Introduction

Global warming also popularly known as the greenhouse effects have been of primary concern to modern environmentalists. The global temperatures have been increasing at an alarming rate in the past century, and if the trend continues, the consequences are grave. Greenhouse effects have been accelerated by human and natural activities that results in emissions of greenhouse gases to the environment. Past researchers claim that over 7 billion tons of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere through human activity. The industrial revolution, deforestation, burning of fossils and farming are some of human endeavour that has contributed substantially to global warming. it is argued that natural causes to global warming, but human activity has been instrumental to this deadly global disaster (Weart, 2009). If global warming continues at this rate, the environmental concerns will be adverse for future generations. The problem of global warming is real and as humans we should seek solutions rather than debate on the topic.

Global warming and human activity

As earlier stated, greenhouse effects are mainly caused by human activity. As a result of the degrading human behavior, the global temperatures are increasing with more than 10C in the last century.  This has resulted in the rise of the global sea level substantially in the last three thousand years as compared to the last one hundred years.  The increase in the sea levels has been as a result of an increase in melting of the polar ice caps. With the increasing global temperatures, there are chances that the polar ice will melt even more leading in adverse effects on the environment.

Pollution has been a major concern on the global warming topic and has adverse effects on the environment (Houghton, 2011).  Emission of dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide from automotive and industries build in the atmosphere. Continuous accumulation of such gases in the atmosphere leads to increased temperatures. Such high global temperatures can lead to adverse effects to plants, human life, alter global land formations and also cause wild weather patterns.

Industrial revolution experienced in the world in the last century has resulted in increased global pollutions. This was a turning point in the global economy where most countries became industrialized. Industrialization process has contributed significantly to the global warming effects. Most of the industrialized countries are common in using large plants that emit dangerous gases and smoke that leads to environmental pollution. Energy consumption is also prevalent in these industries where burning of fossil fuels and emission of gases is inevitable. Excessive emission of these gases and fossil fuels has declined the quality of air in the environment and has also resulted in increased greenhouse effect.

The transport sector has also contributed immensely to the effects of global warming.  From past studies, the transport sector accounted for over 30% of all the greenhouse gases emitted in the United States. This is a clear indication of what is happening in the developed and developing countries all over the world. There has been a notable increase in the number of automobiles where people are driving themselves to and from their working places. The transport sector is energy dependent where the use of petroleum products is inevitable. Use of petrol and diesel in the energy sector has increased the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the environment (Weart, 2009).  Cars, aeroplanes, trains and ships are all energy dependent and emit dangerous gases to the environment. With increased industrialization and growth in the transport sector, the level of global warming is likely to take a different route to the worse. Apart from the global warming effects, gases emitted from the automobiles have adverse health effects on the human population (Mooney, 2007). It has been proved that most of these emissions bring about breathing complications, especially to the older people.

Agriculture has also contributed substantially to the global warming effects. It is imperative to understand that agriculture is a significant economic activity in most developed and developing countries. With the increasing world’s population, the farming land is becoming scarce each and every day. To solve the earth scarcity the modern population is encroaching natural forests. Deforestation has played a significant role in global warming and natural environment balance. Trees are instrumental in air purification and rain attraction which helps in stabilizing climate change. Vegetation decomposition has also contributed to the global warming. This is because the process of decomposition results in the emission of carbon dioxide in large amounts which are instrumental to the effects of global warming.

Increased agricultural activities have also resulted in increased use of pesticides and other chemicals prevalent in farming activities.  Chemicals such as disulfoton, fonofos, azinphos-methyl and diazinon are widely used in farming activities (Houghton, 2011).. These gases also have major impact on the environment and global warming effects. Use of chemicals in agricultural practices also has effects on the soil and also leads to environmental degradation. These chemicals also have adverse implications for the health of farmers since some are known to cause breathing problems when inhaled. Some of these chemical and fertilizers are known to have huge volumes of lead. Massive lead content in the soil have major impacts on the organisms living in the soil and have a significant contribution to global warming effects.

The increased population growth has resulted in global warming in various ways. The world population needs energy in their daily lives. Increased demand for energy handles increased burning of fossils that lead to increased emission of dangerous gases. An increase in population has also increased the deforestation rate as people cut more trees to cater for energy needs. Continuous cutting of trees for fuel purposes will have adverse effects on the environment as well to the health of the population.

Dumping is another human activity that has adverse effects on greenhouse effects. Anti-environmental people have a tendency of dumping wastes into lakes and other water bodies leading to increased contamination and misbalance of the ecosystem. Others have the tendency of accumulating dumpsites all over thus endangering the lives of the population. Dumping at times is hazardous since it is characterized by radioactivity and other harmful elements to the health of the population.

Non-human activity and global warming

There are some arguments that global warming is not entirely as a result of human activity. It is imperative to understand that there are important natural activities significant in global warming. Some people argue that global warming has been as a result of solar variability.  According to the supporter of this argument, solar variability handles the increasing global temperatures and human has no control over such natural instances.  It is, however, worth noting that global warming has been largely dependent on human activities, and natural factors have only made minor contributions to this effect.

Solutions to global warming

Global warming is a global disaster which has had adverse effects on the world.  Besides increasing global temperatures, global warming has lead to increased diseases, flooding and tsunamis. Many deaths have also occurred as a result of awkward weather patterns which bring about chronic illnesses such as skin cancer. Global warming has contributed immensely to the changing sea levels thus changing the balance in the ecosystem. Vegetation and animals have been pushed from their habitats by the adverse effects of global warming (Antholis & Talbott, 2010). From the study, we have noted that human activity have been instrumental in the negative impacts of the global warming. It is, therefore, prudent for humans to change their behavior to control the negative effects of global warming. If the trend fails to be addressed, the environment is dying and will be disastrous to the future generation.

The increased industrialization has contributed immensely to global warming. This is because it has resulted in greater use of energy and burning of fossils. Use of technology should be utilized in a way that the level of gases emitted to the environment is controlled substantially. For instance, the automobile manufacturers should manufacture efficient automobiles that reduce gas emission. Car exhausts emit dangerous gases and toxins that are harmful to human health as well as the environment. It is, therefore, important for the manufacturers to ensure that the effectiveness of the engines is not compromised to ensure near total combustion of the car fuel.

Increased demand for energy has also been a significant contributor to global warming.  Most of the energy used in plants and other industrial purposes involves burning of fossils and emission of dangerous gases to the environment (Houghton, 2011). Human should look for environmental friendly energy sources to ensure that health and environmental concerns are adequately addressed. Use of coal and firewood has been instrumental in environmental degradation. For instance, increased use of electricity instead of wood and coal will help in reduced burning of fossil fuel. Use of electricity ensures use of cleaner and safe gases to the environment.

On this note, humans should be encouraged to use alternative sources of energy such as the wind and solar energy that are naturally available. Solar energy is gathered by solar panels from the naturally available sun and has n adverse effects to the environment. Wind power is collected from the natural wind and just like the solar energy it is environmental friendly. Humans should use the technology in gathering and storage of such practical energy sources. Use of the wind and solar power reduces cutting down of trees and use of coal and petroleum products to solve energy problems (Mooney, 2007). This will ensure that environment is conserved through air purification and less burning of fossil energy.

Federal governments will also be instrumental in the fight against global warming. It is a prerogative of the government to initiate policies and legislations that will help reduce the global warming. Industries in a country must be controlled on the level of environmental pollution. Mechanisms such as tax imposition and tariffs to regulate the emissions in the environment should be encouraged (Antholis & Talbott, 2010). Most developed countries are known to have effectively used this strategy and should be spread to other parts of the world. With increased industrialization since the industrial revolution, government control will be critical to control of the global warming which is growing at an alarming rate.

It is also recommended that the issue of global warming declared as a global disaster. This will ensure that the general public is aware of the existence of the pandemic and the dangers associated with global warming. Sensitizing the public on the importance of conserving the environment and its impact on greenhouse effect will be a significant step towards reducing the global warming effects.

Educating the public on dangers of global warming will help in reducing careless dumping behavior by the public. Dumping is known to have hazardous effects on public health and ecosystem balance. The public should be educated on better dumping methods and recycling process to ensure that environmental concerns are adequately addressed. Recycling of re-usable products is one of the best alternatives to reduce dangerous effects of dumping. The public should also be taught the importance of a forestation and improved farming techniques. Planting of trees and efficient agricultural practices are essential in environment conservation and balancing the ecosystem. It is prudent for the general public to join in the fight against global warming for a safe future generation.

Conclusion

It is evident that global warming and effects are disastrous to the human race and the environment at large. It is also clear that the rate of global temperatures is increasing every year, and the need for an urgent solution to the problem is desperately needed. Human activities have contributed immensely to global warming as discussed in the chapter. Although there are some suggestions of natural phenomena in the global warming concept, it is worth understanding that human activities are vital to global warming, and human participation will be instrumental in reducing global warming and its effects (Antholis & Talbott, 2010).  Emission of greenhouse gases from human activities is increasing tremendously, and if it is not controlled, doomed future is foreseen.

Control of global warming and its adverse effects requires human efforts and change of his behavior. For instance, efficiency in the transport sector will reduce emission of greenhouse gases substantially. This will not only lead to environment conservation but also to increase cost saving. Use of renewable and environmental friendly sources of energy will also be critical in dealing with global warming. Use of solar power, windmills, geothermal and bioenergy for fuel purposes should be encouraged in the modern population to reduce the adverse effects of global warming.

The general public should also be encouraged to practice improved agriculture and manage forests to curb greenhouse effects. It is also important to develop new technologies that will ensure global warming effects are adequately addressed (Antholis & Talbott, 2010). Government interventions and environmental bodies must also be proactive in dealing with the adverse effects of global warming. In conclusion, global warming is a serious threat which effects have harmful effects on the environment and health.

References

Antholis, W., & Talbott, S. (2010). Fast forward. Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press.

Houghton, J. (2011). The complete briefing. [Place of publication not identified]: Cambridge University Press.

Kirby, V. (2011). Politics of Global Warming. New Delhi: World Technologies.

Mooney, C. (2007). Storm world. Orlando: Harcourt.

Weart, S. (2009). The discovery of global warming. Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press.

 
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