What is global warming? It is an incredibly complex yet increasingly concerning phenomenon that is impacting the livelihoods of people around the world. Suggested to have started around the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, it is the average increase of the Earth’s temperature which is caused by both human activities and naturally occurring processes. While some may discredit global warming as a myth, current trends reveal that this is anything but true and unfortunately, as countries become more industrialized, the effects of global warming become more pronounced with each passing year.
The primary factor that is increasingly contributing to global warming is rising levels of Carbon dioxide (CO2) within the atmosphere. CO2 is naturally found to an extent in the atmosphere, but it is only since the Industrial Revolution that pollutant gases like carbon dioxide and other substances such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) have been so aggressively released in large volumes. Furthermore, research suggests and studies have continued to show that the energy emissions from buildings, vehicles, and factories are all connected to an increase in global temperatures as they cause ‘the greenhouse effect’. For example, when CO2 is released into the atmosphere in substantial amounts, it prevents heat from the earth from escaping back into space, instead trapping it within the atmosphere and raising the overall temperature. As the earth is bombarded with both gaseous and solid pollutants and countries continue to develop, higher levels of CO2 will continue to be released into the earth’s air, causing temperatures to gradually rise.
The significant effects of global warming should not be taken lightly. For one, dangerous changes to the climate that have already been experienced and recorded across parts of the earth, have created a wrath of destruction. Examples of this include powerful storms, droughts and floods, particularly in less economically developed parts of the world. Moreover, the melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are both examples of global warming’s adverse effects which can be seen, as when glaciers and ice caps melt, sea levels rise. Similarly, ecosystems are also being left irreparably damaged as species struggle to adjust to the changes in their respective environments. The need for immediate action that serves to protect the environment and its inhabitants has become obvious, as it is becoming increasingly clear that unless strategic measures are taken, global warming is going to continue to devastatingly disrupt and destroy the planet.
Yet, though the dangers of global warming continue to increase, there is still a degree of optimism. Several international organisations have taken steps to preserve the environment, aware of the urgency of the situation. For instance, the Paris Agreement, created to reduce global warming, has been signed by more than 180 countries who have agreed that temperatures should not rise more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This agreement has many implications, consider the EU for instance, whose countries have pledged to reduce their emissions by 80% to reach their commitment by 2030. Encouragingly, several countries are showing signs that they are willing to make the changes needed to tackle climate change. Important to note is that it has been concluded that the solution lies with us individuals too. Reducing energy consumption and consumption of animal proteins, using alternative energy sources such as solar and wind, promoting the use of electric cars, and partaking in initiatives such as clean-up drives and planting of trees are just some of the myriad of activities that can take place to reduce global warming.
It is an unfortunate truth that global warming is becoming an increasingly afflicting issue that continues to plague the environment and those who inhabit it. However, understanding the effects of this phenomenon and the different measures that can be taken are key for continued success in the strive for a safe and healthy planet.
