...US History, Period 2 May 29, 2013 Due to the source of energy we rely on, humanity is making excessive amounts of greenhouse gases. Currently, fossil fuels are the primary sources of energy. These include oil, coal, and natural gas, and they account for 85 percent of the total energy sources used in the Unites States. The air pollution made by fossil fuels upsets the delicate natural balance of the Earth resulting in global warming or climate change, the disappearance of the polar ice caps, and other issues which harm the planet and us. In fact, the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is now over 25 percent more than it was 150 years ago. Fossil fuels are the main cause to global warming and should be dealt with immediately. Switching to alternative, non-detrimental, renewable sources of energy are the solutions to global warming as well as the energy demand associated with fossil fuel use. There is only so much oil under the earth’s surface available for drilling. Once it is gone, it cannot be replaced and when it accidentally leaks into the natural world, as in the case of an oil spill, it destroys marine life, animal life and plant life, and can alter fragile ecosystems. Coal is vile to our environment as well because mining coal leaves large holes in the ground and alters the look of the natural landscape. Burning of coal leads to smog and acid rain. Acid rain corrodes buildings, harms wildlife and plants, and pollutes...
Words: 491 - Pages: 2
...Global Warming, aside from pollution is one of scientists biggest concerns. Global Warming is caused by the Greenhouse effect. There are 4 steps in the Greenhouse effect process. The first is, sunlight radiates from the sun, through space, to the Earth's atmosphere. The second is, sunlight enters the atmosphere and hits the Earth. Some of that sunlight turns into heat energy in the form of infrared light. Surrounding air and land, which in turn makes the heat warm, absorbs the heat. Third, the greenhouse gases trap infrared rays that is remitted into the atmosphere. Finally, the gas then absorbs the light and is remitted back to the Earth's surface and warms it even more. Another cause of Global Warming is the emissions of greenhouse gases due to the increase in technology that humans have developed. One recent study by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) said that unless governments do something to restrict the emissions of greenhouse gases to a lower level, global temperatures could rise 1.6 to 6.3 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2100. This would represent the fastest rate of global warming since the end of the last ice age more than 10,000 years ago. With the increased warming of the Earth it could lead to catastrophic events that could endanger living species on our planet. One event is major drought all around the world. With the warming of the planet, the water on the ground would quickly evaporate causing the rivers and lakes to quickly dry up. This...
Words: 602 - Pages: 3
...effects of global warming. Carbon dioxide, a contributing factor to global warming, is taken up by the plants and vegetation contained in forests through photosynthesis and the resulting carbon is stored in both living and dead plant biomass. This process, known as carbon sequestration, greatly reduces the potential for global climate change (IPCC 2001). Forest cover also affects the albedo, that is, the proportion of incident solar radiation that is reflected by the earths surface. The dense green coloured canopy of tropical forests have a low albedo when compared with grasslands or deforested areas. This allows for more incident solar radiation to be absorbed and cooler air termperatures (O’Brien 1996). Perhaps the most important ecosystem service provided by forests, which is a basic requirement for life, is the supply of clean water. Forests facilitate the storage of clean water through filtering precipitation through the tree canopy. This, in effect, slows the rate at which precipitation collects at the ground surface allowing it to remain unsaturated. It is estimated that over 2/3 of the clean water supply is United States is contained within stream water, which was filtered through forests, with a direct value exceeding $27 billion per year (Snail 2009). This clean water can be captured and stored in watersheds that in turn, can be used for variety of purposes including agriculture, municipal drinking water, recreational activities and habitat for wildlife. Global forests...
Words: 345 - Pages: 2
...Global Warming: A Global Threat Over the period within which human beings have existed, man has been in the forefront of all technological marvels to date. Man has created, destroyed and revived many natural cycles and dynamics that balance the delicate nature of this world. Although global warming is not a recent phenomenon, very few people had knowledge of its existence a decade ago. However, in the last few years, the media started to shed light into the dangers of global warming, and the idea has finally begun to enter the minds of past and the current generations alike. Global warming poses a great danger to planet earth. A harmonious blend of living organisms, human beings and the ecosystem is on the verge of being unbalanced. Within a matter of a few years, the world’s sea levels have risen, animals have become extinct and the delicate balance of nature has almost tipped off. Whether this is a danger to planet earth, is still uncertain, but whatever the effects of global warming may be, there is no doubt that the consequences are going to be massive. Disputes over this topic have reached a boiling point and people and scientists on both sides of the line have begun to wonder if they are right or wrong. Global warming poses a grave danger to man in the form of diseases, food shortages and economic decline. One of the first and obvious dangers of global warming is the effect on human beings in the form of diseases. Diseases are the biggest killers that the world has ever...
Words: 1581 - Pages: 7
...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
...whether a city is global? What other criteria could be used? This essay seeks to identify criteria’s and different aspects to assess what makes a city global. Firstly, it will outline and explain the concept of globalisation and a global city, showing evidence from the use of academic sources and giving examples if necessary. It shall then continue to examine and focus on a specific global destination, discussing different types of aspects to show what criteria’s make up a global city. Globalisation is a very complex process in which national economies have become more and more integrated and inter dependant towards each other. Global cities are all able to be categorized using a number of different types of methods even though they all share a common ground (Sassen, 1991). There are a number of different types of criteria’s available that make up a global city. These aspects are used in different types of ways to examine whether a city can be considered, identified or revealed as being a global destination. In regards to this, Frieddman (1986) states that global cities are significant destinations that have specific characteristics or functions in terms of economics, political, cultural and connectivity in the global economic system. Global cities, which can also be referred to as Alpha cities or World cities, play a significant role in regards to the country’s economic status. They have become well known as the centre of the world’s global economy. Global cities have become...
Words: 1932 - Pages: 8
...Rudolph English 102 13 December 2011 Warming Up Topic The issue of global warming has been front page news for over a decade from magazines, newspapers, journal articles, books and even local news channels. This has begun 20 years ago when a Global Warming treaty was signed at the United Nation Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992(Qtd. Harf p. 141). Global warming is the unusual rapid increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere and is responsible for changes in global climate patterns. It occurs when greenhouse gasses including carbon dioxide, methane, black carbon, and other toxic gasses trap the heat and light from the sun in the earth's atmosphere, which increase the temperature. Some scientists agree that human consumption of the earth's natural resources and activities over the years had contributed to the earth's current state of being. However, opposing sides claim that there is no evidence to support this; rather it is just a bogus statement. They believe human action has nothing to do with the earth’s hot temperature. The controversy involves a disagreement over the fact, cause and consequences of the global warming. Both sides of the issue can find multiple experts to support their case that the earth is or is not warming, that global warming is either the consequences of human activities or a cyclical phenomenon and that global warming will be good for us or will bring tragedy. Global warming has created awareness amongst the public and government...
Words: 2208 - Pages: 9
...Global Warming The global warming is bringing some good things and some bad things with it. Some people say global warming will help in lot of ways like in agriculture, decrease famine, and etc. and some say it will not be helpful and bring storm, disease, health problem etc. Nowadays global warming is on top of all major issues and people and government are doing their best to find ways to decrease global warming. The legislative branch of U.S. government had also passed lots of bill to help prevent global warming. There are also lots of debates going on in Congress about global warming. Scientist are researching and finding ways to slow the process of global warming. The effects of global warming are beneficial to human health and other species of life on earth. “A warmer earth will result in lush forests, a decrease in climate-related disasters, increased food production, and a healthier human population” (Avery). This will help some poor countries like Africa, India, Mexico and etc., to come out of drought and poor nourishment. Global Warming will also raise the level of carbon dioxide and this will help make forests all over the world healthier and more robust. “The world’s ocean levels have been rising at approximately the same rate- 7 inches per century- for at least a thousand years.” “Data from the warming of 1900 to 1940 show a drop in sea levels and then a sea-level rise during the subsequent cooler period” (Avery). This means that the global warming is not going...
Words: 1053 - Pages: 5
...Jayadev Kakumanu 8/10/2013 EN 1420 Global warming is caused by carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants, carbon dioxide emissions from burning gasoline for transportation, methane emissions from animals, agriculture such as rice paddies and from arctic sea beds. It is also caused by deforestation of tropical rain forests, and increase in usage of chemical fertilizers on croplands. This paper will examine the advantages and disadvantages of global warming as well as the preventative measures our society can take to stop the progress of global warming. And finally, decide whether global warming is a lie or a hoax. There are many disadvantages to global warming. Global warming spreads diseases, as northern countries warm, disease carrying insects migrate north, bringing plague and disease with them. Global warming also causes warmer waters, which means more hurricanes. Some areas of our planet will suffer serious droughts and heat waves. Africa will be hit the most with more severe droughts expected in Europe. There are also going to be economic consequences, hurricanes can cause billions of dollars in damage and diseases cost money to treat. Polar ice caps will melt. This melting of ice caps will raise sea levels. The melting will also throw the ecosystem out of balance. The ice caps are fresh water so when they melt they will make the ocean less salty. The rising temperatures will endanger the survival of several species. The ice caps are white...
Words: 1321 - Pages: 6
...Global Warming Outline I. Introduction II. Background on Global Warming A. Temperature 1. Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change B. Contributing factors 1. Green house gases -Environmental Protection Agency 2. Particulates 3. Human activity C. Effects 1. Natural Environment 2. Ecosystems 3. Social/Human systems III. Opposing Viewpoints A. Natural factors 1. Climate change 2. Deforestation 3. Natural Disasters B. Impacts 1. Human activity 2. Beneficial effect C. Media IV. Conclusion V. References Global Warming Global Warming is a universal concern that has gained worldwide attention. As members of Congress, we have heard and learned new and different facts about the process of Earth. Some causes and effects of global warming are easy to understand, with substantial evidence, yet there are still unanswered questions and reasoning as to why global warming is occurring. This essay is to outline the background of global warming and to display opposing viewpoints. Since there is not enough evidential research to connect global warming with natural factors, human activity, and its impacts, we might take advantage of its beneficial gain to our environment, economic, and social system. The facts and fictions of global warming will convince members of Congress that there are opposing viewpoints to global warming and its effects. According to the Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change, global warming is the increase of Earth’s average temperature. “The Intergovernmental...
Words: 1712 - Pages: 7
...Global Warming Mary Werner Lower Division Capstone IP#1 July 13, 2012 Global Warming Abstract: Global Warming has been around since the Ice Age, or so some think. Some people believe that Global Warming is a serious problem where others may argue it is nothing to concern ourselves about. In this report, we will read some thoughts of some FOX News fans and see their opposing thoughts and comments. We will also read the debate between 2 Doctors who have very different views about Global Warming. Global Warming Global Warming is the rise in the world’s stratosphere and oceans since the latter part of the nineteenth century. [1] From before the 1900’s, the worlds mean surfaced stratosphere has increased by about 0.8 °C (1.4 °F), increasing by 2/3 since 1980.[2] Global temperatures increase causing sea levels to rise drastically bringing changes to the amount and the pattern of our precipitation which then expands subtropical deserts.[3] In the Arctic, it is believed that Glaciers, permafrost and sea ice is believed to be caused by the warming. Some different types of heat waves could be droughts, heavy rain and changes in crop yields. From all around the world we continually see the degree in which warming varies.[4] If the word “global” means temperatures increasing to 4 °C (7.2 °F)”, then limitations for adapting to our physical bodies is most likely exceeding in most areas...
Words: 1530 - Pages: 7
...well. Some believe that household appliances contribute to the warming also. Global warming is dangerous because it affects the environment, and that can cause many problems and dangerous things to happen. It can causer floods in certain places, causing greenhouse gases to be released into the earth’s atmosphere causing the earth’s temperature to rise. Cutting down trees, smoke from factories, exhaust system from cars, trucks, and motorcycles all contribute greenhouse gases being released causing global warming. Some scientists even believe that the human population is also a factor when it comes to global warming. The main reason why global warming is happening is because of the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, caused by human activity. We should plant more trees instead of cut down more trees. To prevent global warming policies should be in place and we need to take certain steps to prevent it from happening. Global warming is caused when the heat from the sun and greenhouse gases are released into the earth’s atmosphere, causing global warming and a need to come up with a solution to prevent global warming and the destruction of the earth’s atmosphere and all that inhabits the earth. Human activity is not the only reason global warming is happening. Global warming was occurring long before human activity. According to scientists, ninety percent of global warming is caused by humans. The climate warming is much faster than the climate...
Words: 481 - Pages: 2
...2013 1PHL1 Global warming or the high averages of global temperatures are caused by natural as well as human induced reasons. Though many people do not believe that global warming exists, evidences are coming up from all parts of the world supporting the occurrence of global warming. Many people are conveniently ignoring the warning signs produced by the earth; the important evidence of global warming is the temperatures itself. The average temperature across the world is higher than the previous years. Many areas are experiencing the highest temperatures ever recorded. There is evidence that due to this rise in temperature even the polar ice caps or ice glaciers have started to melt. According to reports, many countries around the world have been experiencing a very warm temperature even when to those countries that experience winter. Evidences show that the combined land and ocean temperature has increased than the average. According to the opinion of some experts, the temperature of the earth is rising at a rate of a fifth of a degree every decade. Scientists and experts reports that human activities are causing global warming, and if the present rise in temperature continues, the sea-level will increase and the arctic summer sea- ice will disappear by the second half of this century. There are quite substantial evidences showing that the climate change like, prolonged summer seasons, the increased heat waves and regular tropical storms are all resulted by global warming caused...
Words: 1057 - Pages: 5
...Global Warming: Fact or Fiction * What is Global warming * Causes of global warming * Car exhaust * Aerosols * Green house effect -Too much CO2 * Concerns about global warming * Endangering animals * Flooding/Hurricanes * Change in weather * Is Global Warming Real * What are the facts * Glaciers are melting * Carbon dioxide as increased * Global temperatures are rising * Facts against global warming * Is there proof * The earth is cooling * Earth is below average temperature * Most of the CO2 is from natural causes Global warming has been a major topic for scientist and environmental advocates for years and the question still remains is global warming fact or fiction. To be able to fully answer that question first we must understand global warming, what causes it, what the effects are, and how can we change it if it does exist. Global warming is when the earth’s temperature increases, which is caused by greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and methane. These gases trap heat and light form the sun in the earth’s atmosphere causing the temperature to rise on earth. Greenhouse gases are necessary for the survival of life on our planet but due to the large increase of average global temperatures people are pointing at human activity for speeding up the process to a degree that is deemed unsafe. Certain events have caused the natural greenhouse gases to rise...
Words: 941 - Pages: 4
...Global Warming Jamilla Taylor June 10, 2012 Professor Eric Freeman AIU Online Global Warming I. What is Global Warming A. Climate Change 1. The cause of global warming 2. The effect of global warming II. Fight Global Warming A. What are people doing to stop Global Warming? 1. Conserving energy on a daily basis III. Reasons of Global Warming 1. Process of slowing it down 2. Consequences of global climate change Global Warming Global warming is the increase of a surface temperature that traps heat in that needs to escape from the earth, (Global Warming FAQ, n.d.). This is known as a greenhouse effect. The cause of global warming is the carbon dioxide and many other air pollutants that are in the atmosphere collect in the sky to make a thickening blanket (Global Warming, 2005). Some effects are: rising sea levels, salt water intrusion, beach erosion, extreme weather, and increased rainfall, destabilization of local climate, acidic oceans, and drought. Conserving energy is important so the earth won’t get polluted so much. When car buying choosing a hybrid vehicle is the best option, they contain gas electric engines. Carpooling puts less greenhouse gases into the air. Recycling means less trash goes to the dump to be burned. Using fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs save energy. Although they may cost more but they last longer and provide safer air to breathe. Reasons for global warming: * Deforestation ...
Words: 359 - Pages: 2
