase in temperatures over the past decades especially in the 21st century. The high increase in temperatures has resulted in global warming, which has negatively affected the environment. Report indicates that the surface of the earth has experienced about 0.8% rise in temperature since 20th century. A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 2007 projected that the world surface temperatures could increase from 1.1 to 2.9 oC in the 21st century (Nwankwo 2009, p.4). The increase is also expected to continue unless something is done to stop activities perceived to cause global warming. This paper will examine the causes of global warming and its impacts on the environment. The paper will also discuss the policy measures initiated by stakeholders to curb global warming. Causes of global warming Global warming has become a major issue in the world today. In fact, it is a global issue, which arguably affects every living thing on earth. As earlier stated, the word has experienced a high increase in the average temperatures on the earth and ocean over the past decades, which has caused global warming (Kowalski 2004, p.5). This has had an adverse effect on the environment thereby calling for a solution to be found in order to avoid such negative effects being felt on earth and ocean. Global warming has mainly been blamed on human activities taking place all over the world. However, many researches having been carried out has suggested that global warming being felt in the world over is mainly caused by greenhouse emissions to the environment. In this regard, scientists have demonstrated that global warming occurs due to greenhouse emissions that block the ozone layer thereby preventing light and heat from the sun from reaching the earth’s surface notes Nwankwo (2009, p.6). The increase in greenhouse emission causing global warming comes mainly from human activities. This includes industries, agriculture, transport system, and charcoal burning among others. These activities results into the release of greenhouse gases consisting of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases, which pollutes the environment (Kowalski 2004, p.6). However, research indicates that fossil fuel usage is the main cause of global warming since it results in the release is a huge amount of greenhouse fuels. Research indicates that many countries in the world current depend on fossil fuels as the main source of energy. In fact, findings reveal that more than 90% of energy all over the world currently comes from fossil fuel (Victor 2011, p.77). Research indicates that the burning of oil, natural gas and oil for electricity and heat is the leading emitter of greenhouse gases. This is after a research conducted in 2004 found out that about 26% of greenhouse gases emitted to the environment that year came from the burning of fossil fuel for electricity as reported by Victor (2011, p.78). The increased usage fossil fuel has also been reverberated by the industrialization that has been witnessed in the 21st centuries (Schneider (1990, p.61). In this regard, findings show that many industries have come up in the 21st century, which have increased consumption of fossil fuel. The increase in industries has particularly been witnessed in countries such as China, the U.S., Russia and the U.K. just to name but a few. These industries consume several barrels of fossil fuel that is burned thereby releasing a huge amount of fossil fuel into the environment that blocks the ozone layer resulting in global warming. The 2004 report on greenhouse emissions found out that 19% of greenhouse emissions came from industries (Silverstein 2009, p.51). Findings currently show that China and the U.S. are the leading emitters of greenhouse emissions from industries. However, the U.K. also ranks among the leading polluters of the environment releasing about 2.5% of greenhouse to the environment (Silverstein 2009, p.51). This has caused a big concern following the impacts of greenhouse emissions on the environment. Land use is also another source of greenhouse emissions according to a survey conducted in 2004 (Ploutz 2011, p.16). In this regard, the study found out that improper land use such as deforestation, fires and charcoal burning among other human activities emits about 17% of all greenhouse emissions to the environment (Ploutz 2011, p.16). In fact, many forests covers, which used to be the water towers, are no longer there today because of deforestation taking place in the world today. This is because some people cut down trees to make charcoal or for agricultural purposes while some companies cut forests to obtain wood for industries. China, for instance, has been blamed for high rate of deforestation taking place in many African countries such as Congo and Cameroon. This is because China has been importing high number of timber from these countries for its industries according to Ploutz (2011, p.16). However, what people do not understand is that such activities releases greenhouse gases that cause global warming that is adversely affecting the environment. Stoyles, Pentland and Demant (2003, p.9) note that agriculture remains one of the main economic activities in many countries around the word, particularly the third world nations. However, research indicates that an agricultural activity also contributes hugely to greenhouse emissions that cause global warming. A study has found out that the management of agricultural soils, livestock, and burning of biomass releases a huge amount of greenhouse gases to the environment that pollutes the environment. This was noticed in 2004 following a research, which revealed that of all the greenhouse emissions in 2004 14% was as a result of agricultural activities taking place in different parts of the world (Maslin 2007, p.14). This finding also showed that regions that heavily depend on agriculture as the main economic activity such as Africa were the main emitters of greenhouse gases from agricultural activities. Transport sectors have also been found to be among the huge emitters of greenhouse emissions. Globalization and advancement in technology has led to an increase in the number of vehicles on roads. There has also been an increase in the number of trains and marine form of transport. However, findings show that these modes of transport still heavily depend on fossil fuel as a source of energy (Stoyles, Pentland and Demant 2003, p.14). The heavy burning of fossil fuels on roads, rail, and marine has led to an increased release of carbon emissions on the environment causing global warming. Findings show that about 95% of transport energy in the world comes from fossil fuels such as diesel, gasoline, and petrol. In addition, this finding showed that about 13% of all greenhouse emissions in 2004 came from the transport sectors. Other sources of greenhouse emissions include activities taking place at homes such as cooking and heating which involves the burning of fossil fuel (Ploutz 2011, p.42). In fact, almost every household is said to burn one form of fossil fuel for generation of energy. However, the burning of such fuels releases significant amount of carbon to the environment that causes global warming. Wastewater also releases a significant amount of landfill methane, nitrous oxide and methane that are responsible for global warming being experienced in the world today. In addition, other activities such as the burning of plastics and synthetic textiles also release a huge amount of carbon dioxide that pollutes the environment (Ploutz 2011, p.43). These gases once released end up blocking the ozone layer thereby causing global warming. Impacts of global warming on the environment The global warming being experienced in the world today has particularly been a bid concern because it is causing a massive change in the climate faster than can be adapted by many living things (Maslin 2007, p.18). In addition, global warming has made predicting environmental patterns too hard for weathermen today, thereby posing an enormous challenge to all life. For instance, in the early years before the global warming took a toll, the weathermen could predict with certainty the future weather patterns, which made life easy (Maslin 2007, p.18). However, this is no longer the case since the weathermen cannot predict with certainty even when the rain is likely to fall, thereby making life hard for many people, and living things. The increase in temperatures resulting from global warming being experienced in the world today might also lead to extreme weather patterns according to scientists. Super-storm is one of the extreme weather patterns that could become common as a result of global warming (Shah 2012). In fact, the world is currently worried that more hurricanes can happen due to changes in weather patterns caused by global warming. This was in reference to the August/September 2004 in which a severe hurricane hit part of Caribbean islands and South Eastern U.S. leaving a huge trail of destruction (Shah 2012). In fact, report indicates that several lives were lost in the Caribbean islands, in addition to the extreme damage of the entire city by the hurricane as noted by Shah (2012). Many lives were also lost in the U.S. following the successive hurricane that hit the coast. Following the occurrence of the hurricane, scientists have pointed out that hurricanes even of greater magnitudes are likely to come in the future because of the magnitude of global warming being experienced in the world today as noted by Inter Press Service (IPS). In fact, a similar hurricane was witnessed recently when the U.S. coastal cities were hit by the Katrina hurricane in 2005. The Katrina hurricane was one of the deadliest and destructive natural disasters that left more than 1,833 people dead and property worth an estimated $81 billion (Victor 2011, p.98). The disaster was blamed on the rise on sea level caused by global warming being experienced in the world. The worrying revelation is that IPS also noted that the global ocean is moving towards 27 oC, which is likely to be higher during the summer season, which increases chances of major storms (Maslin 2007, p.21). Scientists reveal that when water is heat to such a temperature, more of it evaporates triggering hurricane. Once the hurricane has been born, scientists reveal that it only requires warm water to build up and maintain its intensity and strength (Victor 2011, p.98). However, as the greenhouse emissions build up in the atmosphere, the energy required by the hurricane is dissipated making the storm stronger and stronger is driven causing loss of lives and destruction of property. The increase in global warming resulting from increased greenhouse carbon emissions have also been blamed for the destruction of the species natural habitats resulting in extinction of certain species according to Schneider (1990, p.81). Several researches have shown that the rate of animal and plant species extinction and the temperature changes across the globe since the beginning of the industrial revolution way back in 19th century have been significantly beyond normal expectations. In this regard, an analyzing conducted on the demographic trends, increased pollution, climate change and increasing diseases discovered that about 40% of all deaths globally could be as a result of environmental factors (Stoyles, Pentland and Demant 2003, p.14). In fact, there are many animal species that are at the verge of extinction because of climate change caused by global warming. Global warming also causes a rise in the sea level, which causes the polar caps to melt (Victor 2011, p.106). This is certainly the case because report indicates that there are several small islands that are already affected by the effects of the rising sea levels. For instance, a report by the WorldWatch Institute reveals that the ice cover of the earth is melting in several places, in the world, and at higher rates than ever before (Victor 2011, p.106). The report also warned that the rising sea levels would adversely affect several coastlines and the lives around the coastlines or rivers all over the world according to Victor (2011, p.106). Findings also show that there has been a high increase in carbon levels in the atmosphere over the past decades (Stoyles, Pentland and Demant 2003, p.17). However, scientists argue that the more the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the more the carbon in the ocean and water sources. The carbon dioxide usually dissolves in water forming an acid, thereby resulting in a change, in the ocean chemistry (Schneider 1990, p.84). Such changes in ocean chemistry interfere with the aquatic live. A report indicates that water is currently 30% more acidic than it was during the pre-industrial period, which has resulted in the depletion of carbonate ions important for many marine organisms (Stoyles, Pentland and Demant 2003, p.17). This is worrying because it might lead to extinction of some marine animals in the near future is something is not done to reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions to the environment. The global warming being experienced in the world today has also been blamed for the high increase in diseases and pests (Goldstein 2009, p.94). Several studies have pointed out that the increase in pests and diseases being experienced in different parts of the world today are attributable to climate change caused by global warming. One of the Reports indicated that the climate change is continually interfering with the natural ecosystem in a manner that promotes the spread of infectious diseases (Goldstein 2009, p.94). For instance, there has been a high increase in tropical diseases in Africa, which continues to claim several lives. However, researchers have cited that the increase in the tropical diseases, in Africa, is attributable to climate change caused by global warming. Ploutz (2011, p.41) notes that global warming has also been blamed for the increasing drought being experienced in the world over, which has affected agricultural out puts in several countries all over the world. These pose a lot of danger to countries that depend on agriculture as their main economic countries according to Oxlade (2006, p.17). The drought that is currently being witnessed in the world is said to have affected the economy of several third world countries that hugely depend on agriculture. However, the drought has not spaced even the industrialized countries like the U.S. and the U.K. The United States, for instance, experienced one of its worst droughts in the year 2012 that saw its agricultural outputs decline significantly as corn in several acres of landed withered in the farm (Ploutz 2011, p.41) The U.K. has in recent years some of its worst dry spells. Nonetheless, the blame has been directed mainly at the climate change caused by global warming resulting from greenhouse emissions. Policy response to global warming The world over acknowledge the fact that global warming is a big issue that must be tackled now if the world is to remain a safe place to live in both now and in the future, notes Archer (2011, p.26). As a result, the past few decades has seen a push by many governments, environmentalists, individuals, and corporations pushing for adoption of measures aimed at reducing the greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere that causes global warming. Such efforts were seen in 1999 when developed countries that emit large volumes of greenhouse gathered in Japan and signed the Kyoto Protocol whose main aim was to reduce the amount of carbon emissions into the atmosphere (Ploutz 2011, p.55). During the conference, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change suggested in the 1990 report that at least a 60% reduction was necessary (Archer 2011, p.26). However, the Kyoto Protocol resolved that every party top the agreement should commit itself to reducing carbon emission to below 5.2% (Farrar 2010, p.97). Following the signing of the Kyoto Protocol, countries different countries have put several measures aimed at ensuring that the Kyoto Protocol emission target is achieved. Nevertheless, it is worth pointing out that some countries like the U.S. and Canada later pulled off from the Kyoto agreement for fear that reducing carbon emissions through measures proposed in the Kyoto agreement could interfere with their profits (Farrar 2010, p.101). Nevertheless, this does not mean that the U.S. and Canada are not mitigating greenhouse emissions rather they are doing so using their own strategies and targets. This is because these are some of the leading emitters of carbon. For instance, the U.S. had been the number one emitter of greenhouse gases until 2007 when China overtook it (Farrar 2010, p.101). This implies that the U.S. must be one of the countries that must strive so hard to reduce its carbon emissions that threaten the environment. One of the strategies that were proposed during the Kyoto Protocol as a way of reducing carbon emission is by adopting alternative sources of energy (Silverstein, Silverstein, and Silverstein 2009, p.67). As earlier stated, many countries globally still depend hugely on fossil as the main source of energy. Nevertheless, the burning of fossil fuel has been found to emit large volumes of greenhouse gases. As such, there has been a move towards the use of renewable sources of energy, which finding shows to be green and nonpolluting, notes Silverstein, Silverstein, and Silverstein (2009, p.67). The renewable sources of energy being pushed for include energy from solar, wind, hydroelectric power, biomass, and nuclear power. The U.K. for instance is one among countries that are striving towards mitigating carbon emissions by adopting the use of renewable sources of energy as its main source of power. This is in line with its target of reducing greenhouse emissions by at least 80% by 2050 (Maslin 2007, p.35). At the same time, EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) had also set a reduction target of at least 50% of U.K’s carbon emissions by the year 2020 (Maslin 2007, p.35). To achieve this reduction target, the U.K. government is in the process of harnessing renewable sources of energy throughout the country. For instance, there are numerous solar and wind power projects that are currently being undertaken by the government to ensure that the U.K. reduces its overdependence on fossil fuel as the main source of energy. At the same time, apart from the numerous hydroelectric power projects that are already in the country, the government is still in the process of conducting a feasibility study in an attempt to identify areas with the potential of generating viable hydroelectric power as noted by Maslin (2007, p.36). Certainly, these measures will see the U.K. reduce the amount of carbon emissions to the environment so as to be able to meet its carbon emission targets and that of the international community. However, it is worth noting that it is not only the U.K. that is using this strategy rather it is one of the strategies that was proposed by the international community and is, therefore, being adopted worldwide. The government is also encouraging a reduction in the demand for energy by promoting the efficient use of energy (Houghton 2004, p.16). The government of the U.K., for instance, has been conducting a nationwide campaign advising households and public sectors to reduce their demand on energy. In this regard, the government has been pushing for the use of smart meters and other energy-efficient strategies for public sectors, businesses, and industries. For example, today people all over the U.K. are using energy saving bulbs that consume less power, as a means of cutting down demand for energy (Houghton 2004, p.16). There has also been a move by the government to provide incentives for both private and public sector organizations to adopt a more efficient practices and technologies through the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. As earlier stated, the transport sector is also among the leading emitters of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. This implies that in order to meet the carbon budget, measures must be taken aimed at reducing carbon emissions in this sector of the economy. Therefore, there has been a push by governments of different countries on the automobile manufacturing industries to reduce the amount of emissions that their automobiles can produce at any given time (Barker 2013). In fact, automobile companies are currently been compelled to do so failure to which an action is taken against the company. At the same time, there are some companies that have already begun adopting the use of greener technology such as the use of electric cars so as to reduce carbon emissions to the environment. The U.K. government, for example, is currently funding innovation in low-carbon technologies to a tune of over £200 million according to Barker (2013). Other policies have been directed towards encouraging people to stop destroying the forest cover through deforestation and charcoal burning, which also contribute significantly to carbon emissions in to the environment as noted by Shah (2012). In fact, several governments and environmentalists have put stringent measures aimed at curbing deforestation and charcoal burning. Some have gone to the extent of removing people residing in forests to reduce forest destruction, which interferes with the water towers Shah (2012) notes. Such a move has been witnessed in Kenya, where the government removed people residing in forests in the year 2012 as a means of protecting the ecosystem. Conclusion Global warming is indeed the biggest environmental issue of the 21st century. As a result, it is also one of the most debatable environmental issues in the world. This is due to the devastating effects it has caused in the world. As noticed, global warming occurs mainly due to carbon emissions from human activities such as industries, transport sectors, charcoal burning and agricultural activities just to name but a few. However, what is notable is that global warming has been reverberated by the increased industrialization hat has been witnessed in the 21st century. However, the government, environmentalists, corporations, and individuals need to work together to curb this problem. This is because in case nothing is done about global warming, then world will soon come to an end if the current happenings are anything to go by. This implies that there must be a move towards the use of alternative sources of energy such as solar, wind, hydroelectric power, biomass, and nuclear power. At the same time, industries and individuals must adopt measures that reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions. References Archer, D. (2011), Global warming: Understanding the forecast. Upper Saddle River, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. Barker, G. (2013), Reducing the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/reducing-the-uk-s-greenhouse-gas-emissions-by-80-by-2050 (Accessed 18 March 2013). Farrar, A. (2010), Global warming. New York, NY: ABDO. Fern, S. (2003), Global warming. London: Creative Teaching Press. Goldstein, N. (2009), Global warming. New York, NY: Infobase Publishing. Houghton, J. (2004), Global warming: the complete briefing. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press Kowalski, K. (2004), Global warming. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish. Maslin, M. (2007), Global warming: Causes, effects, and the future. London: MBI Publishing Company. Nwankwo, E. (2009), Global warming: A Christian approach. Oxford: Xlibris Corporation. Oxlade, C. (2006), Global warming. Mankato, MN: Capstone. Ploutz, P.F. (2011), Global warming: Handbook of ecological issues. London: Xlibris Corporation. Schneider, S. (1990), Global Warming: Are we entering the greenhouse century? Cambridge: James Clarke & Co. Shah, A. (2012), Climate change and global warming introduction. http://www.globalissues.org/article/233/climate-change-and-global-warming-introduction (Accessed 18 March 2013). Silverstein, A., Silverstein, V. B., & Silverstein, V. (2009), Global warming. Minneapolis, MN: Twenty-First Century Book. Stoyles, P., Pentland, P., & Demant, D. (2003), Global warming. Mankato, MN: Black Rabbit Books.  Victor, D. (2011), Global Warming Gridlock: Creating more effective strategies for protecting the Planet. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Read More