Causes, Effects And Solutions to Global Warming
Global Warming is defined as a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and other pollutants. The world is constantly evolving over the years. From the start of global warming, to temperature changes, and the shifting of wildlife habitats. Humans have gradually caused grave damage to the earth and change in the near future. Global warming causes havoc on the environment, animal populations and humans.
Global warming is being caused by a variety of factors. These factors include natural occurrences, but most are man made. According to Amanada MacMillan, “Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollutants and greenhouse gases collect in the atmosphere and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that have bounced off the earth’s surface” (MacMillan 1). The air pollutants and greenhouse gases are from the burning of fossil fuels and coal burning power plants. These gases go into the atmosphere, stay there and trap the heat which causes the planet to get hotter. Global Warming does not happen on its own, and continues to get worse because of humans neglecting what beautiful world we have.
A major factor of global warming are extreme temperature changes. These changes have many effects on the environment such as polar ice caps melting and extreme weather occurrences. The melting of the polar ice caps can cause a variety of issues for the environment. The NRDC states that “Melting glaciers, early snowmelt, and severe droughts will cause more dramatic water shortages and increase the risk of wildfires in the American West” (MacMillan 2). Most of the earth's water supply will be affected by the elimination of ice caps. Another danger of temperature change from Global Warming is extreme weather. Major hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, and tornadoes along with many others. According to Earthjustice, “Hurricanes are growing more powerful as global temperatures rise because these storm systems draw their energy from warm ocean water”(Earthjustice 2). Hurricanes can cause a tremendous amount of damage, death and destruction to the areas in which they occur. The increasing temperature changes that happen due to global warming, has a negative effect on humans and the environment.
Global warming doesn't only affect us as humans but also the animals that coexist with us all over planet Earth. Due to temperature change and loss of food many animals are not able to migrate and provide for their family. According to The National Wildlife Federation, “Species may not be able to adapt to rapid climate change or to move fast enough to more suitable areas as their current habitats become less suitable for them” (National Wildlife Federation 1). Many animals are finding it hard and nearly impossible to adapt due to Global Warming. For example, color bleaching in corals is becoming more of an issue. The algae that lives in coral, giving them their unique and beautiful colors, is dying because of the rising water temperatures. The coral relies on the algae for nutrients and for oxygen, and without the algae the coral will die as well. Along with the devastating impact of coral bleaching, 90% of the U.S. wetlands are drying out which eliminates an essential breeding habitat for ducks, geese, and other migratory species. As stated in Climate Change and Habitats, “Wildlife depends on healthy habitats. They need the right temperatures, fresh water, food sources, and places to raise their young. Climate change is altering key habitat elements that are critical to wildlife's survival and putting natural resources in jeopardy.” Floods are causing an increase in erosion level, which causes the water quality to reduce and also degrading the aquatic habitat. Even though floods do happen, droughts are also very sadly common. These droughts stress and kill plants that wildlife in that area depend on for food and shelter. Another animal that depends on food in their area are Polar Bears. Melting Arctic ice is removing polar bears hunting grounds. The constant increase and decrease in temperature is fatinging to these animals because they did nothing to deserve what's happening to them.
Global warming continues to be an increasing problem throughout the world, however there are ways that humans can help. It may seem like a daunting task for you and your family to do. “What’s the single biggest way you can make an impact on global climate change? “Talk to your friends and family, and make sure your representatives are making good decisions,” Haq says”(NRDC 1). By using social media, writing a paper for school, or even discussing with family or friends about global warming at get togethers or holidays, you can spread the word about the environment around us. There are concrete actions you can take now to have a positive impact. For example, choose a utility company that gets at least half its power from wind or solar and has been certified by an organization that vets renewable energy options. “Saving water reduces carbon pollution, too. That's because it takes a lot of energy to pump, heat, and treat your water”(NRDC 1)This is your sign to listen to your mom to limit the time in your shower, turn off the water while brushing your teeth, and be mindful of how much water you use when doing the dishes. A few other simple things you can do around the house are don't waste food, buy LED bulbs, and unplug items that are already fully charged or don't need to be in all the time.
Denchak, Melissa. “How You Can Stop Global Warming.” Natural Resources Defense Council, 17 July 2017. www.nrdc.org/stories/how-you-can-stop-global-warming. 10 March 2021.
MacMillian, Amanda. “Global Warming 101.” Natural Resources Defense Council, 11 March 2016. www.nrdc.org/stories/global-warming-101#causes. 10 March 2021.
“Habitats.” The National Wildlife Federation, n.d., www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Threats-to-Wildlife/Climate-Change/Habitats. 11 March 2021.
Nunez, Christina. “What is Global Warming, Explained.” National Geographic, 22 Jan. 2019. www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/global-warming-overview. 11 March 2021.
“How Climate Change is Fueling Extreme Weather.” EarthJustice, 17 Feb. 2021. www.earthjustice.org/features/how-climate-change-is-fueling-extreme-weather