Global warming

Global Warming
Introduction
Global warming has been a contentious issue for scientists as and environmentalists, who have focused on causes and possible mitigations for many years. Scientists have cautioned that the earth will become inhabitable if swift measures are not taken to curb the threats of global warming. The temperature of the earth is on the rise and life on earth is evidently at risk. Scientists have attributed global warming to both natural and human causes. However, human activities have been proved to be the main cause of global warming. This paper focuses on the definition, causes consequences and possible mitigation measures.
Global Warming Defined
Global warming can be referred to as indisputable and continuous increase in the earth’s temperature. Oxlade defines global warming as “ increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere” (4).
Causes of Global Warming
Global warming has been linked with natural and human (anthropogenic) causes. However, little attention has been given to natural causes and scientists and environmentalists have mainly focused on human causes. Scientists have established that increasing accumulation of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide, in the earth’s atmosphere is the main cause of global warming. Industrialization era has seen much increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere. Humans are the main emitters of carbon dioxide through activities that involve combustion of fossil fuels (Haldar 10).
There have been massive carbon dioxide emissions from industry, agriculture and transport sectors. Even lighting systems in homes that use fossil fuel has contributed towards global climate change. Moreover, increasing human population has led to deforestation for to create settlement areas and expand agricultural lands. Trees are known to be important for carbon dioxide sequestration. When trees are cut, forests, which store huge amounts of carbon dioxide, cease to be there. This means increased amount of carbon dioxide that escape into the atmosphere.
Consequences of Global Warming
The impacts of global warming are already evident across the world. Global warming is having serious implication on human health, global economy and environment. The temperature of sea and oceans are constantly rising and coastal flooding is becoming more common than ever (Haldar 24). Heat waves are becoming a common phenomenon and many places around the world that were once agriculturally productive are turning into deserts (Gupta 24). Drought is encroaching food baskets of the worlds and the worst can be expected if no urgent measures are put in place to curb global warming (Casper 123).
Possible Prevention Measures
Despite all the threats imposed on life by global warming, the good news is that humans have the solution at their hands. People can choose to reduce carbon emissions to slow down the rate at which global warming is happening to ensure a safer environment to future generations. This can be achieved by implementing stiff environmental policies focusing on reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere. Fortunately, attempts are being made to solve global warming threats by reducing carbon emissions through development of environmental friendly technologies and strict environmental policies.
Conclusion
Global warming is a reality that needs urgent response. It is already taking a toll on human health, environment and economy. Humans can reduce global warming by reducing carbon emissions, which can be achieved through implementation of strict environmental policies. Despite the fact that policies are being put in place to curb the problem of carbon emissions, for instance the Kyoto Protocol, the progress of the agenda has been marred with politics. More needs to be done in order to ensure a safer world for both current and future generations.
Works Cited
Casper, Julie Kerr. Changing Ecosystems: Effects of Global Warming. New York: Infobase Pub, 2010. Print.
Gupta, Kulwant Rai. Encyclopedia of Environment. New Delhi, India: Atlantic Publishers & Distributors, 2005. Print.
Haldar, Ishita. Global Warming: The Causes and Consequences. New Delhi: Mind Melodies, 2011. Print.
Oxlade, Chris. Global Warming. Mankato, MN: Bridgestone Books, 2003. Print.