The potential ofthe carbon dioxide emissions from human activities to cause global warming has generated much debate amongst the scientific community in recent years. The controversy lies in the question of whether carbon dioxide is truly responsible for the observingly phenomenon.Amid all this scrutiny, it is important to examine the facts before jumping to conclusions.
It is undeniable that carbon dioxideis a potent greenhouse gas, meaning it is capable of trapping energy that would otherwise radiate back out into space. When it reaches the atmosphere, the molecules of carbon dioxide absorb energy from external sources and reflect it back to Earth, creating a blanket of warmth. This can result in an increase in the global temperature, and potentially, climate change. Studies conducted by theInternationalPanel on Climatic Changeshow a correlation between rising global temperatures and the increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide.
However, not all experts agree on the role of CO2 emissions in global warming. While some describe the two as inextricably linked, others maintain that global warming is merely a symptom of climate change, caused by other factors such as rising sea levels, melting glaciers, and shifting weather patterns. They urge further research into the root cause of climate change, rather than merely focusing on the CO2 emissions.
While it is impossible to know the precise contribution of CO2 emissions to global warming, such emissions by no means appear to be trivial.The emissions from burning fossil fuels and other industrial processes appear to be amplifying the effects of global warming, ultimately leading to ever more extreme temperatures, flooding, and prolonged droughts.To ameliorate this risk of climate change, governments worldwide are beginning to take meaningful measures to reduce their CO2 emissions. For example, the European Union has implemented a stringent cap-and-trade emission scheme known as “the Emission Trading System” (ETS) which regulates carbon dioxide emissions from businesses and industry.Individuals, too, can participate in lessening the effects of CO2 emissions. Simple steps such as reduce energy consumption, switching to renewable energy sources, and switching to public transport are all good ways to minimize one’s own carbon footprint.
Both sides of the argument have presented compelling evidence and itis clear that CO2 emissions have both positive and negative impacts on our environment and climate. However, the onus lies on individuals, communities, and policymakers to work together to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to mitigate the potentially catastrophic effects of global warming.
