As global warming continues to be a pressing concern in the modern age, it is important to understand what causes it, and the measures that can be taken to slow down its progression. At its core, global warming is caused by the release of certain types of pollutants – viz., carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases – into the atmosphere. These pollutants trap heat from the sun, which in turn contribute to an increase in the Earth’s average temperature. Notably, the temperature of Earth has risen by 1.1°C since 1880, leading to a host of other effects. It has made extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, more common, reducing crop productivity and increasing food insecurity in vulnerable communities. Additionally, melting glaciers and extreme heatwaves have led to rising sea levels, jeopardizing the survivability of many species and further threatening coastal areas.
Regardless of what type of activity produces the emissions, be it energy production, daily transportation, industrial processes, deforestation, or human waste – all are products of human actions. So, understanding the role humans play in driving the increase of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases should be a main point of focus. Energy production, in particular, is responsible for a significant portion of global warming. The burning of fossil fuels as a source of heat and power emits an abundance of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Similarly, the transport industry produces hazardous pollutants in the form of No x and CO 2, significantly reducing air quality and further exacerbating the consequences of global warming. Industrial processes and deforestation cause significant harm to the environment, as they often involve burning or clearing forests, releasing even more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Human waste, such as plastic and styrofoam sea-dumped waste, release irritating toxins and increase the acidity of water.
In order to reduce global warming, actions that are aimed to reduce emissions must be taken. Governments should shift their focus away from reliance on fossil fuels and strive for cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar energy. Renewable sources of energy are both sustainable and provide a much more effective approach than traditional energy sources. To be effective, governments should impose strict taxes on businesses emitting excessive carbon dioxide, as well as eliminate subsidies on the fossil fuel energy industry. The transport sector must be overhauled to reduce its carbon emissions, potentially through the use of electric-powered vehicles or even the limitation or eradication of certain types of vehicles that produce higher levels of pollutants. Lastly, industrial processes and deforestation activities should be actively monitored and controlled, with constant efforts to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released. Additionally, recycling and composting of materials can help reduce the amount of human waste in the environment.
Taking measures to reduce global warming is essential in the present day. Climate change is already drastically altering the habitability of our planet and the severity of its effects promise to worsen in the future. The steps that individuals, businesses and governments take towards preservation need to be incremental and well-coordinated to be effective. It is in the best interest of our society and our environment that we strive for reduced emissions and a cleaner energy sector. It’s time for us to be rational, informed and proactive in our decisions in order to safeguard the future of our world.
