The Disastrous Effects of Global Warming - 1118 Words

Twenty thousand years ago, during the height of the most recent glacial period, ice sheets stretched from New York state across the Great Lakes to Wisconsin northward through most of Canada (Schneider 39). Mile-high domes of ice tied up so much fresh water that the oceans were some 100 meters lower than today. On a global basis, the world warmed up some five degrees Celsius from the beginning of the ice age’s rapid retreat over 15,000 years ago (39). The large and rapid climatic change affected the atmosphere, temperature, and water cycles. Research shows that planet Earth is in fact still warming. Senator Al Gore says this about global warming: â€Å"You see that pale, blue dot? That’s us. Everything that has ever happened in all of human†¦show more content†¦Studies show that even small changes in carbon dioxide levels cause significant shifts in global temperature (2). Since the beginning of the twentieth century, human activity has added 925 billion tons of CO2 to the atmosphere (Goldfarb 341). The slow removal of CO2 from the atmosphere is largely accomplished through biological and chemical processes in the ocean, which can take up to centuries (Schneider 102). Human activities have enhanced the greenhouse effect by adding the gases to the atmosphere, causing global warming (â€Å"Back to Basics† 2). The main human activities are the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) and the clearing of land (Mastrandrea 232). These human activities produce the gases: methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perflurocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) (â€Å"Back to Basics† 3). Methane is thirty times more effective at trapping infrared radiation than carbon dioxide, but CO2 is far more prevalent (Schneider 21). Methane has increased in the atmosphere by almost 100% since 1800 (21). Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), man-made chemicals used as a spray can propellants, foam blowers, and refrigerants, are another effective greenhouse gas. CFCs cause about 20% of the greenhouse effect (21). There is uncertainty about the eventual outcome and what it will mean for life on Earth (Goldfarb 339). Global warming will have both positive and negative impacts that areShow MoreRelatedTechnology CAn Stop Global Warming Essay1049 Words   |  5 PagesThe global thermometer is drastically changing year by year which could overall have a devastating impact on humanity. In the film Six Degrees Could Change the World it is stated that if the temperature continues to increases by one degree Celsius, it will have a great effect on both the world and the people living in it. If it were to drastically increase by six degree, there could be catastrophic results. Global warming has been a controversial issue over the last few decades in which many individualsRead MoreEssay on Fighting Global Warming 1202 Words   |  5 PagesGlobal warming has become a major issue discussed over Medias and governments all over the world today. It is a problem that threatens the whole world because of the destructive impacts it can have on us humans and to the environment. Global warming is not a new phenomenon. It is often referred to as the gradual rise of the earths near surface temperature as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities. The green house gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen, ozoneRead MoreIs Global Warming Due to Human Actions? Can the Human Race Take Action to Stop Global Warming?1529 Words   |  7 PagesNovember 19, 2012 Outline Is global warming due to human actions? Can the human race take action to stop global warming? Introduction Thesis Statement: Yes, human actions are definitely a factor in global warming. The fact that there have been natural cycles of climate change since earths formation, in past and recent centuries humans have influenced global climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases. The actions that humans should take to stop global warming are to reduce the greenhouseRead MoreParables Of The Sower By Octavia E. Butler1641 Words   |  7 Pagescurrent day issue of global warming has taken a turn for the worst, thus leaving many parts of the world severely depleted of usable water and years without rain. â€Å"It’s raining†¦ ‘well we have wind’, Cory said. ‘Wind and maybe a few drops of rain, or maybe just a little cool weather. That would be welcome. It’s all we’ll get.’That’s all there has been for six years† (butler 47). Is Octavia E. Butler novel Parables of the Sower predicting the grim consequences of increased greenhouse effect due to the failureRead MoreEssay on We Must Stop Global Warming643 Words   |  3 Pagesare brewing a disastrous stew, resulting in an atmosphere crisis. The greatest consequences of the atmosphere crisis may be global warming and ozone depletion. If humankind wants to continue to inhabit earth, then we must stop this horrid destruction of our own environment. The Earth appears to be warming due to the greenhouse effect. Scientists estimate that average temperature could climb about 2 degrees Celsius in 20 years. This change in the global climate would have disastrous results, includingRead MoreImpact Of Global Warming On The Everglades1316 Words   |  6 PagesCorporations affecting Global Warming in the Everglades A marshy region with tall grasses that are almost underwater, the Everglades are wetlands expanding across the southern tip of Florida. The Everglades consists of a variety of ecosystems that are habitats to a multitude of diverse species of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. However, this National Park is deteriorating as it is exposed to the harmful effects of global warming. Global warming is caused by the excessive build-up of greenhouseRead MoreClimate Change Is A Real Threat1105 Words   |  5 Pagesthe world. Global temperatures have been increasing in recent years and it is clear that our climate is changing. Climate change is the change of temperature of our environment. A majority of scientists suspect that humans are causing climate change by emitting CO2 into the atmosphere which creates a greenhouse effect and warms the planet. The effects of climate change are far-reaching, impacting ocean life and plant life across the globe. It also directly impacts humans bec ause global temperaturesRead MoreClimate Change Is A Serious Problem1123 Words   |  5 Pageschange is the most serious issue that is plaguing the world. Global temperatures have been increasing in recent years and it is clear that our climate is changing. Climate change is the change of temperature and weather in our environment over long periods of time. A majority of scientists suspect that humans are causing climate change by emitting CO2 into the atmosphere which creates a greenhouse effect and warms the planet. The effects of climate change are far-reaching, impacting ocean life andRead MoreEnvironmental Case Analysis: the Risks of Global Climate Change1185 Words   |  5 PagesEnvironmental Case Analysis: The Risks of Global Climate Change Introduction The natural world seems to be deteriorating around us, and it seems to be our fault. We are uncertain about the extent of the deterioration, the means that would reverse it, and the prospects for human life in the future (Newton, Dillingham, Choly, 2006, p. x). The environment and its protection is an extremely serious issue. Many environmental issues exist including endangered species, waste pollution, over populationRead More Global Warming: Fact Vs. Fiction Essay1564 Words   |  7 PagesGlobal Warming: Fact Vs. Fiction Global Warming -- the gradual increase in planet-wide temperatures -- seems to be accepted by many scientists and people now as fact. Generally, this warming is attributed to the increase of green-house gases in the Earths upper atmosphere. However, some solar scientists are considering whether the warming exists at all. And, if it does, might