Example research essay topic: Effects Of Global Warming Animals And Plants - 1,848 words

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Global Warming Is A Serious Issue That Should Have Immediate Attention As Vice President Al Gore has said about the threat of global warming, it is "the most serious problem our civilization faces" (2). It has become quite an issue internationally because of the threat of increasing greenhouse gasses. It is these gasses, when released into the air, accumulate and then trap the heat inside our atmosphere. Our climate is greatly affected by this. Therefore, affecting all of the organisms on earth, including humans. Usually these gasses should be able to move out into the upper atmosphere, where they are not as harmful.

There are three important greenhouse gasses: Methane primarily comes from the decay and flatulence of animals and plants. It also arises from biomass burning, landfills, coal mining, and gas drilling (133). Sulfur Dioxide is a gas that is emitted by many natural and anthropogenic sources, for example, volcanoes. It changes from sulfuric acid aerosol to acid rain and aerosol cooling in the stratosphere (167). Carbon Dioxide is the principal culprit when it comes to gas emissions. Carbon dioxide is the only gas released by human activities that can cause global warming.

It can also come from the burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and gas (123). There are, of course, many myths relating to global warming, but let there be no mistake about it, it is happening, and it should be dealt with. Global warming is a pollution problem. If we continue to burn oil, coal, and other gasses, carbon dioxide will trap the suns heat, changing the natural balance of the climate. The increase of use of fossil fuels and concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have led to the warming of the Earth, meaning that the average temperature has risen annually. As the temperature of the Earth rises, there will be a great number of changes to the environment.

There has been a definite trend in the rising temperature over the century. From 1880 to 1990, the average temperature has risen about 0. 5 F or about 2 percent (112). NASA has found that since 1958, the temperature has increased about 0. 14 F (12). These changes in temperature have not been absolutely consistent though, there have been gradual increases and decreases. The changes are an average over the years. The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC), and international body made up of 2500 of the worlds leading scientists, predicts that "global warming could raise world-wide temperatures as much as 6 F in the next 100 years" (Sierra Club).

This rise would be bigger than the records have shown over the past 10, 000 years. Scientists are hoping to use these findings to create a model of what may happen in the future. The hard part is predicting the future in all the complications due to human activity, other life forms, changes in forestry, and the state of water (in all forms). Still, models have been able to help in finding whether or not we are reaching destruction or whether or not a decrease in gas emissions will make a difference.

An Increase In Temperature Will Lead To Major Catastrophes For The higher temperatures will generate higher sea levels (13). This is caused by the melting of glaciers, which leads to the expanding of ocean water. There are two specific worries about the rise in sea level. One problem is that coastal cities that live on land only a few meters above sea level risk and have the possibility to be flooded and then submerged.

And if this doesnt happen, then cities who have natural water reservoirs, might have the chance of being mixed with sea water making it undrinkable (125). Temperatures will effect those who live in agricultural areas (44). Many people depend on crop-growing as a way of living, and with a change in temperature, it could mean that the regions for growing crops could move north. There will be a major impact not just on crop production, but also world food prices as well.

This means a major change in these peoples lives. Its not even just the people who farm that it effects but the people that depend on the crops for food, and that is everybody! In some areas they may experience an increase in rain, while others may get no rain. These can get even more complicated because some places that get more rain, might not be able to deal with it, while places that need rain might not get any at all. There are growing numbers of extinctions. As the Sierra Club said, "The effects of global warming may be measure in extinctions, not degrees" (Sierra Club).

The change in temperature has a great effect on the natural habitat of all animals. As it is, many animals and plants have moved to try to escape and cope with the changing climate. Not only does variation in temperature effect homes, it also effects their health. Many animals are found to have been infected with diseases that are related to the change in their environment. And dont think that humans arent effected either.

Scientists and physicians from some renowned universities, such as Harvard and John Hopkins Medical School, have said that global warming can cause the increase of communicable diseases. The scientists say that the warming weather creates a perfect environment for the spread of diseases. They also say that, the health of humans could have a major impact in the years to come. Irregular and unseemly weather, which scientist have already predicted has already taken many lives (Sierra Club). For example, last year in Texas, where many people suffered an extreme heat wave. It had killed many elderly people, who werent strong enough to withstand the heat.

As part of its research the IPCC, they have examined the effects of global warming and have concluded that, "human induced climate change is likely to have wide-ranging and mostly adverse impacts on human health, with significant loss of life" (Sierra Club). Attempts Made By Major Countries To Deal With Global Warming United States Earth Summit in Rio- In 1992, the United States and several other nations came together and discussed possible methods to decrease the greenhouse gas emissions. Their goal was to reach the 1990 levels of gas emissions by the year 2000. But as of now, many of the nations will not reach that goal.

The reason is said to be because the treaty was not legally binding and many nations feared economic repercussions if they tried to meet their goal (Global Warming Org). Kyoto Protocol- In December of 1997, there were representatives from various nations who met again in a conference in Kyoto to sign another agreement. This time the Clinton Administration wanted to make this pact legally binding, therefore making it more effective (124). Timothy Wirth, a previous U.

S. Undersecretary of State for Global Affairs, said "Weve got to ride the global warming issue. Even if the theory of global warming is wrong, we will be doing the right thing - in terms of economic policy and environmental policy" (NCPA). He even pointed out that the Clinton administration was very committed to legally binding limits on gas emissions. The President obviously sees this as an important issue, but it doesnt seem enough. There are still many scientist that are still concerned with global warming even after the conference.

There should be more done to reduce the emissions of these harmful gasses into the air. Global warming has only become a issue within the last decade, and already it has become a major debate. By definition, global warming is the "warming of the earth by greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere naturally or by mankind" (Global Warming Central). Many people question whether global warming exists, there should be no doubt that it does. There has been a definite increase in temperature over the last few years, even over the last century for that matter. An increase in temperature has many devastating effects on humans, animals, plants, and any other living organism.

The increase in sea level, the change in food production, and the spread of disease are just some of the few impacts caused by global warming. Everything must be done to prevent the uses of fossil fuels, since that is the leading cause of global warming. The answers are in front of everyone, but no one wants to face them. The future will be very grim if nothing is done about it now. "Global Warming has emerged as the most serious environmental threat of the 21 st century, " as said by the Union of Concerned Scientists (87). The effects of global warming involves a few well known facts, as well as many uncertainties, which have created a great many debates. Although several influential politicians have joined the band-wagon against global warming, more clout is needed to address this issue.

It is an important matter that needs to be dealt with immediately. Global warming has put the earth in a dire situation, and dire situations call for drastic actions. What actions need to be taken to prevent the continuance of global warming? First of all, the Federal government needs to get involved. Laws should be made to promote energy efficiency from large corporations to small families. No one is free from the effects of global warming, therefore everyone should participate in the fight against it.

There are many sources, like the sun and wind, which offer non-polluting, economical, and durable alternatives for general electricity. The government must help in the efforts to move towards these cleaner methods of producing energy. They need to continue to fund research for clean energy. Then, we need to find some ways to encourage the population to continue to conserve energy wisely, perhaps offer some type of tax credit. Energy efficiency is the simplest, most effective way to stop global warming. This concept needs to be dug into the population.

And, if it means saving money for them as well, its all the more better. How can the government get involved? They need to take action and set an example of how much a priority global warming has become. Here are some steps that should be made- Deregulate electricity prices everywhere (198) Create a Fossil Fuel Efficiency Standard (213) Create tax credits to those who conserve energy Continuing the increase on motor vehicle fuel economy standards (88) It may seem impossible to deregulate electricity because of the monopoly protection laws set by each individual state. The laws are set against monopolies, who generate, distribute, and sell electricity, from raising the prices radically.

But honestly, if the companies choose to raise prices it may cause the consumers to rethink their use of electricity. Many may begin to conserve and others will also try to find alternatives from using fossil fuels. Instead of setting price ceiling on monopolies, we should allow them to set prices. This may in turn cause the demand of electricity to fall.

Instead of regulating prices, the government should create a law regulating producers of electricity...

Research essay sample on Effects Of Global Warming Animals And Plants