In recent years, global warming has become a dreaded phenomenon, with damning consequences for our environment and the lives which dwell upon it. Widespread destructive weather patterns, melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels are continuous reminders that global warming is a present and glaringly visible issue the world is facing. More so, it is one requiring immediate attention and comprehensive steps towards reducing its already and potentially destructive consequences.
As an accepted truth, global warming is caused by excessive emissions of greenhouse gases. The unnerving part is that the largest culprit of such greenhouse emissions is man-made, be it in the form of combustion of coal and vehicles’ exhaust fumes, burning of oil and gas, and the continuous deforestation of our environment. An increase in such activities has led to the entrapment of heat in the atmosphere which, in turn, has caused significant temperature increments.
The consequences of global warming are diverse and manifold. Evidently, the rise in global temperatures has led to significant changes in the climate, leading to more violent and unpredictable weather, such as more frequent and intense floods, following droughts, hurricanes, and landslides. Moreover, the alarming rise in sea levels, resulting from the melting of the polar ice caps, is seen by many as an emblematic evidence that global warming is not a future perceived risk, but a current issue, with harsh implications for our coastlines.
Additionally, increases in global temperatures have brought about a number of health implications. In essence, the rise in the average temperature of our environment has led to the proliferation of airborne allergens, such as dust and pollen, causing a significant increase in the cases of asthma and cardiac-related diseases. Furthermore, the more frequent and extensive heat-waves, caused by global warming, have led to many health and heat-related illnesses, including heat strokes and heat exhaustion, particularly among the elderly.
From a different viewpoint, scientists have put forward a number of hypotheses on the potential positive effects of global warming. One such argument is that an increment in temperatures might cause an increase in air circulation and the amount of oxygen, which could have beneficial implications on our environment and weather. Moreover, there have been studies which have indicated that a rise in global temperatures could signify an increase in the food production yields and agricultural growth, which could pave the way for an increased supply of foodstuff and, consequently, a decrease in malnutrition cases.
Even so, the dangers of global warming and its catastrophic consequences significantly overshadow any potential positives, calling for immediate, comprehensive and thoughtful responses. In order to reduce the risk and reverse some of the profound implications of global warming, it is essential to take broad steps towards decreasing its causes.
In an attempt to reduce the amount of human-made greenhouse gas emissions, governments around the world ought to develop and implement stringent legislation which will penalize those who excessively use energy. Moreover, private and public organizations should take serious initiatives to curb down the use of cars, such as imposing higher taxes on such activities, and should ushier in comprehensive and far-reaching programs for the purposes of developing renewable and less-harmful sources of energy.
Ultimately, global warming is an issue of paramount importance and requires swift responses to reduce its potential destructive consequences. To make a long-lasting mark, it is essential that all individuals make their part in reducing the causes of global warming, from organizations to average citizens. The odds of the world being a better place to live in can only improve if we, as a collective whole, make the conscious choice to decrease the destructive consequences of global warming.
