The Causes and Threats of Global Warming - Essay Example

The subject of global warming interests me the most because it is one of the critical problems related to the environment and is an ongoing topic in strong discussions these days. The concept of global warming, unlike other theoretical issues, is not only an abstraction but is one of the most countered phenomena. In my perspective, the changing climatic conditions, the presence of increased amounts of greenhouse gasses, and the inclination of solar activity are all grave causes of global warming.
Does the question arise as to how is global warming a serious threat to our present environment?

In my opinion, the major obvious threat visible to our environment includes the prevailing climatic changes that are occurring in the present times. The increasing extremity of seasons in the climate is the outcome of global warming which, in turn, becomes a reason for the other subproblems. Relating to this opinion, the consensus of scientists states that the main reason for global warming is the burning of fossil fuels, which becomes a source of the release of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (Paul, 2001). This, ultimately, traps a greater amount of the sun’s heat, accelerating the temperature of the entire planet. Thus, the melting point of glaciers and ice at the poles is reached which raises the level of the sea (UUA, 2011).

In my perception, the increasing effects of global warming are the major causes of natural disasters such as flooding and intense hurricanes. Due to these hazards and avalanches, there is extreme devastation to the habitats of wildlife and human communities. The extension of the warmer climate towards the poles is dramatically changing the ecosystem. Besides all these hazards, the studies suggest that the rising sea levels, due to the melting of polar ice caps, are disrupting the equilibrium balance of salinity in the oceans. Thus, there are shifts in the patterns of ocean circulation causing hurricanes and other natural havoc in the region.

The news mention that, by the year 2080, the number of people at high flooding risk in Britain, is expected to double to nearly 3.5 million (BBC News, 2005). Just in connection with this havoc, the rate of volcanism, seismicity, and acidification in the planet’s environment has also been reaching heights. Oxygen depletion has been one of the many negative outcomes of global warming, which in turn, results in the depletion of the ozone layer as well (Mary, 2003). All these disasters are further responsible for disrupting the social systems by producing heat waves, droughts, and fires.

Moreover, there are possibilities of the occurrence of many health hazards due to increasing global warming. Studies have observed that global warming has given rise to chronic diseases like malaria, which account for more than 70% of the total burden of the world (Indur, 2009). The illnesses and deaths have taken a toll due to the heat waves and more respiratory illnesses are taking place because of the contribution of smog from air pollution (Kim Knowlton, 2011). Besides other hazards, the drinking water becomes more polluted, due to flooding and rainfall, thus, causing a risk of diarrheal diseases.

I have come across many examples where the biodiversity of the region is in damage due to increasing global warming. The higher concentration of carbon dioxide gas also harms the lives of plants and animals. In various scientific research studies, authors have conducted experiments, and concluded that many unique species and their entire habitats will be lost, if the worst case of global warming ever reaches heights (Mary, 2003). There are various areas such as the tropical Andes, Mediterranean region, and Southwest Australia, which might have more threats posed by the environmental issue because these regions bear more unique species which have limited migration options. For them, the changing climate can cause catastrophes.

Thus, the causes and threats of global warming are many. In my opinion, there could be harmful consequences, and serious threats posed by the current issue. The scientific studies and the research reports strongly support this claim and debate further on this topic. They all, however, end with the same conclusion that global warming is a serious challenge and threat to the health of human beings, animals, and the climate. Read More