Global warming is one of the major
issues facing the world. What are the reasons
for this, and what can governments and individuals do to tackle this
issue.
Global warming has emerged as a major threat for modern
civilization, and it has alarmed politicians and environmentalists alike, as
the impact of this environmental challenge has started to show. This human
induced phenomenon can be attributed to release of green house gases, and
everybody seems to be scrambling to find plausible solutions to this pressing challenge.
Undoubtedly, the greed
and desire to develop and render all possible comforts has driven humans
into denuding the land to carry out farming and agriculture on an industrial
scale; build residential areas; establish factories, and commercial districts.
Cutting down of trees is causing release of carbon dioxide – a major greenhouse
gas capable of arresting moisture; and thus heat, into the atmosphere. This is delivering a major impact on the climate.
Furthermore, to add speed to civilization, mankind has
resorted to using fossil fuel to
generate energy, and provide transportation. The burning of carbon-based fuels leads
to emission of not only carbon dioxide but also other gases capable of retaining
heat. Besides this, increasing livestock to fulfill the need of nourishment and
clothing, is also contributing greatly to the release of another greenhouse
component, the methane. When ruminant farm animals graze, they tend to churn
out methane in huge quantity.
Nevertheless, this fast gaining monumental dimension,
environmental challenge can be surmounted if governments and individuals resort
to eco-friendly measures, like superseding fossil fuels with non-polluting
energy resources such as solar and wind power, and electricity; promote
recycling to limit industrial processes; reduce dependence on individual
transportation; and optimize farming methods to prevent destruction of forests.
Hence, environment although
is on the brink of near total collapse, it can still be prevented by
adopting judicious approach. It must be remembered if something is not done
quickly, mankind will make conditions on the planet hostile to life in any
form.