Before human history, climate change was caused by natural forces. However, since the start of the Industrial Revolution, an excess of greenhouse gases has been released into the atmosphere. Scientists around the world have been researching changes in the climate for many years, and as a result, have noticed a significant connection between global warming and humans. There is a 90% chance that human factors are playing a role in global warming.
Human Causes
The main activities that cause global warming are deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels. The burning occurs in factories, electric power plants, automobiles and planes. When fossil fuels are burning, they emit carbon dioxide, or CO2. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. Trees remove CO2 from the air during the process of photosynthesis. However, because of deforestation, the CO2 released from burning fossil fuels cant be removed. This results in average temperatures rising and it is estimated that by 2030, the average global temperatures will rise by as much as 7 degrees Fahrenheit.
Other connections between global warming and humans include fertilization and agriculture, methane, and power plants. After carbon dioxide, methane is the largest contributor. Methane is typically released during the burning of fossil fuel and in farm animal dung. As for transportation, any type of vehicle that uses fuel contributes to global warming.
Global Warming and Humans Consequences
If we dont reduce fossil fuel emissions soon, the planet is going to warm up by an additional 7 degrees Fahrenheit. While the average temperatures wont rise overnight, they will still cause devastating effects. Some effects are already beginning to be evidenced in the form of heat waves, ice caps melting, changing weather patterns, hurricanes increasing in frequency and strength, among other unusual phenomenon. All of these are only going to become worse in time.
The changes in temperature will also affect human health. A drastic rise in temperature will result in a higher mortality rate. More people will die of respiratory problems, heatstroke, and cardiovascular problems. The reason being, high temperatures cause a concentration of ozone in the lower atmosphere. Ozone is a very harmful pollutant that causes breathing problems and lung damage. Individuals with asthma will especially suffer from the higher temperatures.
Global Warming and Humans Solutions
There are numerous things humans can do to help make a difference. One way to help is to go with green (renewable) energy. More and more people are utilizing solar power panels and wind power generators. Another helpful solution is to walk more and to drive less, since automobiles emit CO2 into the air. The deforestation problem can be reduced by consumers refusing to buy products made from trees. More and more retailers are selling products made from recycled and eco-friendly items, so this is where consumers can make a difference and be part of the solution.
Global warming is going to cause problems for the entire planet and every species on it. The effects of global warming are already starting to show; therefore its very important that we try to prevent it from becoming worse. There are many ways that humans can forego services and products that add to global warming while finding alternatives which enable them to live comfortably in a manner that does not endanger the planet.
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