Global Warming: The True Picture
Global Warming: The True Picture
Experts estimate that nearly 22 billion tons of CO2 have been released into the earth’s atmosphere each year for quite a few years now. Some of the disastrous impacts of global warming have already manifested themselves.
There have even been changes in rainfall patterns. While there are droughts in some parts of the world, others are facing flooding
When scientists and environmentalists warned the world about the harmful impact of global warming, many industries did not see the truth in their assertions. But in recent times, as climate change has become more apparent, people are starting to realize that the true picture was the one shown by the scientists all along. Global warming is one of the largest environmental crises to hit the world in recent times. Heat has become trapped in the atmosphere of our earth and there are large scale changes in the climate of the world. This can impact the safety and wellbeing of our planet and disrupt agricultural produce as well. Biodiversity is a very important means of maintaining balance in the universe. Global warming has disrupted the careful ecological balance of the earth to an extent where irreversible changes in the weather and topography have begun to emerge.
The fate of the world hangs in balance even as experts bicker among themselves about the authenticity of global warming as a phenomenon. The concentration of carbon dioxide and other poisonous gases in the world has exceeded bearable limits. Diseases are on the rise even as pollution levels escalate in leading cities across the world. Increase in the consumption of fossil fuels has led to this dire situation. Carbon dioxide levels have arisen to levels that have not been seen on earth since the past 50 million years. Experts estimate that nearly 22 billion tons of CO2 have been released into the earth’s atmosphere each year for quite a few years now. Some of the disastrous impacts of global warming have already manifested themselves.
The gradual rise in sea levels is a grave cause for concern. Low lying countries and islands are facing a serious threat from global warming. There have even been changes in rainfall patterns. While there are droughts in some parts of the world, others are facing flooding. Change in the precipitation patterns have also led to damaged crops in certain nations. The melting of the ice caps is another indication that the changes we see before us can impact the world in a catastrophic manner. Many species of birds and animals are now facing extinction because of the damage to their habitats as a result of global warming and climate change. Following the loss of precious ecological habitats and rainforests, massive disasters are likely to result. Extremes of climate are also a breeding ground for diseases and viruses.
Nearly 75% of the coral reefs in the world have been damaged due to the formation of carbonic acid. Another major cause for concern is the loss of plankton due to the heating of the sea waters. Ecosystems of sea otters, sea urchins, fish, kelp beds and whales have been threatened as a result of this. This can lead to severe consequences for marine ecology as time progresses. Apart from legislation to mandate the emission levels of countries, change in attitudes is needed if global warming has to be combated efficiently. Developed nations need to be more cautious about their greenhouse gases emission levels in particular. If every nation takes responsibility for regulating its non-renewable energy consumption patterns, positive results will be forthcoming.
Any move to damage the balance of the earth can threaten human existence and livelihood. Mankind has to develop awareness about the environment if it has to survive as a race. Tapping renewable sources of energy is another positive way to cope with global warming. The steps towards using wind and solar energy are still evolving. As man becomes more evolved in regulating his energy consumption habits, positive consequences will be forthcoming. If present generations cannot take responsibility for the planet, future generations will suffer. The cycle that begins in the present sustains itself with the passage of time unless efforts are made to end it. A healthy trend has emerged whereupon people have become conscious about the need to use fossil fuels sparingly and prevent vehicular emissions through pollution control checkups. More steps need to be taken to tackle the menace of global warming, so that earth remains our home for the years to come.
