3. Global Warming: its indicators, causes, effects, contributors and remedial measures
The phenomenon of Global Warming means the temperature on Earth is rising due to a set of anthropogenic as well natural activities. According to a UN report, "since 1880, the average temperature on Earth has risen by 0.8 degree Celsius and it is expected to rise by 2 dC to 5 dC by 2100". As James Hansen remarked "Global Warming isn't prediction, it is happening", many other climatic alterations suggest the same. Many scientists have already warned that such a rise will inflict immeasurable losses on human beings. Following spheres of human life will be adversely affected as a result of Global Warming: freshwater cycle, food security, human health, employment, infrastructural installations and marine life. As a matter of fact, Global Warming is posing an existential threat to human beings. Unless concerted efforts are made, the looming disaster cannot be staved off.
1. Evidences or Indicators of Global Warming
According to - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)"Scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal."
Following are indicators:
⦁ Rise in average temperature: since 1880, the temperature has risen by 0.8 dC and expected to rise by 2 dC to 5 dC by 2100. The year 2017 was the warmest on record.
⦁ Fast-depleting Ice-sheets: Global Ice sheets of Greenland and Arctic are melting at the rate of 13% per decade. And will disappear by 2050.
⦁ Increasing concentration of carbon particles: since 1950, the carbon particles have increased from 280ppm to 450ppm in atmosphere.
⦁ Warming and Acidification of the Ocean: Since 1970, the top 700 meters of ocean is showing warming of 0.4 dC. And due to increased presence of carbon in atmosphere, the ocean acidification has increased by 30% as more and more carbon reacts with ocean water now and turns it acidic. It endangers marine life.
⦁ Glacial melting: Glaciers are melting almost everywhere around the world — including in the Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska and Africa. according to reports, by 2100, the Himalayas glaciers will vanish altogether.
⦁ Rise in Sea Level: global sea level has risen about 7-8 inches and it is expected to rise by 14-18 inches by 2065.
2. Causes of Global Warming
According to a report by IPCC, humans are responsible for 95% of Global Warming. While 5% warming is causes by natural phenomena like volcanoes, forest fires and many other processes. A phenomenon called Greenhouse Effect is the main reason behind Global Warming. What it is?There are certain gases--carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapors-- that hamper solar radiations from radiating back to atmosphere. These gases trap solar radiation near earth surface and let the temperature rise. The gases act a bit like a glass in greenhouse, that is the reason, scientists call it greenhouse effect. Following are the human activities which release greenhouse gases to atmosphere.
⦁ Electricity and Heat Production: This sector contributes about 25% of greenhouses gases to atmosphere. The burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for electricity and heat is the largest single source of global greenhouse gas emissions.
⦁ Transportation sector: Transportation sector contributes 14% of total amount of global greenhouse gas emissions.
⦁ Agriculture sector including forest fires: Deforestation is a source of 20% greenhouse gas emissions. And other two sub-sectors like livestock and crop cultivation emits 4% of total emissions. Collectively the share of agriculture sector to global emission goes to 24%. Different fertilizers and pesticides involve emissions of nitrous oxides. Similarly, food digestion process in animals adds significant amount of methane gas in atmosphere.
⦁ Buildings and related material: Greenhouse gas emissions from this sector arise from onsite energy generation and burning fuels for heat in buildings or cooking in homes. Its share is 6%.
⦁ Other energy-related sectors: It refers to all emissions from the Energy sector which are not directly associated with electricity or heat production, such as fuel extraction, refining, processing, and transportation. All these sectors contribute 10% of total greenhouse emissions.
3. Share of different Countries to Global emissions of greenhouse gases
The picture below shows which country is contributing what to Global Warming.
4. Effects of Global Warming:
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
⦁ More Droughts and heatwaves: As the temperature goes up, climate of various regions will experience drastic changes. As we have already observed, many countries in Asia have witnessed protracted periods of droughts. And European countries experienced more-than-usual heatwaves.
⦁ Reduction in Crop yield: Similarly, with every 1 dC rise in temperature, there will be 5% reduction in crop yield. While the population swells, food shortage will hit the world. Multiple reports reveal that there are 820 million people that go to bed empty stomach. So the menace of Global Warming will only aggravate the world's woes.
⦁ Change in Precipitation patterns: Some areas will experience uninterrupted rain and floods, thus destruction will follow. Last year, prolonged rain season in India, Nepal and Bangladesh caused more than 1000 deaths and millions of people were forced to relocate to other areas.
⦁ Water-borne diseases: Floods will give rise to water-borne diseases like Cholera, Diarrhea, Giardiasis and Typhoid fever. Food shortage compels people to eat sub-standard food that eventually deteriorates their health.
⦁ Infrastructure destruction: In the similar fashion, coastal areas are going to bear the brunt of the scourge of sea-level rise. Moreover, rain and floods might demolish buildings and transportation infrastructure. Recently, floods in Japan and Indonesia caused widespread destruction.
⦁ Water-shortage: Floods and excessive rain will submerge freshwater bodies and spoil underground water sources, thus expediting the water-shortage for humanity. Similarly, the rise in temperature is speeding up the melting of glaciers, which are a major source of freshwater.
⦁ Frost-free seasons: The length of frost-free season has already increased from 6 to 10 months now. The duration of summer season will increase and winter season will decrease.
5. Remedial measures:
As Frances Beneike remarked
“Putting a tax on carbon could be an effective approach for curbing global warming pollution”
When we think of dealing with Global Warming, our strategy must be two-pronged: Mitigation and Adaptation.
Mitigation
It means that humans must reduce greenhouse gas emissions to atmosphere to alleviate its harmful effects on present as well as future generations. The goal of mitigation is to avoid significant human interference with the climate system. Following measures are imperative⦁ Afforestation and a ban on deforestation
⦁ A shift from non-renewable sources to renewable sources for our energy needs
⦁ Using cars which use low-sulfur coal
⦁ Green Farming: use animal manure instead of artificial fertilizers and pesticides
⦁ Solid-waste management-- Reduce, reuse and recycle
Adaptation
Adapting to life in a changing climate – involves adjusting to actual or expected future climate. The goal is to reduce our vulnerability to the harmful effects of climate change (like sea-level encroachment, more intense extreme weather events or food insecurity).⦁ Building resilient infrastructure near coastal areas to reduce losses from floods and sea-level rise
⦁ Building houses in such manner that blocks sun radiation in summer and allows them to pass during winters.
⦁ Plant heat-resistant crops like Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage
⦁ Forest-management authorities.
⦁ Water and energy conservation techniques should be employed to reduce leaks and losses.
⦁ Installation of early warning systems and effective disaster management systems.
⦁ Empowerment of local communities to respond to any climate-related challenge.
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