Causes and Impact of Global Warming

Causes and Impact of Global Warming

Name:

Institution:

Causes and Impact of Global Warming

While most people see mega cities as a welcome development, the positive impact of these cities is what most people focus on. As cities continue growing larger and more complex, they create numerous opportunities for corporate bodies and individuals who desire to use top-notch, modern and accessible resources within the cities. Mega cities also provide platforms for innovations in environmental conservation and other similar efforts for instance, solar-powered technology and sewage treatment facilities. These advancements make it relatively easier for associated organizations to control pollution and waste that impact positively on global warming. However, the development of mega cities also comes with negative impacts on the environment and global warming initiatives.

The growth of mega cities has brought with it the development of slums and the associated problems such as overpopulation, crime and poor provision of public amenities. Presently, city planners and other stakeholders look back on the initial structure of cities in the 20^th century America and Europe with longing. Most of these people refer to the simple and effective lifestyles in the past that were characterized by urban activities that left comparatively small carbon footprints. However, most people escaped from these early types of lifestyles in the pursuit of prosperity and modernity. Moving back to the country will have a significant effect on the rate of waste and pollution in urban areas. This is because, as more and more people migrate to urban areas in their pursuit of success, they place great pressure on the limited resources and facilities within the urban center. This migration is also accompanied with a mindset that extravagance is acceptable within the urban centers. Moving back to the country will give people the opportunity to assess their lifestyles and adopt the past practices that were more effective in conserving the environment and lowering global warming.

Human activities have greatly contributed to the increase in greenhouses gases through several industrial and commercial activities. The usage of fossil fuels is the greatest contributor of greenhouses gases that deplete the ozone layer and cause global warming. Fossil fuels contribute to about 70% of the energy used by human beings in the world. This means that a larger number of people use fossil fuels and this accelerates the rate of global warming. Examples of fossil fuels include natural gas, oil and coal. Another major cause of the increase in greenhouses gases is the inappropriate use of land. Human beings have resorted to deforestation and other activities that deplete forest cover which is an important aspect in the reduction of greenhouses gases. In their place, mega cities have been built which emit far more greenhouse gases than the remaining forest cover can eliminate.

Apart from these causes of greenhouses gases, technology created by man has also worsened the global warming situation through the introduction of aerosols. The amount of aerosols in the environment has constantly risen over the years due to the increased combustion of biomass and fossil fuels. Human-made aerosols are similarly destructive as they remain in the air for a few days making them highly concentrated in industrial zones. This interference with the natural atmosphere has adverse changes in the climate and the ozone layer that are irreversible. Therefore, it is necessary for human beings to realize the effect of their actions and rectify the situation. Human beings can start by destroying or banning any technology that directly or indirectly contributes towards global warming for example, diesel engines, CFC devices and radioactive machines. Human beings can also invest in planting more trees and vegetation to help reverse the effects of industrialization and pollution. Personally, I have engaged in several campaigns to sensitize the public on the importance of reducing the effects of global warming as well as the risks involved with depleting the ozone layer. I have also worked alongside organizations that instruct students on the proper lifestyles within urban areas.