Global Warming and Climate Change
As temperatures continue to rise, these climate-related changes will also continue, and new types of changes will develop.
The consequences of the warmer temperatures can already be seen in the United States. Not surprisingly, air and water temperatures have risen, which has, according to the report, resulted in “reduced frost days, increased frequency and intensity of heavy downpours, a rise in sea level, and reduced snow cover, glaciers, permafrost, and sea ice.”
What are Greenhouse Gases?
Below is a list of Greenhouse gases occur naturally within the Earth’s atmosphere, trapping heat from the sun on the surface of the Earth. Sunlight streams down from the sun and hits the Earth’s surface. About thirty percent of that sunlight is reflected off of the Earth and shot back into space. However, greenhouse gases block some sunlight and keep terrestrial radiation from leaking back into space, creating a warm mantle of air around Earth’s surface. Without greenhouse gases, scientists estimate that the average temperature on the Earth would only be 54 degrees Fahrenheit (West, Larry).the greenhouse gases that are emitted in the United States (Energy and Environment):
• Carbon dioxide (CO2)
• Methane (CH4)
• Nitrous oxide (N2O)
• Industrial Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
• Water vapor1 (H2O)
How Are Man-Made Greenhouse Gases Produced?
Man-made greenhouse gases are produced in many ways:
• Burning oil, coal and natural gas for fuel produces carbon dioxide.
• Deforestation diminishes not only the amount of carbon dioxide that can be consumed but also the amount of oxygen that can be created by trees.
• Many factories spew industrial gases.
• Some farming practices increase the amount of methane and nitrous oxide that is released into the atmosphere (West, Larry).
How Do Man-Made Greenhouse Gases Contribute to Global Warming?
Increased levels of greenhouse gases result in higher temperatures on Earth because additional greenhouse gases trap more heat and, in turn, increase the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere. Scientists estimate that the global temperature has increased 1.1 to 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century (Energy and Environment).
Evidence suggests that the increased temperatures are strongly associated with increased levels of carbon dioxide and that over the past twenty-five years, when carbon dioxide levels have been at their highest, temperature levels around the globe have peaked, the highest recorded in over 1000 years (Past Climate Change).
What is the Potential Effect of Global Warming?
Even a slight increase in the global temperature can affect weather patterns.
• Global warming can change rainfall patterns, wind patterns and increase the strength and duration of seasonal storms, such as hurricanes and tornados (West, Larry).
• As the Earth’s temperature increases, the oceans will get warmer and the polar ice caps could melt. If the icecaps melt, sea levels will rise, and flooding will occur in coastal and low lying areas all over the world (West, Larry).
• In addition, rising temperature affects the way plants and animals live and their ability to survive (Climate Change). Many different species of animals and plants risk losing their habitats to flooding or storms. In addition, animals that depend on cold weather to survive, like the polar bears, could face extinction.
Global warming can have extremely negative effects, but greenhouse gases can be reduced. Simple, everyday acts like recycling, using energy saving light bulbs and appliances, and driving fuel-efficient cars can help reduce and reverse the adverse effects of global warming. Mindfulness coupled with clean energy technology can help create a healthier Earth.
Thanks for Reading.