Climatic Change in Modern Days due to Global Warming

Author: Rekha Reddy

Climatic Change in Modern Days due to Global Warming

Introduction:

Global warming is the rising average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans since the late 19th century and its projected continuation. Since the early 20th century, Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about 0.8 °C (1.4 °F), with about two thirds of the increase occurring since 1980. Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and scientists are more than 90% certain that most of it is caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human activities such as deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. These findings are recognized by the national science academies of all major industrialized nations.

Main Idea:

            Global Warming is caused by many things. The causes are split up into two groups, man-made or anthropogenic causes, and natural causes.

Natural Causes:

            Natural causes are causes created by nature. One natural cause is a release of methane gas from arctic tundra and wetlands. Methane is a greenhouse gas. A greenhouse gas is a gas that traps heat in the earth's atmosphere. Another natural cause is that the earth goes through a cycle of climate change. This climate change usually lasts about 40,000 years.

Man Made Causes:

            Man-made causes probably do the most damage. There are many man-made causes. Those are as follows.

• Pollution
• Population

Pollution comes in many shapes and sizes. Burning fossil fuels is one thing that causes pollution. Fossil fuels are fuels made of organic matter such as coal, or oil. When fossil fuels are burned they give off a green house gas called CO2. Also mining coal and oil allows methane to escape. How does it escape? Methane is naturally in the ground. When coal or oil is mined you have to dig up the earth a little. When you dig up the fossil fuels you dig up the methane as well.

More people means more food, and more methods of transportation, right? That means more methane because there will be more burning of fossil fuels, and more agriculture. Now your probably thinking, "Wait a minute, you said agriculture is going to be damaged by Global Warming, but now you're saying agriculture is going to help cause Global Warming?" Well, have you ever been in a barn filled with animals and you smell something terrible? You're smelling methane. Another source of methane is manure. Because more food is needed we have to raise food. Animals like cows are a source of food which means more manure and methane. Another problem with the increasing population is transportation. More people means more cars, and more cars means more pollution. Also, many people have more than one car.

Since CO2 contributes to global warming, the increase in population makes the problem worse because we breathe out CO2. Also, the trees that convert our CO2 to oxygen are being demolished because we're using the land that we cut the trees down from as property for our homes and buildings. We are not replacing the trees (an important part of our eco system), so we are constantly taking advantage of our natural resources and giving nothing back in return.

Prevention of Global Warming:

• Cut down on your garbage—buy fewer packaged materials to prevent further global warming.
• Unplug electronics when they are not in use, because they still take up energy. At the very least, turn items off when they're not being used.
• Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only when you have a full load, and if available, use the energy-saving setting.
• Insulate your home better, and don't forget to repair or replace worn caulking or weather-stripping. Insulate your water heater.
• Buy recycled paper products and recycle as much of your waste as possible.
• Bring your own reusable canvas grocery bags when grocery shopping.
• Plant a tree.
• Have an energy audit done on your home so you can find the trouble areas and fix them.
• Use nontoxic cleaning products.
• Shop locally for food. A farmer's market is an excellent place to visit. And choose fresh food over frozen foods. Fresh takes less energy to produce.
• Keep your car tuned up, and check tire pressure often to save gas.
• Eat less meat and more organic foods in your diet to do your part in preventing global warming.
• Drive less. Take bikes, walk or carpool whenever possible.
• Consider investing in a hybrid or electric vehicle to help prevent against further global warming.
• Replace all the lightbulbs in and around your home with energy-efficient fluorescents that use fewer watts for the same amount of light.
• Clean or replace your filters monthly.
• Choose energy-efficient appliances when it's time to buy new ones.
• Decrease your air travel.
• Wash clothes in cold water and line-dry whenever possible.
• Use a low-flow showerhead, which will lessen the hot water used but not drop your water pressure in the shower.

 Conclusion:

             For the prevention of global warming every human must contribute his work. Then only we can survive due to global warming.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ezines-and-newsletters-articles/climatic-change-in-modern-days-due-to-global-warming-5895672.html

About the Author

Author Works For Open Access