Atmospheric Pollution: Global Warming

Global warming is an issue that cannot be ignored. The effects of the warming trend that have been studied for over 50 years are becoming more and more pronounced. The cause for global warming is greenhouse gases, and these gases are the result of what humans are doing. Atmospheric gases that trap heat are alright because these gases keep the planet livable for the species of the planet. Too many greenhouse gases, caused by fossil fuels, absorbing heat energy that is given off by the earth's surface and warming the lower atmosphere is not a good thing (Berg & Hager, 2007). Ocean waters are also affected by this raising of temperature. As a result, species on land and in water are facing crisis.

There are five main greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and tropospheric ozone (Berg & Hager, 2007). Human use of fossil fuels is responsible for most of the carbon dioxide that is polluting and affecting the atmosphere. The Industrial Revolution seems to have been the catapult that began the greatest human contribution of air pollutants that have led to the global warming crisis. Carbon dioxide is associated with global warming and injures organisms. Carbon dioxide also harms the respiratory tracts in living things such as animals and humans, causing chronic respiratory disease. Human beings all over the world are driving vehicles that emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Fertilizers used during the food-growing process also make nitrous oxide.

The largest source of methane is coming from a large world population of cattle. The bacteria that live in the cattle produce the methane (Berg & Hager, 2007). Because of this, it is important for the world population to start consuming less meat.

Chlorofluorocarbons are released when people use aerosol cans, coolants in air conditioners and refrigerators, solvents, and foam-blowing agents for insulation. Chlorofluorocarbons are also found in styrofoam. Chlorofluorocarbons attack the stratospheric ozone layer. Tropospheric ozone, or ground-level ozone, naturally protects the earth from solar UV radiation, but when made by humans, resulting in too much of a good thing, tropospheric ozone causes health problems, reduces plant growth, lowers crop yields, and declines forests.

Every living species on the planet is affected by global warming. Scientists expect that in as little as 10 years the human race may experience catastrophic events such as destructive, extreme weather, flooding, droughts, killer heat waves, and epidemics beyond anything experienced by humankind before (anonymous, n.d.). The World Health Organization has reported that "malaria has spread to higher altitudes in places like the Columbian Andes, 7,000 feet above sea level" (anonymous, n.d.).

The heating of the planet is causing glaciers to melt and plants and animals to leave their habitats. By observing nature, environmentalists have seen "at least 279 species of plants and animals" leave their habitats and move closer to the poles (anonymous, n.d.). In regard to glacial melting, coastal areas could be destroyed when sea levels rise more than 20 feet worldwide after the ice shelves in Greenland and Antartica are lost (Eilperin, 2006). Polar bears are drowning since the Arctic Ocean is losing ice. This area could be ice free by 2050 (Adams, 2006). Polar bears are not the only species facing extinction. There are a million more species that could face the same demise due to the global warming crisis.

If the world continues on this path of global warming, life as people know it will cease. Each person making small changes at home and while traveling makes a big difference in reducing the negative impact each person makes on the planet. At home, one can use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent light bulbs. Replacing furnace and air conditioner filters can save on the amount of carbon dioxide released. Other things to do at home include buying energy efficient appliances, using less hot water, turning off and unplugging electronics when not in use, wrapping water heaters in an insulated blanket, using the energy-saving setting on the dishwasher and only running it when it is full, buying recycled paper products, recycling, planting trees, insulating and weatherizing the home, and avoiding heavily packaged products. When preparing to drive, one should be sure to keep his or her car tuned up and check tires to be sure they are properly inflated. One should try to carpool with others if possible or try to bike, walk, or take public transportation in order to eliminate some of the carbon dioxide emissions.

Changes also need to be made in businesses and entire communities in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Governments have to implement plans to change how big businesses operate with respect to atmospheric pollution contributions. By developing and using alternatives to fossil fuels, there will be less carbon dioxide emissions given off by everyone.

In the meantime, while changes are being made, people may need to adapt to the changing climate. People living in coastal areas may need to eventually move. Different crops may need to be grown in different locations since temperature trends are changing worldwide. Facing adaptation can be difficult but necessary when dealing with a long term issue such as this.

A plan to reach sustainability needs to be developed. An educational campaign will enlighten others to the issue. The educational campaign will explain why there is a problem and what each person needs to do now in order to protect the planet's atmosphere. The presentation of this campaign needs to be given on local, state, and nationwide levels. At presentations, it will be possible to insight interest in others to participate in this cause in order to work toward the goal of preserving and improving the condition of the earth's atmosphere.

The plan begins with research. By reviewing web sites, journals, and video interviews that pertain to this issue, in one to two months, the educational plan can then be developed. Development of such an educational plan will take one month. Once the campaign is in order, it can be presented to the mayor. With the help of the mayor, a community presentation can be given. Later, speaking with the senator can bring the presentation to statewide awareness. During community and state presentations, individuals or groups have the opportunity to join in the cause. Contacting local media outlets will be a beneficial way to reach a wide audience.

The main benefit of the plan is that those that are not aware that there is a global warming issue will learn of it, and they will find out what they can do to stop contributing to the problem. This plan, when embraced by each person, will save the planet, the only one people can call home. The plan for sustainability will not only reduce greenhouse gases, but also conserve energy for this generation and future generations.

One challenge of the plan is that some people do not believe there is anything people are doing to cause global temperature change. Those people do not then want to change the way they are doing things. Those with the Western worldview believe that people are in the place of dominance over the planet and have "unrestricted use of natural resources" (Berg & Hager, 2007).

Another challenge is that some government officials are unwilling to cooperate. Until the government is willing to get enthusiastic about making changes, this will be an issue. People need to lobby for new regulations so that there can be change on a large scale. Some people believe the efforts to change cost too much.

The United States government needs to get serious about reducing carbon dioxide emissions. At an international summit meeting in Bali, Indonesia, the United States was the only one among 175 parties to reject a policy that would go forward from the Kyoto Protocol, which lays the framework for reducing greenhouse gases (CILT World, 2008). After protests from the other 174 parties, the United States decided to participate. Even then, this agreement has only led to more climate talks. For change to take place, the United States needs to go to the next level and take action.

It is crucial that societies understand their part in the solution to this critical issue. By taking strides to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, each person in society is doing his or her part in bringing about necessary change to combat the global warming crisis. Small changes on a personal level can create big results in the stability of the atmosphere. Remembering to check one's home, vehicle, and appliances for efficiency is a start. Planting trees helps absorb a great deal of carbon dioxide. People should use natural cleaning products in their homes. These products are less wasteful and less toxic than other products.

Get involved in local and state government decisions in regard to global warming. Each voice joins with others and in greater numbers governments cannot ignore the demands of the people for a safe and stable planet. Lobby for regulations. Once regulations are in place, be adamant about big businesses in the community adhering to set standards, since following regulations is often a stumbling block.

Globally, people can band together for change. Sometimes it seems that money makes this world go around. One of the challenges was that people think that the efforts that inspire change cost too much. In a global perspective, people need to remember that "the highest damages (plus adaptation costs) that we could expect as a result of climate change are much higher than the highest possible costs of mitigation (Dietz & Stern, 2008). If people expect the planet to sustain life, everyone needs to take responsibility for sustaining the planet.

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Review and Its Critics: Why Economics Analysis Supports Strong Action on Climate

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