Global Warming - Assignment Example

? Global Warming Full Global Warming Introduction Global warming refers to climate change that represents an increase in the average temperatureof the Earth. It is defined as “increase in the earth’s atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the Greenhouse Effect caused especially by pollution” (Merriam-Webster). The definition explains the climate change, which is increase in average temperature of the planet. The climate change is linked with the Greenhouse Effect. The effect will be discussed in detail later, but the major element causing the effect is the amount of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is the major component of the greenhouse gases. Therefore, a link can be drawn between climate change and the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This relation was first discovered in a study explaining the Ice Ages. The outcome of the study suggested that the lower level of carbon dioxide gas might explain the Ice Ages. The major contributing scientists in establishing this relationship and predicting global warming were Arrhenius and Chamberlin (Berner, 1995, p. 492). Arrhenius was the first to calculate the magnitude of the effect on global temperature in 1896 and his data bought up the possibility of future warming. His data was the first to link global temperature with the volume of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The conclusion was simple; if carbon dioxide decreases global temperature decreases, but if it increases, the global temperature rises. This conclusion was to lay basis for global warming and raised questions of human involvement in contribution to the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The paper will take into account factors contributing towards global warming and human involvement in the process. The paper will also present point of view of critics and explore measures to safeguard our planet. Without the atmosphere, the earth would be much colder, when related to the distance of our planet from the sun (Postma, 2011, p. 2). In simple, earth is much warmer than it should be because of its atmosphere. It was first discovered by Tyndall in 1859 that gases can trap heat rays (Reville, 2001). The most important of these was simple water vapor. Carbon dioxide, though in very less quantity was also found to be very effective. This effect was later called Greenhouse Effect. It is a natural process that restricts the emitted energy from earth’s surface to go back into space. The solar energy is allowed to come in the atmosphere, but the re-emitted infrared energy from the earth’s surface is absorbed by the atmosphere instead. This process causes an increase in the atmospheric temperature and therefore, a cause for global warming. The gases that absorb the emitted energy are called the greenhouse gases. Human Involvement The emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere means reinforcement of the Greenhouse Effect. Following are the major greenhouse gases produced one way or the other by human involvement; Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide being the biggest contributor to Greenhouse Effect is produced by fossil fuel burning, biomass burning and a byproduct in industrial process; in particular cement production. It has a lifetime of 5 to 200 years and contributes 60 percent to global warming (Archer et al., 2009, p. 121). The industrial age has changed the natural cycle of our planet. Carbon dioxide levels are the highest recorded in 650,000 years (Gore, 2006, p. 67). This data for the last 650,000 years was taken by analyzing ice deposits in the Antarctic. Al Gore famously argued in “The Inconvenient Truth” that this data shows a striking relation between carbon dioxide level and global temperature. It shows a steep rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the industrial revolution. Fossil fuels are still the primary source of energy and carbon dioxide is a byproduct. At a global scale, our actions have contributed towards increasing level of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Methane Methane is largely produced by rice paddies, drilling process for natural gas, venting and transmission, biomass burning and coal mining. It has a lifetime of 10 years in the atmosphere and contributes 20 percent to greenhouse warming (Climate Change: The IPCC 1990 and 1992 Assessments, 1992, p. 68). Halocarbons These include the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are the main cause for Ozone depletion (Satapathy, 2011). These are produced by industrial production and consumer goods like aerosol propellants, refrigerants, solvents and fire retardants. These are long lasting and their life varies. They contribute 14 percent to the greenhouse effect. Nitrous Oxide It is a byproduct of biomass burning and use of fertilizers. It has life of 150 years and contributes 6 percent to the greenhouse warming (Climate Change: The IPCC 1990 and 1992 Assessments, 1992, p. 68). Nitrous oxide is also produced naturally by biological sources in oceans and soils. Deforestation Photosynthesis is a process which takes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and releases oxygen. This process takes place in trees, plants and every type of vegetation. Any process like deforestation, therefore, reduces the natural recycling process of carbon dioxide. Forested areas are removed for urban development, timber harvest and even agriculture. Forests are a natural recycling plant to keep check of atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Deforestation has accelerated as well with industrial revolution and at times cleared for infrastructure development. Venus as an Example of Extreme Global Warming Venus can be taken as an example which can reinforce the idea of global warming related with atmospheric carbon dioxide. Its atmosphere is 96.5 % carbon dioxide (Cain, 2008). This amount contributes towards extreme global warming and raises temperatures to about 480 degree centigrade. This high temperature is mainly due to carbon dioxide absorbing most of heat from the sun and can be taken as an extreme example that supports the link between global temperature and carbon dioxide levels. Natural Variations Solar Output We view the Sun as a constant source of energy that is stable in its output, however, the Sun is not so constant in its output. Variation in temperature can be caused by fluctuations in sun’s output. These fluctuations are linked with the 11 year sunspot cycle. These cycles typically bring along some change in solar outputs that can reflect change in global temperature (Austin, Hood & Soukharev, 2007). Furthermore, on a shorter time scale, solar variation are noted for a 27 day cycle which is basically a rotation cycle for the Sun around its axis. These cycles show a consistent pattern since 1950, with major changes in output peaking after almost 11 years. These variations, however, are very small and they are not seen as the possible explanation for change in earth’s climate. They relate with global temperature at a very minute level, but cannot justify the magnitude of change. Volcanic Eruptions These are also linked as factors contributing to global temperature change. The eruptions inject large quantity of sulphates and various aerosols into the atmosphere. The aerosols play part in ozone depletion, whereas the sulphates act as a transitional surface and reduce solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface. The eruptions, however, have mixed roles of cooling as well as warming and they have minute effect on the surface temperature. Orbital Cycles Leaving out the effect of solar fluctuations, the orbital parameters of the earth varies over time. The cycles vary over long periods, ranging from 22,000 to 100,000 years. These variations modulate the distribution of solar energy and correlate with the climatic record of past ages, including the great Ice Ages (Hoffman, 2009). Measures to Stop Global Warming Individual Level Greener Products We are presented with choice of greener products with a decreased carbon footprint. Electric cars and hybrids are an attempt to curb or decrease conventional fossil fuel as the primary energy source. We also need to save energy by alternative means like house insulation and energy efficient products that conserve electricity. Tree Plantation We need to plant more trees. They are a natural source to recycle carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They keep the carbon dioxide level under check. Tree plantation must be encouraged and in turn forestation must be checked. Elect Governments We are responsible to elect our governments. We elect our representatives and hence the policies in place are our choice and decisions. It is our responsibility to select governments that take into consideration Global Warming as a fact and implement policies to save the planet. Government Level Renewable Energy US and China are the main contributors for the production of greenhouse gases. Policies for renewable energy must be made collectively and the issue is to be raised globally. Renewable energy must be a top priority. Wind and solar are the most commonly discussed resources and they are being improved over time. These sources are encouraged to be used at every level and policies like tax relaxation must be enforced at larger level to increase their acceptability. Investments in solar and wind farms by the government are a move in the right direction. International Movement Kyoto Protocol is an example to take measures globally in order to curb carbon emissions. It calls for collective check on carbon emissions by countries and report changes annually. The problem is global and we need coordination at international level. We need to share technological advancements to keep emissions under check. Economy and greenhouse effects have conventionally been linked as opposite values, but new research and development leads to job creation. Government must focus on cleaner energy and the global requirement makes it a booming economic sector. Infrastructural Changes Transport and electric sectors are the major contributors to the greenhouse gases. Fuel efficient cars are a step forward that incorporates technological innovations to shift our focus on renewable energy resources. Furthermore, transportation sector like buses and trains must also be included in this change. Al Gore famously proposed that if we cut down on our carbon emissions and concentrate towards alternative energy, we can possibly bring down carbon dioxide levels back to the level of 1970. We have typically viewed fossil fuels as the only source of energy, but that point of view is fast changing. We are investing in research and development of alternative and green energy resources. It is an indication that we are moving in the right direction and that we can change our infrastructural model based on cleaner energy. We have seen a change in attitude towards our environment and to combat global warming collectively. This change in particular can be seen in the last five years or so. The effects of global warming were realized and they were daunting for our future. This rise in global temperature changes everything including natural cycles of our planet and oceans are affected the most with rise in sea level along with rising water temperatures. We have witnessed increased intensity and occurrence of hurricanes. Rain cycles have changed as well, which has caused droughts in some areas and excessive floods in others. Some of these effects have forced us to look at global warming as a reality and try to change what we can. Kyoto Protocol is an example of global movement and it is a step towards the right direction to check carbon emissions till we find a better solution to replace or decrease our dependency on fossil fuels. Conclusion After going through the major contributing factors involved in global warming, the most compelling evidence point towards relation of atmospheric carbon dioxide and global temperature. The industrial revolution and development over the years was based on fossil fuel as the primary source of energy. It is used in almost all of our development processes and forms the backbone of modern development. We thought that our contributions can never affect our planet at such a large scale. Our contributions have certainly led to the highest level of carbon dioxide in 650,000 years. This reading is a proof that this deviation from normal cycles must be caused by an outside factor; the humans. The critics have taken an approach to explain this change in global temperature as part of natural cycles related to sun cycles and orbital variations. These are, however, not adequate in magnitude to disturb global temperature at an alarming rate. Our dependence on fossil fuel has caused fear in policy makers to find a suitable replacement in form of alternative energy or clean energy. Our economic system depends on fossil fuel as well and the infrastructure of our societies is based on it. But, over the last five years, we have seen major investments and policy changes to incorporate alternative energy means as a mainstream business. These steps point towards a clear conclusion that even governments have taken global warming as a fact. Policies to reduce carbon emissions reinforce this idea and the world has started to work together at a global scale to combat the issue. Kyoto Protocol is an example of this global action and shows our ability to combat a global problem in an effective way. References Archer, D. et al. (2001). Atmospheric Lifetime of Fossil Fuel Carbon Dioxide. The Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Science, 37. 121. Austin, J., Hood, L. & Soukharev, B. (2007). Solar Cycle Variations of Stratospheric Ozone and Temperature in Simulations of a Coupled Chemistry-Climate Model. Retrieved from http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/7/1693/2007/acp-7-1693-2007.pdf Berner, R. (1995). A.G. Hogbom and the Development of the Concept of the Geochemical Carbon Cycle. American Journal of Science, 295 (5), 492. Cain, F. (2008). Interesting Facts About Venus. Retrieved from http://www.universetoday.com/14070/interesting-facts-about-venus/ Gore, A. (2006). An Inconvenient Truth: The Planetary Emergency of Global Warming and What We Can Do About It. New York, NY: Rodale. Hoffman, D. (2009). Confirmed Orbital Cycles Control Ice Ages. Retrieved from http://theresilientearth.com/?q=content/confirmed-orbital-cycles-control-ice-ages Merrian Webster. (2012)http://i.word.com/idictionary/global%20warming Postma, J. (2011). Understanding the Thermodynamic Atmosphere Effect. Retrieved from http://www.tech-know-group.com/papers/Understanding_the_Atmosphere_Effect.pdf Reville, W. (2001). John Tyndall. Retrieved from http://understandingscience.ucc.ie/pages/sci_johntyndall.htm Satapathy, P. (2011). 5 Products That Cause Ozone Depletion. Retrieved from http://www.ecofriend.com/5-products-ozone-depletion.html Climate Change: The IPCC 1990 and 1992 Assessments. (1992) Retrieved from http://www.ipcc.ch/ipccreports/1992%20IPCC%20Supplement/IPCC_1990_and_1992_Assessments/English/ipcc_90_92_assessments_far_full_report.pdf Read More