Essay 3: Global Climate Change

Global Climate Change

Global climate change, also known as global warming, refers to the heating of the Earth and is an issue that seriously impacts the world.  Global climate change is caused by the increased concentration of gases that contribute to the warming process, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone (“Science Basics”). Human activity produces a high concentration of the gases and is therefore, a major contributor to global warming (“Global Climate Change”).  For example, the use of automobiles creates approximately 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year (“Global Warming Basics”).  The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide also rises as a result of the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil (“Global Climate Change”).  Commonly used products such as air conditioners, refrigerators and hairspray, contain chemicals that damage the ozone and contribute to the problem as well (Heilprin).  Global climate change causes extreme weather events, affects wildlife, and puts human health at risk. 

  Global climate change is a concern since a change in weather patterns and an increase in extreme weather events will occur as a result.  (“Impacts”).  In his book, An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice-President Al Gore states that global climate change is “growing more and more dangerous, and at a pace that has now made it a planetary emergency.”  One “dangerous” effect is the increase in severity of tropical storms.  Global warming causes the water temperatures in the oceans to increase, which gives hurricanes more energy and the ability to cause more destruction.  Another result of the change in climate is the increased chance of a drought.  Within the last forty years, three extensive droughts have occurred, the most recent being the national drought that the United States experienced from 1999-2002 (“Consequences”).  It is also possible for global climate change to cause severe flooding because of its impact on the timing and location of rainfall (“Health”). Some areas experience more precipitation because of the additional moisture in the air that comes from a greater amount of water being evaporated from the oceans (“Impacts”).  Severe weather, however, is not the only problem the world faces as a result of global climate change.

Wildlife is greatly impacted by the variation in climate (“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat).  Global climate change has increased the chance of extinction for thirty percent of all species by producing variations in living conditions.  First of all, global warming causes variation in temperature, making it harder for certain species to survive in their natural habitat.  The temperature in the environment must be appropriate for the species living there.  For example, numerous aquatic species need cold water to survive, but their populations are decreasing as global climate change causes water temperatures to rise.  The interaction among wildlife is also changing as a result of global climate change (“Impacts”).  Wildlife is dependent on various food sources in the environment, and the change in climate has resulted in the migration of many species, making it difficult to find essential food sources.  For example, birds depend on insects and plants for survival, but the climate change causes the plants to bloom either too early or too late, and the insects are not always ready for the birds to eat.  When the bird migrates and arrives to its new destination, it is often times unable to find the food it needs (“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat”).  Not only is wildlife affected by the change in climate, but humans are impacted as well.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is co-writing, producing, as well as narrating a documentary film about global warming, and says "Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity" (West). Global climate change puts human health at risk by causing an increase in temperature and making it easier for bacteria to survive in food and water.  Several diseases, such as E. coli, typhoid, and polio can be transmitted when food or water is contaminated by bacteria.  Approximately five thousand people die in the United States each year because of food and water borne diseases (“Health”).  Another factor that contributes to the increased risk to human health is the air pollution caused by the temperature increase.  The IPCC, a scientific association that examines research related to climate change, claims that “higher temperatures are associated with higher concentrations of air pollutants and reduced air quality” (“Organization,” “Health”).  It is believed that as temperatures ascend, people will use air-conditioning more often, which means power plants will produce more air pollution because of the high amount of energy used.  The poor air quality caused by pollution is extremely unhealthy.  Lastly, since global climate changes causes some plants to bloom earlier, more pollen allergens are present in the air, producing a greater effect on those with allergies (“Health”).  Changes in the Earth’s climate pose an immense threat to human health. 

As humans continue to cause an increase in the gases that warm our planet, weather patterns change, wildlife is affected, and human health is in danger.  The variation in weather patterns is a widespread concern because of its potential danger.  As global climate change continues, many species of plants and animals could become extinct because of the inability to survive in their natural habitat.  Humans’ health will continue to be in danger as long as global warming continues.  Once people become aware of the effects of global climate change, they can take precautions to help improve the planet’s condition.  Global climate change is a critical issue that greatly impacts many different aspects of the world.