Global Warming 2

     There are differing opinions around the world as to how great a threat global warming really is. But it is evident in most parts of the world that global warming, whether they like it or not, poses an enormous threat to their society. Global warming is predicted to have a “negative impact on Namibia’s economy” (Kakujaha) by causing “decreased rainfall [which] will lead to decreased production.” (Kakujaha). This poses a great threat to the nation of Namibia and has drawn their attention to the need to address global warming as a high-priority issue. Another high-priority issue can be seen in China where a shrinking glacier believed to “might cause floods, drought as well as famine affecting millions in Asia unless measures are taken to curb global warming” (Xinghua News Agency). Chinese scientists believe that “glacial melt would increase water inflow into rivers, lakes and wetlands in the short term, but would lead to severe water shortages and desertification on the [Tibetan] plateau in the long run“ (Xinghua News Agency) which poses a threat to cause a drought in the Tibetan plateau area, thereby affecting the people who live there by reducing their water supply and the availability of fertile soil for agriculture. It is expected that by 2100, the glaciers will have almost completely melted and the rivers near it will have nearly dried up. (Yao) This may seem a long way away, but even China is taking action to reduce their problems by spending over 1.3 billion dollars on preserving the glacier and nearby areas. In doing so, they will prevent approximately 24.5 million tons of carbon from being kicked into the air each year. Global warming is not just an issue for us to deal with alone, but an issue that affects the entire world and needs to be addressed by the entire world.

      In order to slow the effects of global warming, we must begin a search for an alternate energy source right now. According to a survey done by EarthTrends, a large part, approximately 25.8%, of the world’s greenhouse gasses was contributed by the production of our energy supply. Another survey done by the Renewable Energy Policy Network showed that about 79% of our energy comes from the burning of fossil fuels. We can therefore conclude that the majority of the greenhouse gasses we produce on Earth are caused by the burning of fossil fuels. In addition to energy production, 13.4% of the greenhouse gasses emitted is caused by transportation, or cars, which burn fossil fuels. Finding alternate energy sources would reduce our production of greenhouse gasses greatly. In addition to these, forestry provides about 17.3% of the greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere. When trees are being cut down, the carbon dioxide they have stored for a long period of time is released back into the atmosphere, contributing more to the problem. Research for a synthetic replacement for wood is necessary to reduce this number. Should this course of action be followed in these three areas alone, we can reduce our release of greenhouse gasses in the United States alone by up to 51.1%, which is a much brighter outlook for the world.

      Global warming is global, meaning, that it will directly affect everyone and everything living on this planet. Whether it is affecting us now or 100 years in the future, the problem needs to be addressed now. Even small amounts of homework, when procrastinated, will amount to an overwhelming mountain that is no longer to dig through. When will the move take place and who will start it? We know we need to fight this problem while it is relatively small rather than procrastinate on this project only to spend a night panicking about it before it crushes you. Wherever and whatever the threat global warming may pose, one thing is certain: “Global warming is a universal issue that calls for concerted efforts from all countries.” (Guangrong).