Text Production #2

What are the potential effects of global warming in terms of climate change and how they can be arrested?

It is admittedly that we are currently facing a dominating issue concerning our mother Earth—global warming. Although the scientific and technological revolution has led human beings a luxurious and convenient life, this blessing ceases to be a tremendous advantage when it has simultaneously brought us into a life of devastation. As a matter of fact, global warming, or simply defined as the gradual rise of Earth’s temperature, is caused by a phenomenon called the greenhouse effect. Scientists believe that the emission of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide is the major contribution to global warming. Accordingly, it is imperative for us to explore the potential aftermath of global warming in terms of climate change and subsequently map out compatible strategies to resolve this issue to its minimum.

One of the feasible impacts of global warming has to deal with the geographical change of the Earth. Sea-level rise is an inevitable consequence. Chris Woodford (2006) illustrates that the expansion of sea water and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets are driving up the sea-level. The IPCC estimates that sea levels will rise between 0.18 and 0.59 meters by 2099. Besides, global warming may also shift major climate patterns as well as prolong and intensify current catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes and droughts. There will also be paradoxical phenomenon where a country is facing severe drought at the same time a neighbouring country is having horrendous flood. The rapid disappearance of ice shelf in Antartica and the dramatic topographical change in Greenland are several instances demonstrating the effects of global warming.

Apart from that, global warming may also disturb the world’s ecosystem when the loss of species and lives occur. According to Albert Gore (2007), species loss is now occurring at a rate of 1000 times greater than the natural background rate. A case in point, the warming oceans are bleaching the coral reefs and this has put most of the fish species in jeopardy. Moreover, the erratic climate change will also bring disastrous effects on human beings all over the world. Hotter summers will lead to more cases of heat stroke and deaths. Resurgent infectious diseases such as malaria, are predicted to emerge and cause further deceases. Mosquitoes, for example, breed faster in warmer climates, spreading diseases to more people. (Riebeek, 2007) Furthermore, the intensifying catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes and typhoons will sacrifice millions of lives too.

Realising the deleterious impacts we may get from global warming, more pragmatic measures should be implemented to arrest this obstinate problem. Reducing the emissions of carbon dioxide and using energy efficiently are those steps that should be put in precedence. For instances, buy energy-efficient appliances, recycle, plant more trees and switch to renewable energy such as solar energy. We can also practise car-pooling, use a bicycle or walk instead of drive a car, or maybe use a hybrid car if possible. In addition, according to Albert Gore (2007), he says that when the warnings are accurate and based on sound science, then we as human beings, whatever country we live in, have to find a way to make sure that the warnings are heard and responding too.

After all is said and done, global warming has the potential to bring us disastrous consequences. The current anomalous climate change should act as a portent to all of us that we are going to reap as we have sown for the worsening global warming. As what Albert Gore (2007) says, we are witnessing a collision between our civilization and the Earth. One may concern about the economic growth when measures of using less energy are carried out, but have we ever thought that how are we going to enjoy the affluence if we do not have a healthy Earth? Ergo, it is up to us as human beings to make the right decision. The fact is, we do have the ability to avert this issue and secure the nature for our next generation.