Global warming is an increase in the earth’s temperature due to fossil fuels, industry, and agricultural processes caused by human, natural, and other gas emissions. This results in an increased evacuation of greenhouse gases. “Short-wave solar radiation sinks into the Earth’s atmosphere and warms its surface while long-wave infrared radiation emitted by earth’s surface is absorbed, and then re-emitted by trace gases. ” (2) Climate changes occur in our earth’s atmosphere due to a buildup of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases can occur naturally as well as a result of human activities.
The greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. “Carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere when solid waste, fossil fuels, and wood are burned. ” (2) The gases help to warm the surface of the Earth. Each greenhouse gas absorbs heat differently. If natural gases did not occur, the temperature of the earth would be considerably cooler. “Problems can occur when higher concentrations of greenhouse gases are present in our atmosphere because they have enhanced our earth’s heat trapping capability. ” (3) Human activities add to the levels of these gasses, causing more problems.
Automobiles, heat from homes and businesses, and factories are responsible for about 80% of today’s carbon dioxide emissions, 25% of methane emissions, and 20% of the nitrous oxide emissions. ” (3) The increase in agriculture, deforestation, landfills, industrial production, and mining contribute a significant share of emissions also. These gases that are released into the atmosphere are tracked by emission inventories. An emission inventory counts the amount of air pollutants discharged into the atmosphere. These inventories are important in studying the affects of global warming on the Earth.
The Centers for Disease Control have been involved in studying global warming’s effect on human health. Its affect on the climate can adversely affect humans. Plagues have been attributed to global warming. An increase in temperature can result in a longer life cycle for diseases or the agents spreading them. ” Global warming will lead to more precipitation, which enables infectious diseases to be more easily contracted and spread. ” (2) Effects of global warming on human health might not be immediately detected. Birds are a species that will be affected by a change in the climate.
Global warming might result in birds finding a more permanent home in northern areas of the Northern Hemisphere. The ecosystems of fish will be affected by global warming in a variety of ways. The chemical composition of water could be changed. Fish may migrate to different areas. Other animals could be affected due to the changes in climate and habitat. Nature will be affected in many ways also. Many acres of forest have burned due to increasingly warm temperatures. Temperatures are being recorded in many places that are at an excessive high and length.
When temperatures are on the increase, the tides and waves get higher. Additionally, the temperatures in the oceans create saltier waters, which erodes beach lines and vegetation along shores. Global warming can affect our future ability to obtain food. As climates change, plants and animals will change, leading to a change in the eating patterns of humans. An increase in precipitation is one result of global warming that could have devastating effects. First, the quality of crops would be affected by an increase in precipitation.
Second, increasing rain could lead to an increase in soil erosion. There are many ways that people can help prevent global warming. Carpooling, auditing the energy in homes, buying fuel-efficient cars, and reducing the electricity used in home are ways to help prevent global warming. The government can play a very big role in preventing global warming. Government authorities can help by passing laws to reduce emissions from factories. They can also form a treaty with other countries to legally bind limits on emissions of heat trapping gases.
The future of emissions damage depends on several factors including but not limited to demographics, economics, technology, policies and institutional developments. Future predictions do not look good for this planet if nothing is done. “Without the help of emissions control policies, carbon dioxide levels are projected to be 30-150% higher than today’s levels in 2100. ” (3) Our renewable resources will be very limited. With cooperation from citizens, further science developments, and the government, mankind can slow the effect of global warming.