...The effect of global warming on the United States Global Warming was first recognized in the 1950's and will continue to be a problem for us, as humans keep contributing by releasing heat trapping gasses in our everyday life. The drought in Texas was very sever and caused a lot of problems while also creating expenses as well. Texas suffered from extreme wildfires in more than twenty cities. In the year 2011 there were 30,457 fires recorded in the state of Texas. More than seven thousand square miles of agriculture were burned. 3,017 homes were lost.7.62 billion dollars were documented in agricultural losses and 117 drought related deaths were noted (Amico). The greenhouse effect is a process by which certain gases in a planet's atmosphere give it a higher temperature than the planet would have otherwise. Light is one form of electromagnetic radiation. From lower energy to higher energy, categories of EM radiation includes radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays. Blackbody radiation is EM radiation given off by all matter, as a function of the matter's temperature. Hotter objects give off more total EM radiation, and also give off a greater fraction of that radiation as higher energy radiation.Since the Sun has a surface temperature of 5,700° C, about 42% of the blackbody radiation it radiates is visible light The Earth also radiates blackbody radiation but almost entirely as infrared light Certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere...
Words: 1142 - Pages: 5
...Global Warming And Its Effects On The Coastal Areas of Bangladesh [pic] [pic][pic] GLOBAL WARMING: Global Warming is the rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere, including the surface air and oceans. In simple words global warming is when the Earth heats up. It is caused mainly due to increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The greenhouse gases, include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, water vapor, traps heat and light in the Earth’s atmosphere, which increases the temperature. Today global warming is considered as one of the major environmental issues, which threatens to disrupt the basic balance of the environment and cause large scale destruction. The Greenhouse Effect: [pic] There are certain gases that raise the temperature by trapping the sun’s heat and energy. The Earth’s average temperature would have been about 60Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. colder if it weren’t for these gases. These gases are referred to as “greenhouse effect” because of the way they help to keep the Earth warm. The greenhouse effect makes the Earth suitable for all living things. The Earth might have been freezing or it might also have been burning hot if the greenhouse effect did not occur. However, the presence of too many such gases can cause the Earth to get unusually warmer. The plants would not be able to take such heat and eventually they would have died. The scarcity of plants would cause animals to die...
Words: 3109 - Pages: 13
...impossible for humans to inhabit the earth because it would have been too cold for any living thing to survive. The surface of the earth is warmed by the process called the greenhouse effect which occurs once the greenhouse gases retain some amounts of heat rays that bounce from the sun rays that heat the earth’s surface. The levels of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases have increased over the years due to both natural and anthropogenic factors but mostly human induced. Some human activities such as deforestation, industrial activities and combustion of fossil fuels have increased the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leading to the increase in temperature of the surface of the earth. Scientists and researchers have argued that the increase in the earth’s surface temperature can cause climate change which can lead to catastrophic and disastrous events such as the raise of the ocean water levels due to the melting of the polar ice and flooding the coastal areas. 1.2 INTRODUCTION Climate change is the world phenomenon in which the temperature of the earth’s surface increases to the level in which it threatens the wellbeing and proper operation of the ecosystems thereby affecting the life of humans and other animals due to the unpredictable seasons and effects of droughts, floods and higher temperatures that lead to the great loss of biodiversity( )…………………states that the term ‘gender’ refers to sexually ascribed roles responsibilities...
Words: 3131 - Pages: 13
...earth; human beings can be extinct probably in the near future. The cause and effects of this phenomenon has been studied which is greenhouse effect. The whole world is getting involved in this issue and looking for solutions. Greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that increases temperature of the earth’s surface (Australian government). However, according to the investigations, human activities enhanced the greenhouse activities, making it worse. So our climate change is due to the increasing human activities, global industrialization which ejects huge amount of carbon emissions. Human activities enhance greenhouse effect that causes widespread heave rainfalls in the northern Hemisphere during the last 50 years (Minetal, as cited in Allan, 2011).The rising temperature is disrupting every aspect in our life and the whole ecosystem. This climate change affects atmospheric and ocean circulations and brings many hazards to the earth, such as widespread drought, flood and tsunami. As we considered climate change, we need consider the common good for all the humans on the earth. The common good refers to the total living conditions which can enable individuals to get the achievement which enables people to achieve humanity (google), whereas climate change is a serious issue that is eliminating human living resouces in many aspects. As we mentioned above, climate change can cause many negative effects, such as ecosystem disruption will lead to increasing of poverty. The refugees...
Words: 1160 - Pages: 5
...as cities and counties consider its affects and implement mitigation and adaptation strategies in an attempt to limit its potential damage. Florida is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The state has over 1,200 miles of coastline, almost 4,500 square miles of estuaries and bays, more than 6,700 square miles of other coastal waters, and a low-lying topography. In addition, most of the state’s 18 million residents live within 60 miles of the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Florida’s diverse and productive coastal and marine ecosystems are imperative to the state’s present and future. These ecosystems provide food and other products for its habitat as well as valuable and irreplaceable ecological functions. These systems also attract visitors from all over the world who wish to experience the beauty and recreational opportunities these locations offer. The state’s life-support system, economy, and quality of life depend on preserving and sustaining these resources over the long term . Of prime interest to Florida is the climate changes impact on rising sea levels. Sea Level Rise (SLR) has been identified as a major global problem. SLR has two causes, the melting of mountain glaciers and polar ice sheets and thermal expansion of the oceans. At present, the mean global rate of sea level rise is approximately 3 mm per year. However, within a relatively broad band of certainty, projections for future sea level rise consistently indicate a non-linear...
Words: 1337 - Pages: 6
...The effects of global warming on the environment and human life are numerous and varied. Scenarios studied by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predict that global warming will continue and get worse much faster than was expected even in their last report. Research by NOAA indicate that the effects of global warming are already irreversible. The IPCC reports attribute many specific natural phenomena to human causes. The expected long range effects of recent climate change may already be observed. Rising sea levels, glacier retreat, Arctic shrinkage, and altered patterns of agriculture are cited as direct consequences of human activities. Predictions for secondary and regional effects include extreme weather events, an expansion of tropical diseases, changes in the timing of seasonal patterns in ecosystems, and drastic economic impact. Concerns have led to political activism advocating proposals to mitigate, or adapt to it. Geoengineering is a further potential response, which could potentially reverse some effects that may otherwise be irreversible. It is notable that many of the effects of global warming are non-linear in nature, with potential for dramatic positive feedback effects. This means that the climate may enter a critical state where small changes can trigger runaway or abrupt climate change. Geoengineering has been suggested as a means of interrupting or reversing these effects. A notable example of a 'runaway' effect is the release of methane...
Words: 4242 - Pages: 17
...today to discuss one of the greatest subjects in the history of mankind! If we don’t act now, the planet as we know it will never be the same. I am here today, to fight for the future, to fight for the coming generations and to fight for our survival! The world as we know it is changing! Today is the day! The day where we will be united as one. Today is the day where we make use of the endless power and intelligence God gave us upon creation. We will work together as a team, regardless of wealth and poverty, black and white, young and old, gay and straight, disabled and not disabled, to save the future of tomorrow! A study, by scientists at the World Health Organization determined that 154,000 people die every year from the effects of global warming. These numbers could almost double by 2020. This is not acceptable! We can’t just close our eyes, and hope for the best. We made this problem, and we are the only ones who can get us back on track. No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten every coastline and families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees. More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent. Katrina as well as the tsunami in 2004 was just the beginning. Fellow citizens! Is this really a place for our children to live, to grow up? You and I may not feel the consequences of the climate change at the moment, but trust me on this; our children and our...
Words: 537 - Pages: 3
...winds, rainfall, and even fire to flourish. Due to historical issues such as Apartheid, the almost 4 million residents of Cape Town (City of Cape Town) are often times racially divided in terms of physical housing locations. Some areas are much more impoverished than others, causing the effects of climate change to be felt more intensely and mitigation efforts to be more difficult (Ziervogel, Shale and Du). Climate change is largely attributed to global warming. In a nutshell, this involves greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide to collect and form a layer in the atmosphere. The sun’s heat is then trapped in the atmosphere, causing a rise in the planet’s average temperature (NRDC). This collection of meteorological phenomena poses threats to the planet and the people living in it. Three different effects of climate change in Cape Town will be discussed, explaining the factors leading up to these, how the local people are affected, as well as mitigation efforts and the effectiveness thereof. Coastal Zones: Global warming, as described, causes thermal expansion of the water of the oceans. Another contributor to the rise of the sea level is the melting of the glaciers. This has many effects, including increased saltwater intrusion, higher tides, more flooding and increased coastal erosions. In some areas, developments have taken place too close to...
Words: 1146 - Pages: 5
...Professor Richmond Jones Expository Writing September 18, 2014 Assignment 2 Global Warming: Get Used to It Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek International argues in his 2007 essay “Global Warming: Get Used To It” there is no stopping global warming; it is going to happen regardless of human activity, so adaptation and mitigation are essential. Zakaria cites reliable sources, including the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Frances Cairncross, and their policies for adaptation programs like developing new crops, constructing flood defenses, and making different building codes to prevent building close to sea level. His main purpose is to inform us about the rapid negative effects of global warming in order to persuade his audience to start acting by reducing fuel consumption methods and carbon dioxide pollution. Zakaria stresses the importance of early planning for the inevitable impact of climate change, and although the initial cost might be high, it is worth in the long run. Zakaria is effective because he utilizes rational and emotional evidence to support his claim. Zakaria shows good use of rational evidence when he provided facts and expert opinions to support his position about climate change, mitigation, and adaptation. For instance, he states, “Of the 12 hottest years on record, 11 have occurred since 1995.” This example indicates the rapid growth of global warming in a short span of time and how it will only continue to get worse. Zakaria...
Words: 604 - Pages: 3
...days are gone! I remember being able to go out in the middle of July and play outside in the clear blue sky, but now that is not possible. A clear blue sky is a rare sight and the high pollution levels and temperatures make it impossible. Al Gore’s movie on global warming” The Inconvenient truth” is an eye opener. It grabs the viewers’ attention and starkly portrays the causes and effects of global warming. It puts the consequences of our actions into a larger perspective. I found Al Gore’s presentation extremely convincing for numerous reasons. Firstly, he uses humor to engage the audience and once he has their attention he foccuses on the pressing issue of global warming. Secondly, he uses a lot of examples to illustrate his point. Instead of lecturing that, “Temperatures are rising, we should stop it.” He uses vivid examples and graphic illustrations of the destruction of our planet and of life as we know it if we do not stop this relentless emission of green house gases. This tactic effectively drives the message home. For instance, an image that is embedded in my head is the thought of my hometown Mumbai disappearing from the face of this planet because of the rising sea levels. His movie elevates the concept of global warming from a text- book lesson to one that will directly impact each and every one of us. He personalizes the issue. Lastly, all his statements are backed up by graphs, statistics, and hard evidence, which makes the viewer believe in his truth and forces...
Words: 432 - Pages: 2
...Causes Global Warning 1. Greenhouse effect 2. Human contribution B. Government Agencies report Global Warning Continues to Rise 1. Fossil fuel use has increased 2. Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for many decades C. Facts and Fiction of Global Warning 1. Facts 2. Fiction II. Conclusion Global Warming: Fact or Fiction According to the New York Times, “Global warming has become perhaps the most complicated issue facing world leaders”. The debate on Global warming’s causes and effects are controversial between scientists and some politicians. Scientists believe that the earth is getting hotter due to the greenhouse effect and some politicians believe that Global warming is the natural phenomenon where the earth’s surface temperature increases due to different factors in the earth’s biosphere naturally. The greenhouse effect is basically heat from the sun being radiated back into the earth’s atmosphere and absorbed by water vapors, carbon dioxide, methane and ozone which comprise greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases contribute to about 1% of the earth’s atmosphere but they help regulate our climate by trapping heat in the atmosphere and holding it there. The greenhouse effect is really a good thing because it helps sustain life on earth. Without it the temperature on earth would be approximately 30 degrees colder and our ecosystem would not be able to sustain life as we know it now. The greenhouse effect is an essential...
Words: 1134 - Pages: 5
...Abstract Global warming has been a big issue these days in past campaigns they use this as a platform for debates. Everyone is going green these days, even most cars are green they rely on electric or other forms of fuel. Neighborhoods and companies is hosting recycle drives for old computers and other electronic devices, recycling of paper to save trees, cans and plastics. They are trying to cut back on unnecessary waste. The greenhouse effect and the how in the ozone layer has brought on much concerns. Global Warming Real or Not Introduction Vice President Al Gore has accomplished many things in this lifetime including winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 for his work “Informing the World of the Dangers Posed by Climate Change”. And during his time as Vice President he was an important member to President Bill Clinton’s economic team. (Nobel Prize.org, 2012). Outline: I. Global Warming: The Real Facts a. What is the truth about Global Warming? i. What is the definition of Global Warming? ii. What causes Global Warming? b. How does it affect Earth? iii. What are the signs of Global Warming? iv. How are the signs affecting Earth? c. How can Global Warming be stopped? v. What can us as people do to stop Global Warming? vi. How long will it take before we see the results of the efforts that have been taken to by the people? II. Global Warming: What is fiction? d. What is the debate...
Words: 1086 - Pages: 5
...sensors are used to measure earth’s deformations before and during earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. The major disaster in the developing world would be the drought in Africa. This kind of disaster along with many others starts slowly and may be predicted in advance. “The cause of droughts in the U.S. is the disposition winds from the west. A ridge which is caused by a jet stream making a big northern bend going over the central part of the woodlands with lesser meridional curves on specific side above the east and west coast states. A large anticyclone forms below the ridge and begins to rotate. This pattern is very stable and is called an omega block, after the Greek letter omega. It can remain in place for the entire summer when its effects are most pronounced. The descending air in the anticyclone makes it nearly impossible for clouds to form or precipitation to...
Words: 2507 - Pages: 11
...uncontrollable circumstances, it doesn’t eliminate them and when something goes wrong. It goes really wrong. I, like many people will never come to accept that we can’t control certain circumstances and will continue to prepare ourselves and to train ourselves in hopes of controlling the uncontrolled. As crazy as this may seem however, it is people like us that develop equipment, strategies, movements and technology to get us closer to control. It is their relentless conviction to not take no for an answer that today saves thousand of life in many impossible situations with advancement such as protection and training in sports, therapy and diagnosis for emotionally unstable individuals, schools for children with disabilities and without a doubt warning and anticipation of natural phenomena situations. I think out of everything in this...
Words: 3684 - Pages: 15
...examining the contributing factors of the financial collapse of 2008, were the warning signs ignored? Could the crisis have been averted? Once we examine the mortgage industry and Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDO’s); those whom we entrust to oversee our financial system; the media; and the global economy as a whole, what lessons had been learned, what is the future prognosis? Body: 1. The mortgage industry and Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDO’s) a. How was the mortgage industry the main player in the collapse? b. What is a CDO and how does it relate to the mortgage industry? c. How did these cause/contribute to the collapse? d. What was the effect? 2. Those whom we entrust to oversee our financial system e. Office of the Treasury – Who are “they” what is their role? f. Did they not see the collapse coming? g. What red flags were ignored? h. How did inaction cause/contribute to the collapse? i. What was the effect? 3. The Media a. What effect did the media have on this collapse? b. Did it help or hinder? 4. The Global Economy as a whole j. What constitutes a Global Economy? k. How are the global financial markets inter-related? l. Was the United States solely responsible for the global crash? m. How was bad debt scattered among international markets? n. What was the effect? Conclusion: Given such contributing factors as the mortgage industry...
Words: 281 - Pages: 2