By: Maryam Nisar Ahmed
The Earth was formed about 4.5 billion years ago, and its temperature has evolved through history. It has experienced periods of gradual warming and cooling throughout its existence. Moreover, the Earth has become a global village, and modernization has seized the attention of humans with its ease or facilitating capacity. Since the rapid growth of the industrial revolution, Earth’s temperature has increased by a little more than one degree Celsius (1°C).
This rise in Earth’s temperature is known as global warming. It has today become a threatening remark to mankind. Due to the enhancement of temperature, climate is being predominantly changed. Some major indications of climate change include a decrease in the winter season, an increase in the summer season, and unseasonal rains. Meanwhile, without human force, the Earth has already experienced climate change in various ways. But now, humans are more responsible for the rise in Earth’s temperature.
According to an independent analysis obtained by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Atmospheric Administration, Earth’s surface temperatures in the year 2016 were the warmest since modern record-keeping began in 1880. The globally average temperature in 2016 was 1.78°F (0.99°C) warmer than the mid-20th century. So, this analysis makes 2016 the third year to set a new record for the average surface temperature.
Furthermore, global warming dominates the ecosystem and the planet’s temperature, which is the ultimate sign of danger. It is inevitable, no matter what we do. It is not the result of two or just some activities but is the outcome of various acts, and it is the result of a myriad previous situations and present influences.
It is a fact that human activities and trends have led us towards the world scenario of global warming. Apart from that, the main causes which contribute to it include greenhouse gases, a large population, excessive utilization of fossil fuels, deforestation, and many more. Global warming is mostly caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels for energy and transportation. When we burn them, a large amount of carbon is released as part of the gas carbon dioxide. It is naturally emitted from volcanoes, but humans and machines are originating it more than ever before.
Among the main causes, greenhouse gases are mainly involved in promoting such prime issues. When they are emitted into the atmosphere, they trap heat from the sun in the shape of solar energy, which makes it impossible for animals and plants to live. The air is also being polluted because of which hazardous diseases have made individuals weak, exhausted, and made their lives less sustainable. Though nobody pays much attention to these injurious issues, in reality, they exist. On the other hand, exhaust gases emerging from mills and factories are spewin forth a huge amount of pollution. The harmful gases coming out from the vehicles as waste pollute the environment and make the Earth warmer, while some of those gases may create acid rain and smog.
Particularly in this silicon era, the increasing extent of this pollution is a threat to the country as it demands resources. A substantial population can lead to numerous mental as well as physical issues. Have you ever wondered whether without basic equipment you can survive? Definitely, compromises can be with luxuries, but not with necessities. Acknowledging the priorities with the fact that they are essential, so know their worth instead of hoping things will get better in the future. “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not every man’s greed,” was rightly said by Mahatma Gandhi.
Similarly, our planet’s forests are some of the most valuable resources we have. They provide food, clean air, construction material, and much more. Even more importantly, they are major lines of defence. It is also undeniable that forests and trees have made the atmosphere clean by absorbing the dangerous gas (carbon dioxide) which is then used up by trees and other plants as a reactant to start photosynthesis, and in exchange, it produces oxygen as a product which we utilize for breathing. But sadly, humans are cutting them down and thus making them vanish for getting benefits but thus wounding the planet due to their intemperate nature. Deforestation is an issue of atrophy; it reduces agriculture and limits natural resources.
We must not apply this quotation; rather, we all should prove it wrong by marking consistent efforts to control it. If we make a small change now in the way we live, we can avoid huge changes in the future. Collective efforts by governments, individuals, and scientists across the world are needed because the value of working together for peace and development is greater than ever. The government should also be focusing on this crisis by implementing new policies for its eradication at the international level.
In spite of being a significant environmental issue because of the massive loss of wildlife involved, it has many other impacts on the atmosphere which can lead to more frequent and intensive heatwaves, droughts, changes in weather patterns, and melting ice caps or glaciers that can raise sea levels, causing disasters, coastal flooding, erosion, and as a result, the ocean gets warmer. Additionally, global warming can affect food security by affecting crop yields and the availability of fresh resources. This can have negative impacts on ecosystems and human communities. Mostly, these evident choices have made the human lifestyle less sophisticated.
Furthermore, the last few decades have been calamitous in terms of climate change and nature loss. Many agencies, agreements, and treaties have been made to control global warming, and nations support it, but these measures can’t be enough to reduce the temperature of the Earth. The United Nations (UN) has served as a source for coordinating various actions for global welfare and has provided mechanisms for socio-economic development since its creation almost 81 years ago.
But unfortunately, those who have not contributed to eliminating the global warming rate can’t even throw a glance at such humanitarian crises. While the environment is a global priority, and more action is demanded for maintaining its maximum probability to be at ease.
It is quite challenging to control global warming; however, it is not unmanageable. Reducing the use of conventional vehicles and going for alternatives like electric and solar-powered vehicles is crucial. It’s crucial for us to take action by reducing the carbon footprint, promoting renewable energy, and advocating for sustainable practices. There is a saying by a legendary personality that states that “when it comes to global warming, everybody wants to change the world, change themselves for the world.”
We must not apply this quotation; rather, we all should prove it wrong by marking consistent efforts to control it. If we make a small change now in the way we live, we can avoid huge changes in the future. Collective efforts by governments, individuals, and scientists across the world are needed because the value of working together for peace and development is greater than ever. The government should also be focusing on this crisis by implementing new policies for its eradication at the international level.
The writer is a freelance columnnist
