Humans are responsible for the majority of global warming, a fact supported by science and accepted by virtually all climate and atmospheric experts. A combination of increasing emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases, as well as deforestation and other human-caused land changes, are causing the planet’s average temperature to steadily rise. While the effects of global warming vary depending on where one lives, it is generally accepted that the consequences of unchecked global warming will be dire, potentially encompassing an increase in population and species loss, extreme weather events, health impacts, ocean acidification and sea level rise.
The effects of global warming manifest in various ways. Land changes, such as the destruction of natural habitats, can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, leading to species endangerment and loss. Last year, for instance, the World Wildlife Fund reported that a third of the Amazon rainforest has been lost since 1970, a result of deforestation and other land-changing human activities. The destruction of these precious forests, which act as a natural carbon sink, further accelerates global warming. Carbon dioxide emissions are also largely responsible for the planet’s rising temperatures. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly two-thirds of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States come from the burning of fossil fuels, largely for industry, transportation and energy production.
The direct consequences of global warming are concerning and frightening. These include extreme weather events, rising sea levels, altered agricultural patterns, ocean acidification and health hazards such as an increase in the spread of disease-carrying vectors. In the United States, Hurricane Harvey, which occurred as a result of rising ocean temperatures, resulted in over US$125 billion in damages. Rising temperatures also contribute to longer and more intense fire seasons, a pattern which has been observed in recent years in California and elsewhere. In some parts of the world, extreme heat and drought can also have a negative impact on food production.
It is thus of utmost importance that initiatives are taken to reduce emissions and combat global warming. These strategies can involve individual, corporate and governmental action. On an individual level, reducing emissions can involve simple things such as unplugging unused appliances and switching to renewable energy sources. There are also a variety of corporate initiatives that can reduce emissions and environmental impact, such as using less water and energy, or using materials that have a smaller environmental footprint. Governments, meanwhile, have larger-scale responsibilities in combating climate change, such as enacting policies that better incentivize the use of renewable energy sources and regulating corporate emissions standards.
Global warming is a pressing issue and one that requires urgent action. Individuals can take steps to reduce their personal carbon foot print, while corporations and governments should strive towards environmental sustainability. Only through collective action and understanding can we hope to mitigate the potential damage of climate change and the wide-ranging consequences of global warming.
