Example research essay topic: Burning Of Fossil Greenhouse Gases - 985 words

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Global warming is a steady increase in earths average temperature which appears to be acknowledged by many scientists and people at the present as reality. Increasing human activities are changing the Earth's temperature which includes natural influences that have been there over the past. By and large, this warming takes place due to the use of green-house gases emitted in the Earth's upper atmosphere. Some skeptics believe and some studies seem to point out that human production of greenhouse gases could be leading to overheating of the planet. But some skeptics contend there is no evidence that the warming exceeds the climate's natural variations on the contrary few skeptics are considering whether various factor of global warming may be natural but little increase in the Sun's energy output and where just a minute percentage of solar output could influence carbon dioxide levels to the extent that human activity can. Therefore, it will be argued that the claim of global warming theory is correct.

However human activities to a greater extent may affect the rise in the average global temperatures largely than the natural forces. Since the industrial era, growth in industry, agriculture, and transportation has contributed to an increase in greenhouse gases and other gases, which effects the functioning of the thermal blanket. It may be accepted that increase in the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted by humans is trapping more heat and raising the earths temperature. Gelbspan (1998) points out that in the last century the atmospheric temperature has risen to 1. 1 F (0. 6 C), and an increase in sea level by several inches for example by burning fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emission increases which leads to the degradation of the thermal blanket. This causes the UV (ultra violate) rays to penetrate trough and melt the polar ice thus increasing sea levels (costal flooding).

Remains (2000) describes the human factors that contribute to global warming such as burning of fossil fuel for instance the burning of coal and petroleum products is the main sources of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Increasing carbon dioxide is caused by other factors such as deforestation and increased cattle production. Skeptics say that the changes in climate is very difficult to attribute to human involvement as there is little or no evidence exists for this claim. On the other hand, it has been agreed by U. N that some part of global warming is due to human activity and this problem needs to be discussed internationally. Scientists are also predicting natural factors that may persuade the global atmospheric temperature.

The most significant are aerosols small particles such as sulfates, black carbon and organic compounds. These are introduced into the atmosphere by different sources of pollution, including smoke from volcanic eruption, vehicles, electricity generators, sea spray and desert dust. Some aerosols, such as black carbon, generally add to heating of the atmosphere because they absorb solar heat. Dr Gray and Dr Singer state that there is evidence to show aerosols may be accountable for cooling of the Earths surface and warming in Earths atmosphere (Stevens 2000). Even clouds play on important role in the earths atmosphere. Clouds stop the suns radiation away from the surface and radiate it back to the surface of the Earth, cooling the intense temperatures.

There has been conflicting incidents in winter such as clear winter nights turning out to be cooler relatively than being warmer, quite opposite to cloudy winter nights. However, in the 2001 IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report on climate change stated that the fluctuation in cloud cover was vague in calculating future climate change. Due to the various causes it is difficult to suggest about climate change. The data obtained should be included in the computer models if the models to reflect accurate information for future references.

Both human development and natural influences may have an impact in increasing global temperatures during the 20 th century. Major concern is that atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide may be increasing fast. Carbon dioxide has increased since the mid- 1700 s through the burning of fossil fuel with more than 80 % of this increase occurring since 1900 (Stevens 2000). The increase in temperatures has caused ice sheets to melt, which decreases the albedo. Decreased albedo means an increase in the solar radiation in the atmosphere, which results to higher temperatures. For example the melting tundras could release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further amplifying the greenhouse effect. (web warming controversy#global warming and solar activity).

Some scientists argue that the climate system makes it difficult to forecast human-induced climate change. There are uncertainties in climate models, for example differing estimates of population growth, economic activity, greenhouse gas emission rates and changes in atmospheric particulate concentrations and their effects. Some scientists infer that recent increase in the earths temperature may predominantly be caused by human activities rather than natural activities. Though burning of fossil fuels may add to global warming in the future, theres no scientific proof that it is happening at present. All and sundry contribute to global emission of greenhouse gases so it is vital to try to cut down the use of fossil fuels and energy consumption. Energy used at home can be saved by including draught proofing, insulation, and using energy efficient lighting.

Secondly by reducing the amount of waste produced, re-using products, and recycling products may help reduce the consumption of energy used in manufacturing. Burying less waste in the ground can decrease the quantity of methane and other greenhouse gases. Personal vehicle use can be reduced by choosing alternative ways of traveling for example public transport, hybrid vehicles, walking and cycling. However, at the current rate of global warming, there is only little explanation that Earths climate should not be changing, but if there is any climatic change in the future then this issue needs to be addressed and appropriate preventative methods should be taken.

Research essay sample on Burning Of Fossil Greenhouse Gases