Global Warming: Causes and Effects

Global warming poses a serious threat to life on earth. Although scientists are unclear about the exact implications of global climate change, most experts agree that plant communities, tropical landscapes, wildlife habitat, sea levels, weather patterns, and human mortality would be negatively impacted. Despite these findings, industrialized nations are reluctant to curb their dependence on carbon-based fuels which contribute to an intensified greenhouse effect.

In recent years, scientists have become increasingly concerned with the challenge of global change. Human life is causing a number of dramatic changes in the planet's ecosystem. Many of these changes are damaging to the ecosystem, and some of them are irreversible. The two most drastic changes that the planet will face in the twenty-first century are the greenhouse effect and the depletion of the ozone layer.

The greenhouse effect, also known as global warming, is caused by various gases which get trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. Some of these gases, such as methane, are caused by the decomposition of organic matter. However, the worst greenhouse gases are those which are caused by human beings. These include carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, and chlorofluorocarbons resulting from the use of aerosol sprays and refrigeration systems. Under normal conditions, much of the infrared energy of the sun bounces off the earth and reflects back into outer space. However, when these gases accumulate in the earth's stratosphere, the energy from the sun is trapped near the earth's surface (4:131). As a result, the earth's temperature is increased. This increase in temperature has a powerful effect on climate, as well as raising sea levels around the world.

Pollutants are the main key factor of causing various changes in our environment. The effect maybe drastic in the coming years if we will not focus ourselves and help save our mother Earth. How? Getting green, finding alternative ways for solar energy and preserving our nature are some of the key factors that we can do to save it. We can, if we will try. It is within our hands, for the future generation’s sake.