Global Warming: A Warning for Humanity

Global Warming means the increase of the average temperature on Earth. As the Earth gets hotter, natural disasters like floods, earthquakes and hurricanes become more frequent. The measurements of temperature taken by instruments on land and sea have revealed that during the 20 century the Earth’s surface and lower part of the atmosphere has warmed up by an average of 0.6 Centigrade. The summer which we are experiencing now is one of the hottest and is it is largely due tothe effects of Global Warming. Thus, the situation is quite alarming and humans better understand the problem at hand quickly. Greenhouse effect is a substantial factor in “Global Warming” . What is this Greenhouse effect? When the heat and light from the sun is trapped in the atmosphere, the temperature rises and this is called the greenhouse effect. Green house gases emissions that are man made like nitrous oxide, carbon di oxide and methane, have increased because of deforestation and burning fossil fuels for transportation and energy uses. The greenhouse effect makes the Earth an appropriate place for us to live on; the same benefit is for animals and plants too. Without it the Earth would be either freezing or very hot, but excessive greenhouse gas emissions certainly harms us. If the climate gets to extreme conditions of heat or cold because of global warming, crops will not grow, animals will die and as a result our food supply lessens and cause human extinction. It affects oceans and life in the oceans. All ecosystems on Earth get affected dangerously. So, in order to safeguard our interest, there is a burning need to gather together, have intense talks about ‘climate change’, think ‘globally’ thereon and join our hands in solving this global issue by adopting small changes in our day to day living.

Let us see, the broad general effects of the ‘Global Warming’ on human beings:

• Spread of unbearable intense heat waves. Poisonous ivy vines growing denser. Fatal parasites.
• A threat of ‘spread of diseases’ . Increase in allergies and asthma. Disease carrying insects swarm all human beings in the affected area.
• Waters become warmer and consequently probability of more frequent and stronger hurricanes.
• Though some areas of earth get wetter, other areas suffer serious droughts and heat waves.
• The most dangerous effect is of ‘polar ice caps melting’ which causes increased flooding.
• Global warming leads to climate change.

Let us see what will happen to our motherland due to this deadly threat to humankind. India has a vast coastal line. The rising sea levels caused by global warming will certainly cause an ecological disaster. Statistically speaking, there are around 5773000 cubic miles of water in ice caps, glaciers and permanent snow. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, if all glaciers melted today the seas would rise about 230 feet. Luckily, that’s not going to happen all in one go! But sea levels will certainly rise and risk of flooding cannot be overlooked. Moreover, the temperature rise and changing landscapes in the artic circle will endanger several species of animals. Only the most adaptable will survive. This means, there is a burning need to stop global warming.

Following are some of the examples of ‘deadly effects’ of Global Warming:

• A survey on climate induced natural disasters in the Kendrapara district of Orissa showed that the frequency and intensity of droughts have increased and so have the incidents of flooding. Also, the intensity of cyclones has increased and the sea-water had become warmer.
• In May 2002, the temperature rose to 48.9 degrees in South India and it has caused several deaths.
• Recently, there were heavy rains and floods in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and it was because of ‘global warming’ only.

In order to reduce the danger of global warming, we must think of certain precautionary measures:

• We must adopt the concept of sustainable development which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Construct green buildings that stay cool and save energy.
• We should adopt low carbon economic plans so as to curb the green house emissions and bring about climate change.
• We should quantify the target for reduction of emissions. This reduction can be, by an average of 5%, for a period of next 40 years. Obviously, there should be ‘accountability’ for the fixed target, at every level.
• An aim should be fixed to reduce the global warming to 2 C above industrial temperature standards. Of course, a consensus policy will have to be worked out to achieve this by 2050.
• A strong people’s movement should be started to create a greater awareness amongst all citizens of the world.
• A massive tree plantation needs to be undertaken at all levels and it should be ensured that the newly planted trees grow properly and at the same time there is no deforestation.
• Take aggressive action to cut global warming and toxic pollution.

Incidentally, it is worth to state here that, at the International level, the “Copenhagen Summit” has already taken place in Denmark during December 2009 and it was specifically for the single issue of “Climate Change” . This simply means that, the ‘emminent threat of Global Warming to the human life’ is on the threshold of the entire world. To sum up, we would wish that, our brilliant policy makers – i.e. bureaucrats and disaster planning managers – better understand the risk of ‘Global Warming’ - come together, chalk out suitable plans, seek Govt.’s approvals and ensure 100% implementation thereof, well in time. Political leaders are also expected to support the stand of above ‘executives’ strongly and unconditionally. Then only, the “Threat of Global Warming to the Human life” can be averted to some extent. No doubt, citizens of the country would whole-heartedly support, contribute and participate in the Government Programmes and will certainly make them a success.

By:- Group 6

Akshay Seth 

Anant Jain

Krishan Chawla

Vikrant Suhag