Download Climate Change essay.1

“What’s going on with planet Earth?”
An exploration of climate change in the modern world
By: Nicole Beresford
Introduction To Computing 101
12/ 17/12
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We’ve all seen them; in the grocery store with reusable shopping bags, in their lawn
tending to some form plant, or on the road driving Hybrids, if they choose to drive at all. The
tree huggers, environmentalists, ecologists, preservationists, green activists, conservationists,
greenies, naturalists and nature lovers of the world. May be it’s your neighbor, co-worker,
friend, or that woman you see every Tuesday night at yoga. These individuals talk incessantly
about climate change and its associated dangers, preaching about recycling, energy saving and
“going green”. They’re regular people we come in contact with on a daily basis; the only
difference is they know something we don’t. That is, the magnitude of the effects our negligent
actions have on the health of our one true home, Earth. We see their actions as extreme and
obsessive maybe even a little paranoid, but maybe we’re the ones who need a reality check.
Perhaps these “tree huggers” are acting in a way that everyone should. Senator John Kerry once
said: “Climate change is real. The science is compelling. And the longer we wait, the harder the
problem will be to solve.”
So what exactly is climate change? Climate change can be best described as a change in
global or regional climate patterns that occur over a long period of time. Climate change
consists of deviations in wind, precipitation, humidity, season, and temperature patterns. These
patterns in climate have a large influence on natural ecosystems and how they are shaped.
These state of these ecosystems play a determining role in where and how animals, plants and
people live, as well as the availability, production, regulation and consumption of things such as
food, water, and resources.
It is a common misconception that climate change is simply the change in the earth’s
temperature, and confused with being the same thing as global warming. Although climate
change and global warming share common characteristics and are closely associated, they are
in fact two different things. Global warming is a global issue and refers specifically to the rise in
global temperatures, thus causing climates to change.
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These are considered to be a rise in both atmospheric and ocean temperatures. Climate change
on the other hand refers not only to changes on a global scale, but can also be in regards to
changes on a regional or local scale. Climate Change consists of fluctuations in climate patterns
that include more than just temperature changes. Humidity, rainfall, and wind patterns are all
valid examples of climate change. It can be concluded that global warming is an issue which
leads to climate change, which in its own, has various associated consequences and effects.
According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency, it has been evidenced that the earth's
average temperature has risen 1.4 degrees fahrenheit over the course of the last century, and is
expected to rise anywhere between 2 to 11.5 more in the next hundred years
Perhaps you’re saying to yourself “effects? What effects? Realistically what significant
problems can actually arise from a little change in wind and humidity?” Unfortunately this is the
mentality many people have regarding climate change, a topic quickly dismissed and swept
under the mat. Many people care for the planet and the environment, but they since they
believe it will not directly affect them and their daily lives, they become indifferent towards the
issue, thus failing to increase efforts to prevent these harmful effects. Global warming is a term
we have all heard before, as it is one of the most serious effects of climate change. This refers
to the increase in temperature in both the atmosphere and oceans. “Global warming”
…..doesn’t seem like it would be a huge issue right? a little extra time by the pool, maybe even
some more vacation days. The effects of global warming are certainly increasing with every
passing year, but this doesn’t exactly mean grabbing your favorite bikini and running to the
beach. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts worldwide temperatures to
increase anywhere between 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next hundred years. These
increases are causing glaciers to melt and sea levels to rise. These rising sea levels will have a
drastic impact on congested communities located by the coast, causing damages to buildings,
homes, roads, ports and wastewater treatment plants which take residence on them.
Vulnerability to storm damage and flooding would also upsurge.
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The International Panel on Climate Change made a forecast in 2007, revealing how they expect
sea levels to rise 7 to 23 inches by the year 2100. Flooding in some areas would not only result
from melting glaciers due to global warming, but also in response to changes in climate such as
increases in precipitation and humidity. The list doesn’t end there; climate change has
numerous effects and dangers including: an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts,
extinction of plant and animal species; as well as serious damage to natural ecosystems,
availability of water and food, human health, forestry, energy use, and transportation.
Climate change is a naturally occurring part of nature. The climate has undergone
continuous change over the course of its existence and continues to do so. These changes occur
as a result from disparities in Earth’s orbit which affect the amount of solar energy our planet
receives. As stated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in their 2007 report to
the United Nations, these changes can in fact be “due to natural variability or as a result of
human activity”. There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming over the last 50
years is due to human activities. Ice cores taken from deep in ancient ice of Antarctica show
that carbon dioxide levels are higher now than at any time in the past 650,000 years. More
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere means warming temperatures. However, climate change is
occurring faster and stronger now than in the past. Since climate change is a natural aspect of
nature, it can be argued that those “tree huggers” and various others are overreacting to its
impacts. Many believe climate change is bound to happen regardless of our behavior as
inhabitants of the planet, and that climate change is not as large an issue as believed to be by
those eco-friendly individuals. It is for this very reason that the topic of global warming is of
particular importance; this is due to the likelihood that most global warming effects are a direct
result from human related behavior. This, and the fact that its effects are and happening at a
pace which has been unpredicted over the last 1,300 years leads us to believe that climate
change is in fact occurring more so now than ever, especially in regards of global warming. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change believe that it is 90 percent likely that these rising
temperatures of the last 50-60 are a result from human contributions. Satellites which orbit the
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earth, in combination with various other technologies have enabled scientists to gather
evidence about earth and its changing climate, thus assisting us in determining the effects,
severity, and causes of climate change and global warming.
We can see the impacts of climate change already taking effect on our planet in various
ways. Some of these indications of climate change are: Thinning ice caps in the Arctic and
Antarctic oceans, receding mountain glaciers(as evidenced on all continents), rising sea levels,
frequency of increased precipitation related events, such as rainstorms, floods, and
snowstorms, and lastly intensified droughts especially in the tropics and subtropics.
Let us explore some of the effects of climate change which we have already begun to see:
Extreme natural occurring events regarding climate (such as hurricanes, and tsunamis)
has been increasing. Since 1950 the United Stated has bared witness to the increase of rainfall
associated natural events as well. Another major example of climate change that many seem to
be familiar with is the shrinking of ice sheets across the world. We can see evidence of this in
the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets, as they have diminished greatly in the past few years. A
study from The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, reveal a loss of 150 to 250
cubic kilometers of ice per year between 2002 and 2006 for Greenland ice sheets. Antarctica ice
sheets have suffered as well with a loss of 152 cubic kilometers between 2002 and 2005. Our
planets oceans are becoming more and more acidic which as an effect of climate change. Since
the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the acidity of ocean water surfaces has climbed to 30
percent. Resulting from increasing release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, this gets
absorbed into the oceans. It is now estimated that the absorption of carbon dioxide into the
earth’s oceans is increasing at an alarming rate of 2 billion tons per year. This absorption has
been understood to be a consequence of deforestation, and agricultural practices. However, it
is mainly, and largely attributed to be a result of human related activities which release
enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and other associated greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere. The majority of which are due to the burning of fossil fuels for energy production.
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This brings us to our next question: What causes climate change? The exact cause of
climate change has been, and continues to be a topic of great debate. However most scientists
agree that our changing climate can be largely attributed to the growing levels of carbon
dioxide released into the atmosphere, of which is a direct result from the increased
consumption of fossil fuel. This is called the "greenhouse effect", as defined by The
Intergovernmental panel on Climate Change, the greenhouse effect is “warming that results
when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth toward space.” It is becoming more and
more accepted among those in the science world, as well as by everyday individuals, that
climate change is increasing at such an alarming rate due to human influence. In his article
“New Evidence of Human Fingerprints on Global Warming” Michael D. Lemonick explores this
belief through evidence gathered from various sources, supporting this stance. In this article he
specifically mentions a study conducted by Ben Santer of Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory and 21 of his colleagues for The National Academy of Sciences. Lemonick writes:
“they found that while the troposphere — the lowest part of the atmosphere — has warmed
over the past three decades, the stratosphere, which starts 5 to 12 miles above the ground, has
cooled. This is exactly what you’d expect if greenhouse gases were trapping heat near the
surface rather than letting it percolate upward.” The Greenhouse effect is most certainly
affected by rising levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; however this is not the only gas
which contributes to the greenhouse effect. Some other gases which add to this issue are water
vapor, methane, Nitrous oxide, and Chlorofluorocarbons. People contribute greatly to the
greenhouse effect through the burning of and release of fossil fuels into the atmosphere.
People do this mainly by using oil, coal, and natural gas for electricity, to heat homes and
buildings, power factories, and power cars, motorcycles and buses. Studies have revealed
evidence which shows how the engineering structures and services which our civilization depends
on so greatly have in fact raised carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere from 280 parts per
million to 379 within the last 150 years.
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Since people have such an extraordinarily high impact on the greenhouse effect and the
release of these fossil fuels into the atmosphere, it is safe to assume that we as individuals can
do various things daily to start helping the earth and slow down the effects of climate change.
There are numerous things we can do in our own homes, offices and daily lives to help the
planet and decrease the effects of climate change. We can do simple yet extremely helpful
things such as: replace current lights with special Five Star energy saving lights or purchase any
of the 60 various Energy Star products for our homes to reduce greenhouse emissions, monitor
our use of appliances and energy sources, as well as regulating our use of water, heat, and air
conditioning. A smart way to reduce energy bills while also being eco-friendly and prevent the
negative effects of climate change is to install storm windows, close curtains at night, upgrade
wall insulation, thus reducing escapement of heat and decrease energy use. We can purchase
“Green Power” a renewable energy source for electricity to power our homes, and as always:
reduce, reuse, and recycle.
Ample amounts of individuals around the world agree that the best way to avert the
harmful effects of climate change and global warming is to change the way we travel, and use
of our cars. Most vehicles are powered through burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, oil, coal,
and natural gas. As people continue to commute to work, home, and everywhere else
predominately by car, they are simply contributing to the vast amount of harmful emissions
being released into the atmosphere; hence contributing to the Greenhouse effect. In regards to
use of our cars, we can maintain them through regular inspections, tune-ups and tie checks. We
can avoid idling the engine when stopped for more than a reasonable amount of time, use
renewable fuels, and driving smart by keeping a close eye on our use of breaks and
acceleration. One of the best ways to prevent climate change in regards to transportation is to
merely drive less. Simply put: the less we drive, the less fossil fuels are burned. We can do this
by using alternative methods of transportation such as biking, or walking. However, if the
distance is too far for either of these methods we can make efforts to conserve energy through
carpooling, or using public transportation. Perhaps one of the greatest ways one can prevent
climate change in regards to transportation use is to purchase a fuel efficient, eco- friendly, and
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low greenhouse gas vehicle for their daily travels. Take for example, the Toyota Prius.
The Prius is known a hybrid electric car and is considered to be as the most energy efficient
gasoline car in the United States. The Prius is a high efficiency gasoline powered vehicle, all its
power stems from the use of gasoline, and recharging its batteries by running the engine and
recuperating its braking energy. In April 2012, scientists Eric D. Larson and Alyson Kenward
published a report of their collaborated efforts regarding energy efficient vehicles in the United
States. The official report was entitled “A Roadmap to Climate-Friendly Cars”. In their report,
Larson and Kenward explore various types of vehicles including electric powered cars. People
have been known to have reservations in purchasing an electric car, in their report Larson and
Kenward explain how one does not need t purchase an electric car to be more energy efficient
and help prevent climate change. Sometimes it is even better to simply choose an energy
efficient, high mileage gasoline powered vehicle. The report states: “The good news is that
Americans have lots of choices to reduce the carbon footprint from their daily driving.
Anywhere in the country, an electric car is much better for the climate than the average
mileage vehicle. But in many states, popular high-mileage hybrid and conventional gaspowered cars are climate-friendlier alternatives to electric cars today, and new fuel economy
standards should lead to even more climate-friendly options in the coming few years. “ In the
report Larson and Kenward include a chart of the top ten most fuel efficient cars currently
available in the United States, listing then in order of efficiency as notes by the Environmental
Protection Agency. Clearly we have many options to become more eco-friendly and reduce our
personal impact on climate change, especially in regards to transportation methods. There are
many energy efficient vehicles available at this time from electric cars, to simple high mileage
gas powered ones.
Next time you’re at the grocery store and faced with the usual choice between paper or
plastic, think about the tree huggers of the world and what they would do. If everyone took the
issue of climate change as seriously as them, the world would be in a much healthier condition.
Each of us can do numerous things daily to improve the condition of the planet and save it from
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destruction and the effects of climate change. The decisions we make today will
determine the quality of life people will have on earth in the future and the health of our planet
in years to come. It’s time for us to come together as a global community and take that first
step towards a brighter and better future. So paper or plastic? Oh please....my reusable
shopping bag matches my outfit.
References
 Www.nasa.gov. Ed. Amber Jenkins. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, n.d.
Web. 06 Dec. 2012. <http://climate.nasa.gov/>.
 Www.epa.gov. United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2012.
<http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/>.
 Www.ecy.wa.gov. Washington State Department of Ecology, n.d. Web. 06 Dec. 2012.
<http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/index.htm>.
 Www.ipcc.ch. Summary for Policymakers, IPCC Synthesis report, November 2007, n.d. Web.
08 Dec. 2012 <http://www.ipcc.ch/>
 Lemonick, Michael D. "New Evidence of Human Fingerprints on Global Warming."
Www.climatecentral.org. N.p., 12 Dec. 2012. Web. 08 Dec. 2012.
<http://www.climatecentral.org/news/new-evidence-of-human-fingerprints-on-globalwarming-15316>.
 Larson, Eric D., and Alyson Kenward. A Roadmap to Climate-Friendly Cars. Rep. N.p.: n.p.,
n.d. Www.climatecentral.org. 25 Apr. 2012. Web. 8 Dec. 2012.
<http://www.climatecentral.org/news/climate-friendly-cars>.