Combating Global Warming

More and more often, global warming reports warn that our days will grow warmer and warmer due to the thinning of the ozone layer. Many don't realize the far-reaching ramifications of global warming and how it affects more than just the weather. How do we stop such a threat to biodiversity? Is it too late?

Global warming is caused by what are called 'greenhouse gases' that are created by carbon dioxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons, more commonly known as pollution. Atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases have risen to staggering levels. But the effect does more than just heat us up. Irreversible climate changes are occurring; polar ice caps are melting. As evaporation increases so does rainfall around the globe, and flooding is already becoming commonplace in many locations around the world.

Fossil fuels that release nitrogen oxides continue to contribute to global warming and acid rain. Coal burning plants and factories around the world continue to belch sulfur dioxides and our cars burn gas and oil. These oxides fall either as dry acid or in moist air as nitric acid that creates components of acid rain. Studies have shown that rain falling in much of eastern North America is 30 to 40 times more acidic than in was 30 years ago.

Fine, nearly invisible particles of carbon black, metallic fumes and smog hover in the air and can contribute to respiratory disorders and lung cancers.

Today, the forests of Eastern Europe receive more than ten times normal levels of nitrogen caused by pollution. Abnormal nitrogen balance in aquatic ecosystems is also disrupting the balance of life in lakes, rivers and swamplands. One fact is certain: the task of preventing accelerated global warming, every country will need to work together.

The scientific community acknowledges that global warming is a fact that humans are to blame for it. Some believe that elevated heat levels can only help us. That doesn't seem possible with prospects for flooding and drought rising. Extended heat waves are expected, as are stronger storm systems and severe weather episodes. Many believe that sea levels will rise on the coasts of Louisiana and Florida and both the nation's coastlines will take the brunt of major storms. And what about the landfills that lower Manhattan are built on? Food for thought.

What do we do about global warming? How do we stop it? Whatever we do, we had better start soon. Scientists have tested that there is about 40% more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than there was at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution with no signs of slowing down. In the coming decades, we must both decrease the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and develop alternative technologies.

We as a society are beginning to realize that we need to make a change. That's for certain, and it's possible that other countries, even Third World countries would agree. The trouble is, for many Third World countries, coal burning is their only source of energy. These poorer countries can't afford to switch to newer, environmentally friendly technologies. We can't afford to stand back and point our fingers in blame and accusation. Just because we've tried to clean up our act doesn't mean we're no longer responsible. If we are going to reverse the trend and slow down the advance of global warming, legislation must be passed and laws written that will both encourage and satisfy global consumers. But is that possible? The jury's still out on that one.