Global Warming: Fact or Fiction?

Global Warming: Fact or Fiction?

Outline.

A.    Objective.

To determine the veracity of global warming.

B.    Thesis statement.

Global warming is an environmental phenomenon that actually exists.

C.   Body.

1)     Introduction.

(i)    Definition of the terms: global warming, ozonosphere and the greenhouse effect.

(ii)  Research shows a direct correlation between increased concentration of greenhouse gases and an increase in the ambient atmospheric temperature.

(iii) Greenhouse gases deplete the ozonosphere, and they also cause the greenhouse effect.

2)     Causes and effects of global warming.

(i)    Global warming is an environmental phenomenon caused by several factors.

(ii)  The main causes of global warming are increased emission of greenhouse gases, particulate pollutants and the depletion of the ozonosphere.

(iii)The main detrimental effects of global warming are increase in sea levels, ocean acidification, destruction of natural ecosystems, reduced rainfall, decreased food production and mass starvation.

3)     Veracity of Global warming.

The facts that support and oppose the existence of global warming are analyzed in relation to each other, and in relation to the current meteorological and environmental conditions. Proponents state that global warming is caused by anthropogenic activities. Opponents state that the increase in the atmospheric temperature is due to natural phenomena.

D.   Conclusion.

(i)    It is evident that global warming has been caused by human activities. Carbon dioxide emitted by anthropogenic activity creates the greenhouse effect.

(ii)  Global warming is an environmental phenomenon that actually exists.     

Global Warming: Fact or Fiction?

Introduction.

Global warming is the increase in atmospheric temperature due to the depletion of the ozonosphere, and, the greenhouse effect. Scientists have irrefutable proofs that the climate system of the planet is warming. Research shows a direct correlation between increased concentration of greenhouse gases and an increase in the ambient atmospheric temperature (NRC 15). Thus, Global warming is an environmental phenomenon that actually exists.

 The ozonosphere is a layer of the upper atmosphere. It is located about 35 km (kilometers) from the surface of the earth, and it contains the atmospheric ozone gases which absorb the lethal ultraviolet radiation emanating from the sun. The atmospheric ozone gases homogenously permeate the entirety of the thickness of the ozonosphere. Currently, the thickness of the ozonosphere is estimated to range from 30-50 km. Greenhouse gases deplete the ozonosphere, and they also cause the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect refers to the warming of the surface of the earth due to an increase in the energy content in the atmosphere. Thus, the melting and the subsequent disappearance of the polar icecaps can be attributed to the greenhouse effect (NRC 17).

The production of greenhouse gases has increased due to increased combustion of fossil fuels, and, large-scale deforestation. Global warming shows a variation from one geographical location to another (NRC 18). There is an urgent need to halt and reverse the warming of the atmosphere and its associated effects. Environmentalists have proposed the following policy measures: geo-engineering, decreased emission of greenhouse gases and adaptation to the ever-evolving climate system (“World Bank” 21).

However, there exists a controversy regarding the nature of global warming. This controversy is attributed to the fact that the proposed policies for mitigating global warming are likely to harm the economy, because they limit the total emission of greenhouse gases (by industries). This limitation translates to a reduction in the overall industrial output, and this would cause a contraction of the national economy. This explains why this controversy is well-pronounced in the mass media rather than in the scientific literature. Controversies exist as to the nature, causes, effects and predictability of global warming (DiMento 68). Hence, it is imperative to analyze the causes and effects of global warming. These controversies are mainly propagated by think tanks associated with petrochemical energy consortiums, and manufacturing (and engineering) industries. However, scientists unanimously agree that the atmospheric temperature has increased (Oreskes, 35).

Causes and effects of global warming.

Global warming is an environmental phenomenon which has been caused by certain factors. The main causes of global warming are stated hereafter. First of all, increased emission of greenhouse gases has led to the greenhouse effect. The implicated greenhouse gases are ozone, carbon dioxide and methane. These greenhouse gases encumber the absorption and dissipation of infra-red radiation by the stratosphere. This causes the warming up of the troposphere and the surface of the earth (Weart 43). Secondly, particulate pollutants, such as soot, that have been released into the atmosphere are able to absorb enormous amounts of solar radiation, thus effectively warming up the atmosphere. Also, the particulate pollutants have caused global dimming, since they decrease the effective direct solar irradiance to the surface of the earth, by reflecting the incoming solar radiation. This causes a decrease in precipitation, thereby reducing cloud formation (Ramanathan 227). Finally, the depletion of the ozonosphere by chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons has led to the warming up of the stratosphere, and the penetration of harmful solar radiation into the entirety of the earth’s atmosphere. This increases the temperature in the troposphere and the surface of the planet (Hansen et al 30).

Global warming has detrimental effects on the environment. These effects are stated hereafter. First of all, the increase in the atmospheric temperature warms up the water in the oceans and seas. This causes an increase in the sea levels, thus leading to the flooding of low-lying lands. Also, the warming of the ocean results in ocean acidification. This causes a destruction of the delicate marine ecosystems, thereby causing extinction of marine species which cannot adapt to the new ocean environments. Moreover, the precipitation patterns and the amounts of precipitation will be altered, thus reducing the amount of rainfall and altering the pattern of rainfall. This will increase the frequency of erratic weather incidents, such as droughts and heat waves. The resulting desertification will expand the effective areas of the subtropical deserts. This causes a reduction in the expanse of the land area available for farming. The consequent reduction in food production exposes the local populations to mass starvation. Likewise, there would be extinction of several terrestrial species due to loss of habitat (Battisti 244).

Veracity of Global warming.

There exist several controversies about global warming. The veracity of global warming will be determined by comparing and analyzing the facts presented by both the proponents and opponents of global warming. Thereafter, a logical conclusion about the presented facts will be put forward. The proponents of global warming state that global warming is real and that everyone should worry about it; while, the opponents of global warming state that global warming is a big lie (or exaggerated facts) and that people should not be concerned about it.

To start with, the proponents of global warming have stated that there is an international consensus among scientists that the atmospheric temperature has increased, and that the scientists have also been able to show a correlation between the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the atmospheric temperature. They have also categorically stated that the increase in the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is caused by human activities (such as, combustion of fossil fuels). However, the opponents of global warming have stated that the warming up of the atmosphere is a natural phenomenon, and thus it cannot be caused by human activities (Kenneth 11). Research shows that the atmospheric temperature was relatively stable prior to the invention and production of the internal combustion engine. However, the rate of the increase in atmospheric temperature rose significantly when the internal combustion engine was adapted to industrial processes. The internal combustion engine revolutionized the industrial processes, and its cost-effectiveness at that time led to increased combustion of fossil fuels with the resultant production of massive quantities of exhaust gases (which contained varying amounts of carbon dioxide, ozone and methane) which were emitted to the atmosphere, where they trapped heat within the troposphere. This increased the atmospheric temperature significantly (Weart 47). Thus, it is clearly evident that global warming has been caused by human activities involving the ever-increasing combustion of fossil fuels. This statement is also backed by the fact that temperatures in non-industrialized regions of the globe have remained relatively stable (that is, there has not been a significant increase of atmospheric temperature as compared to the pre-industrial revolution period) (DiMento 61). It is therefore apparent that the statement which states that the warming up of the atmosphere is a natural phenomenon is a fictional statement.

Secondly, the opponents of global warming have stated that the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report has predicted an increase of only 1.5-5.9°C in the atmospheric temperature over the next 100 years, and that this minimal temperature change does not warrant concern. The IPCC report was released in 2007. It is clear that they (the opponents of global warming) made this statement after the IPCC report was accepted by the USA, China, Saudi Arabia and India (the four major fossil fuel-based national economies), despite strong lobbying efforts for the rejection of the (same) IPCC report. However, the proponents of global warming have stated that this prediction does not factor in two main elements: the potential rate of industrialization in undeveloped regions, and the capacity of human beings to overpopulate and over utilize the fossil-fuel resources within a region (Kenneth 37). Moreover, the proponents state that the IPCC report was based on artificial models, which do not accurately apply to the real life situations (Reichler 91).  Furthermore, the proponents point out to the fact that an increase of 1.5-5.9°C in the atmospheric temperature over the next 100 year; is significantly greater than the aggregate rate of increase of atmospheric temperature during the last millennium; and as such, it is bound to have detrimental global warming effects (Kenneth 38). Evaluation of the 2007 IPCC report shows that it was compiled using information gathered from artificial models of climate sensitivity. Hence, the report did not include empirical data analysis, and the projections and predictions of this report cannot be extrapolated into the real ever-evolving world (Reichler 91). Also, scientific analysis has shown that an interglacial atmospheric temperature shift of about 5°C was sufficient enough to wipe out the last ice age (Oreskes 29). It is thus clearly evident that the predictions that the atmospheric temperature will increase by 1.5-5.9°C in the next century, even if taken at face value, are a cause of concern. Thus, the statement that an increase of only 1.5-5.9°C in the atmospheric temperature over the next 100 year is minimal, and does not warrant concern, is at best, a fictional statement.

Thirdly, the opponents of global warming state that the emission of greenhouse gases cannot cause global warming, because increases in atmospheric temperature and increases in the amount of emitted greenhouse gases (during the 20^th century) never occurred simultaneously. The proponents of global warming have argued that a significant time lag exists between the moment when greenhouses gases are released into the atmosphere, and the moment when noticeable increases in atmospheric temperature are detected (Kenneth 51). Basic scientific knowledge state that after the emission of greenhouse gases, a significant time period will be required to ensure their dispersion in the atmosphere and the consequent absorption of heat energy. This time period constitutes the time lag that the proponents of global warming have stated above. Moreover, there are various factors that affect annual variation in atmospheric temperature, such as solar variation, El Nino floods and (multiple) volcanic eruptions. Volcanic eruptions emit massive quantities of particulate pollutants which alongside the intrinsic high temperature of the flowing magma, do contribute to the rapid increase in atmospheric temperature (Weart 73). It is thus clearly evident that the emission of greenhouse gases cannot cause an immediate increase in the atmospheric temperature. Moreover, since solar variations, volcanic eruptions and El Niño are rare occurrences, the main culprit for global warming is thus the anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases. Thus, the statement that, the emission of greenhouse gases cannot cause global warming is fictional.

Fourthly, the opponents of global warming have stated that actions to decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases should be taken after the effects of global warming become noticeable. They base their argument on the precept stated hereafter.  Carbon dioxide comprises a huge proportion of the greenhouse gases, and after its emission; it is rapidly removed from the atmosphere by the natural processes of the carbon cycle. It therefore follows that it would take a long time before the effects of global warming become apparent. However, the proponents of global warming have clearly stated that emissions of carbon dioxide in massive amounts into the atmosphere, ensures that they persist in the atmosphere for longer periods and thereby create the greenhouse effect (Kenneth 60). Research has shown that the rate of elimination of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is proportional to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. It has been shown that it would take 200 years to eliminate all the carbon dioxide that has been emitted by combustion of fossil fuels during the last 20 years (Weart 83). Thus, it is clearly evident that large-scale combustion of fossil fuel emits huge quantities of carbon dioxide that would definitely cause the greenhouse effect within a short duration. Hence, the information presented by the opponents of global warming does not stand the test of time.

Moreover, the opponents of global warming have stated that all the carbon dioxide emitted by anthropogenic activities can be absorbed by natural processes. Hence, there is no need to place limitations on the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the manufacturing sector. The proponents of global warming counter this claim by stating that the amount of carbon dioxide currently emitted into the atmosphere far outstrips the capacity of natural processes to absorb them. Thus, there is a need to place a cap on the total amount of carbon dioxide that is permitted to be released into the atmosphere. This is because deforestation and extinction of marine ecosystems have reduced the effective aggregate of photosynthesis (Kenneth 63). Photosynthesis is the major natural process that absorbs carbon dioxide. Ecologists have shown that the carbon cycle effectively absorbs carbon dioxide from the troposphere. The ocean also participates in the carbon cycle. The plankton on the surface of the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, and hence the plankton links the ocean to the carbon cycle. However, anthropogenic activity has led to the destruction of planktons, thus, effectively reducing the effectiveness of the carbon cycle in absorbing the atmospheric carbon dioxide. To make matters worse, carbon dioxide is being emitted in massive quantities (Weart 98). Hence, it is clearly evident that carbon dioxide emitted by anthropogenic activity persists in the lower atmosphere thereby creating a greenhouse effect.

Some opponents of global warming have stated that increased concentration of carbon dioxide has led to the ‘greening’ of the planet, since more carbon dioxide is available to support increased photosynthesis. Moreover they state that the warming (due to the greenhouse effect) of the atmosphere has led to increased crop productivity. However, the proponents of global warming have explained that this seeming advantage of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide is eliminated once the plants acclimatize to their new conditions, and thereafter they experience negative growth rates (Kenneth 74). Research has shown that this acclimatization occurs due to the limitation imposed on the plants by the nitrogen cycle and the water cycle. These two cycles are disrupted by the greenhouse effect, and hence the intrinsic efficiency of these cycles is reduced, hence the negative growth rates in the plants after they have been acclimatized. The plants therefore grow erratically (Weart 136). Thus, the resultant net effect of increased atmospheric carbon dioxide is the greenhouse effect.

Also, the opponents of global warming have stated that the planet has warmed up without any detrimental consequences to human life and natural ecosystems, and thus people should not be concerned with global warming, since the natural ecosystems will rapidly adapt with the climate change. Proponents of global warming have stated that climate shifts caused by global warming led to the extinction of numerous life forms during the late ice age (Kenneth 85). Studies have shown that global warming causes desertification, droughts and disruptions in the balance of nature, thereby exposing human populations to mass starvation (Weart 141). Hence, it is clearly evident that global warming has detrimental effects on human life and the natural ecosystems, and therefore it should be mitigated.

Some opponents of global warming attribute the current changes of climate patterns to solar variations. They state that solar variation has increased the ambient atmospheric temperature. Proponents of global warming have countered this argument by stating that solar variations are minimal and insignificant to account for any increase in the ambient atmospheric temperature (Kenneth 91). Research has shown that there are solar variations, but its effects on the earth’s atmosphere are extremely minute, as is exemplified by the fact that the accumulated effects of solar radiations for the past two decades have not had any noticeable effect on the earth’s atmosphere (Weart 151). Thus, it is clearly evident that solar variations do not cause global warming.

Conclusion.

Scientists have irrefutable proofs that the climate system of the planet is warming. Greenhouse gases deplete the ozonosphere, and they also cause the greenhouse effect. There is an urgent need to halt and reverse the warming of the atmosphere and its associated effects. Environmentalists have proposed the following policy measures: geo-engineering, decreased emission of greenhouse gases and adaptation to the ever-evolving climate system. There exists a controversy regarding the nature of global warming. It is evident that global warming has been caused by human activities. Carbon dioxide emitted by anthropogenic activity persists in the lower atmosphere thereby creating the greenhouse effect. Hence, global warming is an environmental phenomenon that actually exists.

Works cited

Battisti, David. "Historical warnings of future food insecurity with unprecedented seasonal heat".

            Science 323.5911 (2009): 240–244. Print.

DiMento, Joseph. Climate Change: What It Means for Us, Our Children, and Our

            Grandchildren. Boston: The MIT Press, 2007. Print.

Ganopolski, Rahmstorf . "Climate sensitivity estimated from ensemble simulations of glacial

            climate". Climate Dynamics. 10.1 (2006): 1-21. Print.

Hansen, James; Shindell, Drew; Faluvegi, Greg; Lacis, Andrew; Ruedy, Reto; Aguilar, Elliot.

            "Role of tropospheric ozone increases in 20th-century climate change". Journal of   Geophysical Research 111. 8 (2006): 8-30. Print.

Kenneth, Green. Global Warming: Understanding the Debate. Berkeley Heights: Enslow Publishers,

            2002. Print.

National Research Council (NRC). America's Climate Choices: Panel on Advancing the Science

            of Climate Change. Washington, D.C. The National Academies Press. 2010. Print.

Oreskes, Naomi. Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues

            from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming. London: Bloomsbury Press. Print.

Ramanathan, Carmichael. "Global and regional climate changes due to black carbon". Nature

            Geosciences 1.4 (2008): 221–227. Print.

Reichler, Thomas. "Expansion of the Hadley cell under global warming". Geophysical Research

            Letters 34.6 (2007): 68-91. Print.       

Weart, Spencer. The Discovery of Global Warming. Washington DC: American Institute of

            Physics Press, 2008. Print.

World Bank. State and Trends of the Carbon Market Report 2011. Washington, DC: World

            Bank Environment Department, 2011. Print.