There is no question that the Earth is warmer than it was just a few decades ago

Question

There is no question that the Earth is warmer than it was just a few decades ago. Most scientists believe that it is human induced, and some politicians believe that it is all natural. Whether it is the result of our actions, or is exclusively natural, we are seeing numerous consequences as a result of this warming. Discuss a change that has resulted already from climate change. Be sure to mention the impact of the consequence and what we can do to counteract it. Alternatively, you may choose a change that is predicted to occur in the future and what we can do to prevent it. You must choose general events, such as increased storms or sea level rise, but specific consequences.

Explanation / Answer

The rise in average temperture of the surface of earth gradually is known as global warming. The earth's temperature during the past 100 years has increased by about 0.76 degree celsius. There is evidence that global warming has increased mainly due to human activities like burning fossil fuels which increase the concentration of greenhouse gases like C02 and methane in the atmosphere which traps more solar radiation and hence increase the surface temperature of earth

Impacts of global warming that is happening already

There is worldwide ice melting mainly at the North poles. Mountain glaciers, Artic sea ice and the ice sheets of West Antartica and Greenland are mainly affected.

The population of penguins in Antarctica has declined from about 30,000 to 11,000 in the period of 30 years.

In some parts of Europeover there is a rise of 2 degree celsius in its summer tempertures over the past 30 years

Over the last centrury the sea level has increased. The rising sea level is a major threat to the low lying islands especilally in Indian and Pacific ocean.

Scotland record the highest temperature in 2003 which kills hundreds of salmons in the river.

The average precipitation has increased globally

Due to the shift in the climate pattern some foxes, butterflies and alpine plants migrate farther north to higher or colder areas

Due to warm summers in Alaska since the last 20 years the spruce bark beetles population has increased drastically which has infested about 4 million acres of spruce trees

Ways to prevent the consequence of global warming:

Reduce, reuse and recycle: To reduce the wastes buy those products which have minumum packaging. Also if possible use recycled papers, plastics, glasses and other household items which can reduce upto 2400 pounds of CO2 annually.

Use less heat and air conditioning: We can reduce more than 25% of the heating cost by adding insulation to our walls and roofs which in turn reduce the amount of energy requirement in keeping our homes warm and cool. Turn off the AC while not in use and keeping the tempertures generally at moderate.

Use of energy efficient products: Use of energy efficient products like LED light bulbs or CFL bulbs instead of normal ones can reduce the energy consumption and the cost.

Drive less and drive smart: There will be less emission if we drive less. Also the advantage is that it saves the cost of gasoline as well as walking and biking are beneficial for our health as a great exercise. While driving make sure the car is running efficiently eg proper inflated tyres which can improve the gas mileage by about 3% and also reduces 20 pounds of C02 in the atmopshere.

Plant a tree: Trees play an important role in regulating the climate by absorbing CO2 and emitting the oxygen into the atmosphere thus help in mitigating the climate change by reducing the emissions of CO2 from automobiles, factories and other human activities. A single tree can absorb upto 1 ton of CO2.

Encourage other to conserve: Share information to your families, neighbours, friends about use of recycling wastes and energy effienciency products or acitvities that can reduce the energy consumption.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.