FREE ESSAY ON GLOBAL WARMING

GLOBAL WARMING

English 101
October 31, 1998
Global Warming
Global Warming is an important ecological issue because it has several negative effects
upon our environment. Global Warming, or what has been called the Greenhouse effect, is
the result of a fourfold ecological process. 1-Sunlight radiates from the sun, through
space, to Earth's atmosphere. 2- The sunlight enters the atmosphere and hits Earth. Some
of it turns into heat energy in the form of infrared light. The heat gets absorbed by
surrounding air and land, which in turn makes it warm. 3- Infrared rays, that are
remitted into the atmosphere are trapped by greenhouse gases. 4- The gas then absorbs the
light and is remitted back to the Earth's surface and warms it even more. Left on it's
own this natural process keeps our planet warm enough for habitation, but with the
increases in temperature, caused by modern industry, our current way of life could become
threatened.
Over the past 100 years the emissions of greenhouse gases have been increasing due to
increases in technology and human developments. Modern factories and production plants
have been responsible for depositing large amounts of gas into the atmosphere. These
gases, to name a few, include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone depleting
substances such as CFCs, also known as Chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and
perfluorocarbons. Activities such as fossil fuel combustion, waste disposal, the use of
refrigerators, agricultural and industrial activities, and the cutting down of forests
have all played a significant role in the spread of these gases.
These, and other human practices, have changed the chemical make up of the atmosphere.
Between pre-industrial times and today, carbon dioxide concentrations have been on the
rise. With these higher levels of gas concentration in our atmosphere the Earth's climate
is slowing changing for the worse. The temperature of the Earth's surface is as warm, if
not warmer than it has been in any other century. 
One study, conducted by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) said that
unless governments do something to restrict the emissions of greenhouse gases to a lower
level, global temperatures could rise 1.6 to 5.3 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2100.
This increase is significant, because it represents the fastest global warming since the
end of the last ice age more than 10,000 years ago (Houghton and Griggs). 
One result of these warmer temperatures is drought. With the warming of the planet, the
water on the ground would quickly evaporate causing rivers and lakes to dry. This would
lead to crops dying from lack of rain, which would lead to increased food prices and
other associated economic changes. Another result that would occur from global warming is
a drastic rise in sea levels. As the Earth warms up, the polar ice caps will start to
melt. This would put immense amounts of water into Earth's oceans. All cities along the
coast would be flooded from the rise in sea level. This would force people to move
inland, and with more people inland, the results could lead to a shortage of space in
some areas. With the coastal cities under water, people moving inland for suitable
habitation, and widespread crop depravation due to drought economic hardships will be
sure to ensue. 
The negative effects of global warming are a real threat. Given the increase in
manufacturing and production plants this century, and there associated negative
environmental effects, it is our responsibility to ensure that our need for production
and financial gain does not circumvent our need for a safe and healthy planet.
Works Sited
Houghton, John T and Griggs, David J. Stabilization of Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases:
Physical, Biological and Socio-economic Implications. 15 Mar. 1998. On-line. Internet.
Available http://www.ipcc.ch/research/%gis/index.htm. 
Bibliography
Works Sited
Houghton, John T and Griggs, David J. Stabilization of Atmospheric Greenhouse Gases:
Physical, Biological and Socio-economic Implications. 15 Mar. 1998. On-line. Internet.
Available http://www.ipcc.ch/research/%gis/index.htm.