Global warming

Global warming is the current rise in the average temperature of Earth's oceans and atmosphere. The scientific consensus is that global warming is occurring and was initiated by human activities, especially those that increase concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as deforestation and burning of fossil fuels

Cause of Global Warming

The phenomena. Historically, all of the Earth's climate changes were attributed to natural forces such as volcanic eruptions, Earth's orbital changes, and the amount of released solar energy. That changed with the introduction of the Industrial Revolution late in the 18th century, when human activities began to alter the global climate and environment. The Industrial Revolution The onset of the industrial revolution has paved way for the advancement of human technology. As more people relied on technology, numerous tools and devices were invented to make life easier for men. However, the emergence of these inventions has also resulted in the dependence of man to energy. The influx of energy usage from fossil fuels, coal, oil or gas has also resulted in the inception of human-induced rapid climate change. The demand for energy around the world is currently at more than 80% of the world-wide energy demand. Most of this is from fossil fuels such as gas, oil, and coal. Since the energy demand is too high, there hasn't any other alternative source yet with this magnitude which could replace fossil fuels in the short or medium term. Thus the drastic increase in the emission of CO2 (carbon dioxide) within the last 30 years caused by burning fossil fuels has been identified as the major reason for the change of temperature in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases and global warming

Greenhouse gases regulate our climate by trapping heat and holding it in a kind of warm-air blanket that surrounds the planet. They are necessary for keeping the Earth's temperature warm enough to support life. This occurrence is scientifically called the "greenhouse effect." The problems related to global warming which we have encountered for decades started when human activities added more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which disrupt and speeds up the natural process thereby warming the planet to more than the right temperature. Scientists revealed that as the concentrations of these gases continue to increase in the atmosphere, the Earth's temperature will also continue to climb above past levels eventually making the Earth become less habitable for humans, plants and animals. Burning fossil fuels by driving cars, using electricity from coal-fired power plants, or heating our homes with oil or natural gas are just some of the human activities that emit this carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in overwhelming proportion. Global warming and its consequences For decades, the rapid pace at which the temperature has risen had already resulted in many negative impacts to humans and the environment and this has created a world-wide concern. Most scientists believe that the warming of the climate will lead to more extreme weather patterns which may accelerate species extinction, influence the length of seasons, results in poor yield of crops, trigger flooding in costal lines, sets off abrupt climate changes and results to more frequent and violent storms.

Global Warming Impacts

Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and the increase of the ocean's sea level. The polar ice caps are slowly melting due to the high temperature of the atmosphere. Global warming has a significant impact on our environments condition. Our everyday life is also greatly affected by this phenomenon. Countries all over the world are taking considerable measures to lessen the global warming impacts. Global warming is putting animal and plant life under great risks. A couple of animal species have already become extinct due to this drastic change of the Earth's climate. Examples of these extinct species are the golden toad and harlequin frog which used be found in Costa Rica. A lot more species of animals are under threat of extinction because their natural habitats are being wiped out because of the effect of global warming on our environment. Ecosystems are seriously being affected by global warming. These ecological systems, such as coral reefs, may suffer severe changes that could ultimately be irreversible. One factor of global warming that is affecting the ecosystems is the melting of the glaciers in the Polar Regions. This would be a great loss to our environment. People who want to protect these ecosystems are generally helpless to stop this drastic change. If this changes goes on without proper actions being taken, global extinction will not be impossible in the distant future. Seasons are also generally affected by global warming, because of the fast change in temperature. The lengths of our seasons may vary, which disrupts the livelihood of man and animals alike. Shorter winters and longer summers may be experienced with extreme temperature levels. Plant life is also disrupted by these unprecedented seasonal changes. Heat waves across the globe are not uncommon because of the global warming impacts. People are gravely suffering from these conditions. Energy consumptions used for cooling purposes is at an all time high.

The already dry places in Earth have become even drier and hotter. These extremes in the temperature has caused outbreaks in heat related sickness or diseases. Significant research and studies are taken by the world's governments to learn more about global warming. With more knowledge about this phenomenon, proper measures or actions can be taking in lessening or preventing the global warming impacts. People also need to be constantly educated on the facts of global warming and how it can be prevented. They must be aware about the causes of effects of global warming.

Global Warming Solutions

Since greenhouse effect creates global warming, it is imperative to note that emission of man-made greenhouse gases should be minimized or reduced. Energy efficiency and the study for alternative fuel should be supported not just by the government but as well as by direct consumers even without government policies and guidelines on hand. Solutions such as fuel efficient vehicles may be invented and supported by the government. But without the purchase and usage of the consumers, the invention will turn out to be useless. This applies also to the study on renewable energy source. These will be very helpful in the reduction to global warming. Aside from this, it will surely be beneficial in saving costs and likelihood of a new business ventures. Another solution is by protecting the forest which absorbs the heat. Forest conservation is also a notable solution that every sector in the community can be involved. These ideas are already on hand only that we need to implement this as soon as possible and avoid delays. If these ideas are in fact implemented already, the sector involved in this should be strict in making the public comply. Awareness on the existing effect of global warming should be a great motivation for the

government, businesses and individuals to work hand in hand in implementing these solutions. Recently, it is noted that the government has implemented anti emission laws which tests the level of emission of fueled vehicle. However, these laws should be strictly implemented. Awareness on the importance of antiemission vehicles should be disseminated so that all can comply and understand the law. For personal solution (without relying and waiting for the government laws), global warming could be resolved by first, taking actions personally by conserving energy and fuel like using energy efficient appliances, saving electricity by unplugging unused home devices and use vehicles that are energy efficient or uses less or no gas. You can also be involved in community activities that encourage global warming awareness and reduction such as tree planting, waste management, energy efficiency, and promotion vehicles that use less gas. Lastly, you can also be involved in supporting government regulations on environment management. This means that as individual, we must comply on the rules set by the government concerning the environment. If there are other activities that need the government's attention, we can always influence government official in implementing important policies against global warming.