Climate

Vice President Al Gore has said about the threat of global warming that it is “the most serious problem our civilization faces” (2). Global warming has become quite an issue internationally because of the threat of increasing greenhouse gasses. It is these gasses, when released into the air, accumulate and then trap the heat inside our atmosphere.

Our climate is greatly affected by this. Therefore, affecting all of the organisms on earth, including humans. Usually these gasses should be able to move out into the upper atmosphere, where they are not as harmful. There are three important greenhouse gasses:

• Methane
• Sulfur Dioxide
• Carbon Dioxide

Where Do These Gasses Come From?

Methane primarily comes from the decay and flatulence of animals and plants. It also arises from biomass burning, landfills, coal mining, and gas drilling (133).

Sulfur Dioxide is a gas that is emitted by many natural and anthropogenic sources, for example, volcanoes. It changes from sulfuric acid aerosol to acid rain and aerosol cooling in the stratosphere (167).

Carbon Dioxide is the principal culprit when it comes to gas emissions. Carbon dioxide is the only gas released by human activities that can cause global warming. It can also come from the burning of fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and gas (123).

There are, of course, many myths relating to global warming, but let there be no mistake about it, it is happening, and it should be dealt with. Global warming is a pollution problem. If we continue to burn oil, coal, and other gasses, carbon dioxide will trap the sun’s heat, changing the natural balance of the climate.

Trends In Rising Temperature

The increase of use of fossil fuels and concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have led to the warming of the Earth, meaning that the average temperature has risen annually. As the temperature of the Earth rises, there will be a great number of changes to the environment.

There has been a definite trend in the rising temperature over the century. From 1880 to 1990, the average temperature has risen about 0.5º F or about 2 percent (112). NASA has found that since 1958, the temperature has increased about 0.14º F (12). These changes in temperature have not been absolutely consistent though, there have been gradual increases and decreases.

The changes are an average over the years. The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC), and international body made up of 2500 of the world’s leading scientists, predicts that “global warming could raise world-wide temperatures as much as 6º F in the next 100 years” (Sierra Club). This rise would be bigger than the records have shown over the past 10,000 years. Scientists are hoping to use these findings to create a model of what may happen in the future.

The hard part is predicting the future in all the complications due to human activity, other life forms, changes in forestry, and the state of water (in all forms). Still, models have been able to help in finding whether or not we are reaching destruction or whether or not a decrease in gas emissions will make a difference.

An Increase In Temperature Will Lead To Major Catastrophes for Certain Parts of the World

The higher temperatures will generate higher sea levels (13). This is caused by the melting of glaciers, which leads to the expanding of ocean water. There are two specific worries about the rise in sea level. One problem is that coastal cities that live on land only a few meters above sea level risk and have the possibility to be flooded and then submerged. And if this doesn’t happen, then cities who have natural water reservoirs, might have the chance of being mixed with seawater making it undrinkable (125).

Temperatures will effect those who live in agricultural areas (44). Many people depend on crop-growing as a way of living, and with a change in temperature, it could mean that the regions for growing crops could move north. There will be a major impact not just on crop production, but also world food prices as well. This means a major change in these people’s lives.

It’s not even just the people who farm that it effects but the people that depend on the crops for food, and that is everybody! In some areas they may experience an increase in rain, while others may get no rain. These can get even more complicated because some places that get more rain, might not be able to deal with it, while places that need rain might not get any at all.

There are growing numbers of extinctions. As the Sierra Club said, “The effects of global warming may be measure in extinctions, not degrees”(Sierra Club). The change in temperature has a great effect on the natural habitat of all animals. As it is, many animals and plants have moved to try to escape and cope with the changing climate.

Not only does variation in temperature effect homes, it also effects their health. Many animals are found to have been infected with diseases that are related to the change in their environment. And don’t think that humans aren’t effected either. Scientists and physicians from some renowned universities, such as Harvard and John Hopkins Medical School, have said that global warming can cause the increase of communicable diseases.

The scientists say that the warming weather creates a perfect environment for the spread of diseases. They also say that, the health of humans could have a major impact in the years to come. Irregular and unseemly weather, which scientist have already predicted has already taken many lives (Sierra Club).

For example, last year in Texas, where many people suffered an extreme heat wave. It had killed many elderly people, who weren’t strong enough to withstand the heat. As part of its research the IPCC, they have examined the effects of global warming and have concluded that, “human induced climate change is likely to have wide-ranging and mostly adverse impacts on human health, with significant loss of life” (Sierra Club).

Attempts Made By Major Countries To Deal With Global Warming

United States Earth Summit in Rio- In 1992, the United States and several other nations came together and discussed possible methods to decrease the greenhouse gas emissions. Their goal was to reach the 1990 levels of gas emissions by the year 2000. But as of now, many of the nations will not reach that goal. The reason is said to be because the treaty was not legally binding and many nations feared economic repercussions if they tried to meet their goal (Global Warming Org).

Kyoto Protocol- In December of 1997, there were representatives from various nations who met again in a conference in Kyoto to sign another agreement. This time the Clinton Administration wanted to make this pact legally binding, therefore making it more effective (124).
Timothy Wirth, a previous U.S. Undersecretary of State for Global Affairs, said “We’ve got to ride the global warming issue. Even if the theory of global warming is wrong, we will be doing the right thing – in terms of economic policy and environmental policy” (NCPA).

He even pointed out that the Clinton administration was very committed to legally binding limits on gas emissions. The President obviously sees this as an important issue, but it doesn’t seem enough. There are still many scientist that are still concerned with global warming even after the conference. There should be more done to reduce the emissions of these harmful gasses into the air.

Global warming has only become a issue within the last decade, and already it has become a major debate. By definition, global warming is the “warming of the earth by greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere naturally or by mankind” (Global Warming Central). Many people question whether global warming exists, there should be no doubt that it does.

There has been a definite increase in temperature over the last few years, even over the last century for that matter. An increase in temperature has many devastating effects on humans, animals, plants, and any other living organism. The increase in sea level, the change in food production, and the spread of disease are just some of the few impacts caused by global warming. Everything must be done to prevent the uses of fossil fuels, since that is the leading cause of global warming. The answers are in front of everyone, but no one wants to face them. The future will be very grim if nothing is done about it now.

“Global Warming has emerged as the most serious environmental threat of the 21st century,” as said by the Union of Concerned Scientists (87). The effects of global warming involves a few well known facts, as well as many uncertainties, which have created a great many debates. Although several influential politicians have joined the band-wagon against global warming, more clout is needed to address this issue. It is an important matter that needs to be dealt with immediately. Global warming has put the earth in a dire situation, and dire situations call for drastic actions.

What Actions Need to be Taken to Prevent the Continuance of Global Warming?

First of all, the Federal government needs to get involved. Laws should be made to promote energy efficiency from large corporations to small families. No one is free from the effects of global warming, therefore everyone should participate in the fight against it.

There are many sources, like the sun and wind, which offer non-polluting, economical, and durable alternatives for general electricity. The government must help in the efforts to move towards these cleaner methods of producing energy. They need to continue to fund research for clean energy.

Then, we need to find some ways to encourage the population to continue to conserve energy wisely, perhaps offer some type of tax credit. Energy efficiency is the simplest, most effective way to stop global warming. This concept needs to be dug into the population. And, if it means saving money for them as well, it’s all the better.

How Can the Government Get Involved?

The government needs to take action and set an example of how much a priority global warming has become. Here are some steps that should be made-

• Deregulate electricity prices everywhere (198)
• Create a Fossil Fuel Efficiency Standard (213)
• Create tax credits to those who conserve energy
• Continuing the increase on motor vehicle fuel economy standards (88)

It may seem impossible to deregulate electricity because of the monopoly protection laws set by each individual state. The laws are set against monopolies, who generate, distribute, and sell electricity, from raising the prices radically. But honestly, if the companies choose to raise prices it may cause the consumers to rethink their use of electricity. Many may begin to conserve and others will also try to find alternatives from using fossil fuels. Instead of setting price ceiling on monopolies, we should allow them to set prices. This may in turn cause the demand of electricity to fall.

Instead of regulating prices, the government should create a law regulating producers of electricity in their distribution. There should be a mandated Fossil Fuel Efficiency Standard that would be applied to every generator of electricity in the country. It would set a “nationwide allowance for the average fossil fuel used per unit of energy produced and would also include a schedule of cutting fossil allowances in half over the next twenty years” (213).

Afterwards, each year the allowance for fossil fuel to be used would be less from the year before. The companies would be forced to increase the efficiency of existing generators, close down the least efficient fossil fuel based generators, and try find new fossil generation that more efficient than the standard. Otherwise, they should be prepared to pay fines for noncompliance with the standard.

Most of the population wants to save money and they take for granted that conserving energy could actually benefit them. In order to help push them towards conservation, they should be given tax credits. Not only will they be saving on their monthly bill, but they will also be getting an award for helping preserve their environment. The government won’t have to be sacrificing large amounts of money in tax credits.

Just the fact they are taking action by paying instead of getting paid, it will make a difference with the public. Many people do not understand what is at stake, but if the government is willing to set an example by showing how important this issue is by giving tax credits, it shows that global warming is significant enough to reward those who participate in conservation.

And last but not least, the government must intervene and steadily increase the motor vehicle economy standard. The population is continually growing which means a growth in automobile sales. Cars are one of the main sources of carbon dioxide emissions (89). The government must set a standard that the automobile industry must follow, while at the same time helping them continue the search for other fuels and technologies that can rid of the carbon dioxide emissions.

They should also allow subsidies to be paid to the companies who engage in developing and promoting new energy efficient technologies. If the companies are given subsidies, it gives them an incentive to find alternative ways to build efficient cars. And at the same time, the standard is in effect to be sure that they conform to the rules, otherwise they will be fined.

Alternative Clean Energy

Everyone needs to realize that renewable energy and other clean technologies offer the promise of meeting our energy needs. It reduces the amount of smog, acid rain, and global warming pollution. People don’t realize that over the past few years the cost of using renewable energy had declined by about 60%.

Despite this drop, people are still not using them, only because they are not aware of the alternatives. In the U.S. today, solar and wind energy only account for less than 3% of all electricity used (Sierra Club). Congress has already cut funding for research towards clean energy. Congress needs to get involved again, and create larger funding towards research of renewable, clean energy. The U.S. is living in the 21st century and cannot rely on 19th century fossil fuel technology. The government should help promote safer forms of energy. Hopefully, within years of reintroducing clean energy, people can slowly move away from the past and into the future.

Although the majority of scientist agree that the earth is changing, there are those that believe global warming warnings are highly exaggerated. Many people believe global warming comes second to the economy. The U.S. has agreed to 7% reduction of carbon dioxide. But many people are complaining that this would result in massive restrictions on energy use and large taxpayer-funded subsidies for new technologies.

They need to understand that there needs to be a restriction on energy use. And that at least the tax payers would be paying for something worthwhile, rather than new toilets at the White House. Many are also saying that global warming is likely to help lead to an increase in vegetation. This is false because, the weather is what is effected by global warming. We have already seen the effects of El Nino on farmers last year, and the effects of La Nina this year.

Scientists have predicted that El Nino is only going to get worse with global warming. So, although warmer weather might increase vegetation, the strange weather, year to year, may end up hurting more than helping.

Global warming ought to be a higher priority than what it is now. Many people today take for granted that our electricity actually comes from dirty, heavily polluting, coal fired power plants. Fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gasses account for about 85% of the fuel use in the Unites States.

It is these power plants that let out hundreds of million tons of global warming pollution into our air each year. The pollution contributes to so many problems in our atmosphere, like smog and acid rain. Looking at it from a world point-of-view, fossil fuel power plants produce 60% of all greenhouse gas emissions.

It is producing the electricity that we depend on so much but it is also causing global warming on our planet. There are alternatives out there to replace the fossil fuels. There are clean, renewable energy from the wind and the sun that can offer non-polluting, economical, and durable alternatives for creating electricity. The most important thing that people also need to remember is that they need to use their electricity conservatively, that in itself can do so much. The government needs to set an example for the public to follow.

Question and Answer

1. What are the impacts of Global Warming?

The earth’s climate is predicted to change because human activities are altering the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The heat-trapping property of these gases is undisputed. Although uncertainty exists about exactly how earth’s climate responds to these gases, global temperatures are rising.

Rising global temperatures are expected to raise sea level, and vary precipitation and other local climate conditions. Changing regional climate could alter forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It could also threaten human health, and harm birds, fish, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand into existing range lands, and the character of some of our National Parks may be permanently changed. Unfortunately, many of the likely most important impacts depend upon whether rainfall increases or decrease, which can not be reliably projected for specific areas.

2. What makes global warming such an important issue and why should we devote money to funding the prevention of it?

Global warming is important because it involves the whole population and their future. Many people don’t realize that they are experiencing the effects of global warming now. The recent fads of weather that we have been undergoing, last year’s El Nino and this year’s La Nina are examples of the effects from global warming.

And the future isn’t any brighter. America needs to invest in the future. It is for the good of the United States’ environment, economy, health, and climate to use energy more efficiently to develop clean alternative sources of electricity and to use more efficient methods of transportation. We must begin to look towards a cleaner, healthier future.

3. At this point in time, what actions are being made to prevent global warming?

Today, action is occurring at every level to lessen, to avoid, and to better understand the risks associated with climate change. Many cities and states across the country have prepared greenhouse gas inspections. And they are also starting programs and policies that will result in greenhouse gas emission reductions.

On the national level, the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) coordinates the world’s most extensive research effort on climate change (EPA). In addition, the Clinton Administration is also involving the private sector, states, and the local level in partnerships based on a “win-win philosophy and aimed at addressing the challenge of global warming while, at the same time, strengthening the economy” (EPA).

And on the global level, countries around the world have shown a firm commitment to toughen international responses to the risks of climate change. The U.S. is working to strengthen international action and to widen participation under the protection of the Framework Convention on Climate Change (EPA).

4. What makes your policies to impede global warming any better than other ones?

The actions that I want to take against global warming are any better than other attempts, but they are the ones I believe will work. There are many extremes, some say, get rid of fossil fuels altogether; while another side might say there is no way there is no way to prevent global warming from occurring without repercussions on the economy. I don’t want extremities, because that is not realistic.

The good thing about our government being a democracy is that you don’t swing from one side to another, but instead take things slowly enough so that you can think them through. This is the pattern that I want to follow dealing with global warming. I know it can’t be taken care of in one day, but over a process of time, we can eliminate what is feasible in our hands.

My policies are just another step in the right direction towards preventing global warming. I have researched the actions in the past and have seen what works and what doesn’t. These are the policies I believe can be accomplished within reasonable means. Global warming is not going away, and someone needs to take a stand and make it a priority.

5. So you believe that setting standards on fossil fuels and motor vehicles will make a difference?

That is correct, I’m not saying that drastic changes are the solution, but gradual ones. By setting a standard, it subjects the big companies to certain limitations. Setting standards is only one step of many. If the companies can meet the standards, then each year we can continue to lower the standards until new, cleaner energy-efficient technologies are created.

There are alternative out there, and they just need to be introduced to the public. It is expected that businesses will burn more coal and emit more pollution than ever as they seek to maximize profits. I’m not trying to hinder their profits but just simply drawing a line in the hopes of trying to save our environment.

Rules and laws are created to protect people; by setting standards, I’m just trying to protect the environment and the people in it. As an individual, I am attempting to do my part in the fight against global warming. Global warming is real, and the potential damage in the long run to the world far outweighs any present economical issue. People need to realize we need to deal with it now before it becomes too late to do anything at all.

Why is it so difficult to mitigate the effects of climate change in the current world?Climate change refers to the change in the average weather conditions of a place over a long period of time i.e decades and millions of years. its caused by biotic processes, volcanic eruptions ,variation in the solar light received by the earth , plate tectonics and human activities. climate change and its effects in the recent world has been appoint of controversy whose focus whose focus to reduce continues to increase but to no avail in most of the countries. This paper presents reasons as to why it is difficult to reduce the effects of climate change in the recent world.

First of all Industrialization has made it difficult to control the effects of climate change. This is due to the huge rise in the use fossil fuels in the industrial activities. Only around twelve million tones of fossil fuel were used every year before 1776.after 1776 ,when the industrial area was initiated in America, the use of fossil fuel has been ever rising and today the world burns twelve billion tones of fossil fuel every year. This huge increase I the burning f fossil fuel change the makeup of atmosphere since the industries emit harmful gases like sulfur (iv)oxide which in turn changes the world’s climate .

The scale of emissions is very huge and hence difficult to reduce. The amount of carbon(iv)oxide and other gases that cause global warming into the atmosphere is very large around 36 billion tones per annum. This gases cause global warming in the atmosphere ad this over long time, causes climate change.

The gases also form acid rain which is very harmful to living organisms like plants and even to the soils. Acid rain kills Plants and this over time leads to aridity in an area. I n addition the diversity and dispersion of the emissions makes the problem more challenging. It would be easier to deal with them if the sources were all in one place. However the emissions do not only come from industries, there are also individual sources like transport I .e exhausts from vehicles and cooling homes and offices.

The assets producing emissions are very long-lived hence difficult to mitigate climate change .For instance transport infrastructure i.e the road and rail infrastructure. The level of greenhouse gases from the development and use of transport infrastructure differs significantly between different transport means Emissions from the transport infrastructure comes from their construction, maintenance, operation .This infrastructure lasts for many years and so changing it tends to be long-term process and also very expensive.

There is no cooperation and unity among countries in fighting against climate change .In order to tackle climate change and its effects well ,cooperation among the countries globally is needed .No country can cut its emissions quickly and completely enough to prevent the level of concentration of carbon(IV)oxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from rising to levels which are very dangerous. Most of the leaders of the countries in the current world lack cooperation and this makes it difficult for them to come together and form international policies that will see to it that climate change reduces.

Every country in the modern world minds it economic growth. Therefore there may be a good climate change policy but emissions will still increase rapidly because the country is chasing after its economic development objectives .This is notably especially in most of the developing countries like Kenya which are struggling to contain emissions produced by fossil fuels despite having mitigation policies.

Finally energy is central to modern human life and this makes it challenging to mitigate climate change. Many human activities in the modern world need energy .This is because most activities are mechanized .Therefore most of the work is done by machines which mostly use fossil energy unless for the more developed countries which use nuclear power.

Works cited

• Zhang, David D., et al. “Global climate change, war, and population decline in recent human history.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 104.49 (2007): 19214-19219.basin.” Climatic Change 62.1-3 (2004): 233-256.environment 6.4 (2001): 393-406.
• Change, IPCC Climate. “Mitigation of climate change.” Summary for Policymakers 10.5.4 (2007).
• Betsill, Michele M. “Mitigating climate change in US cities: opportunities and obstacles.” Local Payne,
  Climate Change. Greenhaven P, 2009.
• Jeffrey T., et al. “Mitigating the effects of climate change on the water resources of the Columbia River.

Climate change is a change in the climatic conditions on the Earth. This is caused due to various internal and external factors including solar radiation, variation in the Earth’s orbit, volcanic eruptions, plate tectonics, etc. Climate change, in fact, has become a cause of concern particularly over the last few decades. Change in the pattern of the climate on the Earth has become a global cause of concern. There are many factors that lead to climate change and this change affects the life on the Earth in various different ways.

Long and Short Essays on Climate Change in English

Here are some essay on Climate Change of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your examination. You can select any climate change essay as per your need:

Climate Change Essay 1 (200 words)

Climate change is basically a change in the pattern of the climate that lasts for a few decades to centuries. Various factors lead to the changes in the climatic conditions on the Earth. These factors are also referred to as forcing mechanisms. These mechanisms are either external or internal.

External forcing mechanisms can either be natural such as the variation in the Earth’s orbit, variation in solar radiation, volcanic eruptions, plate tectonics, etc or can be caused due to human activities such as green house gases, carbon emission, etc. Internal forcing mechanisms, on the other hand, are the natural processes that occur within the climate system. These include the ocean- atmosphere variability as well as the presence of life on the earth.

Climate change is having a negative impact on the forests, wildlife, water systems as well as the polar region on the Earth. A number of species of plants and animals have gone extinct due to the changes in the climate on the Earth and several others have been affected adversely.

Human activities such as deforestation, use of land and use of methods that lead to the increase in carbon in the atmosphere have been a major cause of climate change in the recent past. It is important to keep a check on such activities in order to control climatic changes and ensure environmental harmony.

Climate Change Essay 2 (300 words)

As the name suggests, climate change is a change in the climatic conditions on the Earth. Several factors contribute towards this change since centuries. However, the more recent ones that are mainly a result of human activities are having a negative repercussion on the atmosphere.

Researchers continually observe the pattern to understand the past, present as well as the future climatic conditions. A record of the climate has been accumulated and is updated regularly based on the geological evidences to study the changes occurred. These evidences include the records of flora and fauna, glacial and periglacial processes, records of sea levels, borehole temperature profiles and sediment layers among other things.

Here is a closer look at the causes and effects of climate change:

Causes of Climate Change

The factors that contribute towards climate change are:

• Solar Radiation

The energy emitted by the Sun that reaches the Earth and is carried further to different parts of the planet by winds and ocean currents is one of the main reasons for climatic change.

• Human Activities

The new age technology is adding to the emission of carbon on the planet which in turn is having a negative impact on the climate.

Apart from this, the orbital variations, plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions also cause changes in the climate.

Effects of Climate Change

• Impact on Forests and Wildlife

A number of species of plants and animals have gone extinct due to the change in the climatic conditions and many others are on the verge of going extinct. With the mass extinction of trees in certain regions, many forests are also diminishing.

• Impact on Water

Changes in the climatic conditions are also having a negative impact on the water system. It has resulted in the melting of glaciers and erratic rainfall patterns that in turn are leading to environmental imbalance.

It is important to take the climate change issue seriously and control human activities that are contributing towards this change.

Climate Change Essay 3 (400 words)

Climate change is basically a modification in the distribution of the pattern of the average weather conditions on the Earth. When this change lasts for a few decades or centuries, it is referred to as climatic change. Several factors contribute towards change in the climatic conditions. Here is a look at these contributory factors and repercussions of climate change:

Factors Responsible for Climate Change

Here is a look at some of the main factors that cause a change in the climatic conditions on the Earth:

• Solar Radiation

Sun radiates its energy that reaches the Earth and is emitted back in the space. This energy is carried to different parts of the globe by way of winds, ocean currents and other mechanisms, thereby, impacting their climatic conditions.

• Volcanic Eruption

Volcano eruption is quite common on the Earth and this is another reason for the climatic change here. The effect of volcanic eruption on the Earth lasts for a few years.

• Human Activities

Life on the Earth itself contributes to the changes in its climate. The process of carbon emission by humans is one of the reasons that lead to changes in the climate. Emission of carbon due to fossil fuel combustion, burning of industrial wastes and vehicular pollution add to it.

• Orbital Variations

Variation in the Earth’s orbit causes a change in the seasonal distribution of sunlight received on it. This variation results in Milankovitch cycles that impact the climate adversely.

Climate Change Effects

Here is a look at the repercussions of climate change:

• Effect on Forests

Forests serve as home for numerous species of animals and plants and maintain the ecological balance on the Earth. However, changes in the climate have led to extinction of forests in many regions.

• Effect on Water

The water system on the Earth has been disturbed due to climate change. The rainfall pattern has become erratic thereby causing extreme conditions such as drought and flood. It has also caused melting of glaciers.

• Effect on Wildlife

Climatic changes have become a threat for the survival of various wild species. A number of species of wild animals and plants have gone down and many are on the verge of extinction.

Conclusion

Climate change is a global problem. Besides the natural forces, human activities have also contributed majorly to this change. While the natural forces cannot be controlled, human beings must ensure they control the activities that lead to negative impact on the weather in order to maintain harmony on the Earth.

Climate Change Essay 4 (500 words)

Climate change refers to a change in the global climate pattern. Our planet has witnessed changes in the climatic pattern over the centuries. However, the changes that have occurred from the mid to the late 20^th century are more apparent. The level of carbon dioxide has increased exceedingly in the atmosphere and this has led to major change in the climate on the Earth. Besides, there are several natural forces such as solar radiation, variation in the orbit and volcanic eruptions that have been influencing the climatic conditions of the Earth since centuries. Here is a look at the main causes of the changes in the climatic conditions and ways to curb its negative impact.

Climate Change Causes

There are a number of factors that have contributed towards weather change in the past and continue to do so. These include the variations in solar energy received on the Earth, eruption of volcanoes, orbital changes and plate tectonics. Besides, a number of human activities have also led to the changes in the climatic conditions, particularly over the past few decades. The change that has taken place in the recent past is also referred to as outcome of global warming. Let us learn about each of these factors in detail:

1. Solar Radiation

The rate at which Sun’s energy is received and the rate at which it is dispersed in the space decides the equilibrium temperature and climate of our planet. The winds, ocean currents and other mechanisms carry this energy around the globe thereby impacting the climatic conditions of different regions. Long-term as well as short-term changes in solar intensity have an impact on the global climate.

2. Volcanic Eruption

The volcanic eruptions that are known to impact the Earth’s climate are the ones that erupt more than 100,000 tons of SO2 in the stratosphere. Such eruptions occur a number of times in a century and have a cooling effect on the Earth’s atmosphere for the next few years as it partly blocks the transmission of solar radiation to the Earth’s surface.

3. Orbital Variations

Even slight changes in the Earth’s orbit cause modifications in the seasonal distribution of sunlight received on its surface. There are three types of orbital changes – changes in the Earth’s eccentricity, precession of The Earth’s axis and modification in the tilt angle of the Earth’s axis of rotation. Together these three lead to Milankovitch cycles that have a huge effect on the climate.

4. Plate Tectonics

The motion of tectonic plates reconfigures the land and oceans on the Earth and generates topography over a period of millions of years. This, in turn, leads to a change in the global climatic conditions.

Conclusion

The climatic conditions are degrading by the day. While the negative impact on the climate caused by the natural factors discussed above cannot be controlled, the human influences (that have contributed to a major change in the climate lately) on the same can be curbed. Human activities that lead to air, land and water pollution and in turn impact the weather negatively must be restricted. Each of us should contribute his bit to control this global issue.

Climate Change Essay 5 (600 words)

Climate change, as the name suggests, is a change in the climatic conditions on the Earth. There is a frequent variation in the weather however climate change is known to occur only if these variations last from a few decades to centuries. There are a number of factors that lead to a change in the climate. Here is a detailed look at these factors:

Causes of Climate Change

Climate change is caused due to various external and internal mechanisms. Let us learn about these in detail:

External Forcing Mechanisms

1. Volcanic Eruption

Volcanic eruptions that emanate more than 100,000 tons of SO2 in the stratosphere are known to bring about climatic changes on The Earth. These eruptions cool down the Earth’s atmosphere for a couple of years as they bar the transmission of solar radiation to the Earth’s surface to some extent.

2. Solar Output

The rate at which the Earth receives energy from the Sun and the rate at which the energy is emitted back in the space determine the climate and equilibrium temperature on the Earth. Changes in the solar output thus impact the global climate.

3. Plate Tectonics

The motion of tectonic plates generates topography by reconfiguring the land and oceans over a period of millions of years. This impacts the climatic conditions globally.

4. Orbital Variations

Changes in the Earth’s orbit lead to changes in seasonal distribution of sunlight received on it. Orbital changes are of three types. These include changes in the Earth’s eccentricity, changes in the tilt angle of the Earth’s axis of rotation and precession of the Earth’s axis. These cause Milankovitch cycles that have a huge impact on the climate.

5. Human Activities

The increasing emission of CO2 due to fossil fuel combustion, vehicular pollution, deforestation, animal agriculture and land use are some of the human activities that are causing climate change.

Internal Forcing Mechanisms

1. Life

Life impacts climate by playing a role in carbon emission and water cycles. It also impacts the climatic conditions by way of mechanisms such as cloud formation, weathering and evapotranspiration among others.

2. Ocean-Atmosphere Variability

Together, the atmosphere and ocean bring about changes in the internal climate. These changes can stay from a few years to a few decades and impact the global surface temperature.

Effects of Climate Change

Climate change is having negative repercussions on the Earth’s environment. Here is a look at its effects:

1. Effect on Forests

Forests are important to maintain the environmental balance as they soak carbon dioxide. However, several species of trees are unable to withstand the changing climate and have become extinct. Mass extinction of trees and plants has led to decrease in the level of biodiversity which is bad for the environment.

2. Effect on Polar Region

The north and south poles of our planet are critical for regulating its climate and these are particularly impacted due to the changing climatic conditions. If the changes continue like this, it is anticipated that the life in polar region may go extinct in the times to come.

3. Effect on Water

Climate change has led to some serious issues in the water systems across the globe. The rainfall patterns have become extreme due to the changing weather conditions and this causes flood and drought conditions in different parts. The melting of glaciers due to the rise in temperature is another major issue.

4. Effect on Wildlife

The number of various wild animals including tigers, African elephants, Asian rhinos, Adelie penguins and polar bears has gone down and most of these species are on the verge of getting extinct as they cannot cope up with the changing weather.

Conclusion

The changes in the climate are having a negative impact on the environment. As per researchers, human activities have contributed majorly to this change during the last few decades. In order to control climate change and maintain a healthy environment on the earth, human influences on the same need to be controlled.

Australia’s multicultural attitude respects all cultures and races. Australia’s government is amazing because it was federated and democratic. Its climate varies throughout Australia because of its size.

Australia is a truly fascinating continent/country/island. Its uniqueness is due to its flora with its many different plants. Its fauna and its many creatures only found in Australia. Australia’s lifestyle is also sought after because it can’t be found anywhere else. Also it landscape is almost unpredictable and also classifies Australia as a continent, country, and island. Its final asset is its development and technology, since Australia is a major contributor to medical studies and are leaders in sports technology. Now that you know briefly why Australia is unique, the rest of this report will elaborate further on them.

Australia has a unique climate. It sits in many climate zones because of its large size. These zones include tropical, sub-tropical, temperate, and sub-temperate. Most of Australia has four seasons, summer, autumn, winter, and spring, in other places it is two seasons and they are the wet and dry seasons. From blistering hot temperatures in Darwin to below zero temperatures in Hobart, Australia’s climate is one of many things that make Australia unique.

Next in line is Australia’s landscape. Australia has many different terrains from forests to deserts and this is also because of its large size. The edge of Australia is mostly green except for the western coast; the rest of Australia is mainly dry and arid. Australia’s shape, size, and location also make it a continent, country, and also an island.

The flora in Australia is truly amazing. Australia has a wide range of flora, like bottle brushes, waratahs, and eucalyptus trees. All the plants mentioned are unique to Australia, with many more that haven’t been mentioned. These plants are also important to Australia’s fauna for habitat and food. These plants also make Australia a colourful and beautiful place.

As mentioned in the above paragraph, Australian fauna is important to Australia. The creatures unique to Australia are the kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, emus, koalas, kookaburras, etc. If u look on the Australian emblem u should see two animals unique to Australia, the emu and the kangaroo.

Australian lifestyle is well sought after. It is sought after because of the easy going, laid back nature of all Australians. Everyone seems to be happy and enjoying life while in America everyone is stressed and working very hard. The Australian lifestyle also involves the great outdoors. The dominant male is at the BBQ cooking shrimp and steak holding a VB while a game of cricket is going on in the background. These points make the Australian lifestyle favourable.

The reason the Australian lifestyle is as it is now is because of its government. Australia originally had 6 colonies until it was federated in 1900. Since then Australia has improved and has learnt from past mistakes. The Australian government makes sure that all cultures and races are accepted as equals, which makes it a multicultural government.

This brings us to the next point, multiculturalism. Australia is unique because it is one of the few countries where all cultures and races are respected for who they are and treated as equals. This makes Australia an ideal country to travel to for non-white people because it guarantees that they would be treated fairly while in this country.

Australia is pretty significant when it comes to development and technology. Australia are major contributors to medical research especially in the cancer research section. Australians are also leaders in sports technology, mainly to do with rugby, cricket, and AFL. This makes Australia ideal for people interested in sports and cancer research.

The following reasons above make me strongly believe that Australia is a unique country. To live in this amazing country is a privilege and should be respected because of it is a one of a kind country, and is confirmed in the above paragraphs.

In the last few years there has been a lot of attention given to the problem of climate change. Usually we only hear vague ideas about how the Earth is heating up, how we are all going to die and that we are to blame. However climate change is a natural process that experts have said has been sped up by human activity, for example, industrial activities, vehicles and machines producing gases like carbon dioxide and methane. These gases are damaging because of how the Sun’s rays heat up the Earth.

The rays from the Sun enter the atmosphere, hitting the Earth’s surface with most being reflected back without heating up the Earth at all. The ones that are absorbed by the sea and the ground are reflected back as infrared rays therefore heating up the Earth. However as more CO2 and other “greenhouse gases” are pumped into the atmosphere, fewer and fewer of the Sun’s rays are reflected away, hence the rising temperatures.

Although there is debate over the largest contributor to the climate change problem that is not my focus for this essay. In this essay I intend to show how climate change would affect the world’s water; that is to say 70% of the Earth’s surface.

The most talked about point in the media about the on water is the sea level. This is because as the Earth heats up the seas and oceans will absorb a lot of the heat causing the water molecules to expand and the sea level to rise.

Another possible factor that contributes to the rising sea levels is the melting of the glaciers, ice shelves and ice sheets and this has another effect. As there is less and less ice to reflect back the sun’s rays as ice reflects back 90% of the light that hits it while water absorbs the same percentage, this speeds up the warming of the earth even more and as more and more ice melts the problem worsens.

There are many inter-linking consequences to the rising sea levels and of global warming. Droughts, floods and even the danger of the Gulf Stream, the warm water current that heats up our region, shutting down. The idea of flooding because of rising sea levels is self-explanatory. As there is more water, rivers, lakes and streams could break their banks and flood.

The possibility of the Gulf Stream shutting down is more complicated and will have a much more lasting effect. The Gulf Stream works through a mixture of wind, water salinity and temperature, the shape of the ocean floor and the Earth’s rotation. As temperatures continue to fall and more sea ice melts, this adds more fresh water to the Atlantic, reducing the salinity of the water. As there is less dense and less salty water, the Gulf Stream slows down. As it does slow down and weaken it will become more and more unstable and more likely to shut down altogether, lowering temperatures in our region by up to 9oC.

Fortunately there are things we can do to help the climate change problem. Saving energy lowers the amount of fossil fuels that are needed to produce that energy and the less coal, oil and gas being burned in power plants, the lower the emissions of carbon dioxide. Saving energy can be a simple matter, such as switching off lights when you leave a room, having showers instead of baths, and turning down central heating systems, even 1oC can save up to 10% on energy bills. One of the most effective ways of helping is properly insulating your home as this reduces the energy needed to heat your home.

The second most important greenhouse gas, methane is produced by landfill waste, which comprises 90% of the UK’s sixteen million tonnes of waste each year. If we recycle more and more of this waste then there is less need to mine for raw materials and less methane being produced as there is less landfill waste.

Two hundred years ago, if we produced the same amount of carbon dioxide as we did now, it probably would not have had any major effect, as there was not the same level as deforestation. The reason this would have made a difference is because trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.

Although the effects of climate change won’t be felt for years, we owe it to the future generations to save, if not our planet, our way of life.

Most of the population can be found in the north-west part where the biggest cities are – Moscow and SST. Petersburg. Other parts of Russia are less developed with high unemployment rates and poverty. Because of its location Russian culture is influenced by Europe from one side and Asia from another and it creates a sort of misunderstanding between people who live In different regions. Russia Is rich with natural resources especially gas and Is able to play almost a monopolistic role exporting these resources.

However whenever I travel around Russia I see that many wings are not brought for tourists consumption and many areas require improvement. Let’s take Aural Mountains for example – a massive area with beautiful mountains that could be perfect for winter sports. But it is embarrassing to bring foreign tourists there because the quality of service leaves much to be desired. The main money capital is centered in Moscow and SST. Petersburg so the other parts of Russia have to suffer. 2. How did climate and physical geographic features spur Russian’s imperial expansion? To start with, Russia had a huge territory from the 10th century.

Century wrought century It was expanding its territory In order to get the access to waters, warmer climate lands and gain more natural resources. As the climate was quite harsh, people were conquering and gaining lands with better climate. Secondly, the surrounding countries and lands felt dependent on Russian resources and some of them preferred to unite their lands with Russia. Therefore the population was growing rapidly. 3. Why is fur far more than an indulgence in Russia? What role did the fur trade play in the expansion of Russia? Nowadays, Russian fur market is one of the largest in the world.

From the past times hunting animals for food and fur has been a great contribution to Russian’s economy that helped in development and country expansion. Many types of animals which fur Is valued live In the Russian forests and their number Is quite large, that allows hunting them without major disturbances of nature. Fur trade was one of the popular activities In Russia now and then. 4. How did the establishment of the Soviet bloc lad development of the Soviet union following World War II? Discuss with regard to technical optimization, had a land border with Afghanistan, Hungary, Iran, China, DEEP, Mongolia, Norway,

Poland, Romania, Turkey, Finland, Czechoslovakia and the only sea border with the U. S. A. , Sweden and Japan. The Soviet Union, along with the United States was a strong empire. The Soviet Union dominated the world system of socialism, as well as was a permanent member of UN Security Council. After the victory in the war was carried out denationalization of the Soviet economy and its recovery in areas affected by the occupation. By 1950 industrial production increased by 73% compared to the pre-war period. Agriculture recovered more slowly, with great difficulties, mistakes and miscalculations.

However in 1947 the food situation has stabilized, were canceled cards for food and industrial goods, a monetary reform helped to stabilize the financial situation. 5. What factors led to the breakup of the Soviet empire? The following factors played the key role for the breakup of Soviet Union: International arguments between countries about the different cultures that are under intro of Soviet Union; Restrictions introduced by the government for mass media and West influence; Being behind the west empires in development – the level of life was very low, deficit of everything; Economic reform failure;

Oil prices decrease; All the decisions were taken in Moscow only – other parts were not satisfied with that; Wars like Afghanistan and Cold war were destroying economy; Was hard to lead such a big in territory country; “Perestroika” program of Geographer; Boris Elgin brought democracy program and it became popular within a short period of time. 6. In 1986, what happened at Coherency? Today, what policy does the Russian Federation have regarding the storage of nuclear waste? On April 26, 1986 the destruction happened of the Fourth energy unit of Coherency nuclear power plant, hat located on the territory of the Ukrainian USSR (now – Ukraine).

It includes the classification system of nuclear materials and the distribution of duties – who from the government is in charge of what. As any law it includes the punishments and penalties system for breaking any of the published rules. 7. Discuss the environmental degradation of Lake Basal and the Oral Sea. Lake Basal in Russia and Oral Sea in Astrakhan were once the cleanliest water objects in are aware of the environmental crisis, claim that nowadays these two objects are totally different as they were in the past times.

Let’s start with Basal – the problem as that many programs established by government in order to preserve its cleanliness were not brought into life. Therefore the problem of Basil’s pollution was not resolved and the level of cleanliness was rapidly dropping. Oral Sea had a sadder fate. The level of its water dropped due to the pollution and the sea separated into two isolated reservoirs of water – North and South. Both countries were unable to take care of these natural resources which lead to degradation of environment in the mentioned areas. 8. During the Soviet era, the human population of Siberian tundra and taiga rose hardly.

Currently people are leaving the area. Discuss migration in and out of Siberia with regard to natural resource development, industrialization, forced labor, military strategy, and free market forces In Russia there is a strong tendency of people to migrate from east to west or south, because the level of life is higher in those regions. People are setting up near the big megalopolises. It is because they are searching for better Jobs, for education, for recognition and self-development. Therefore the areas they leave become less populated and less developed.

It influences the agriculture and production of goods of Russia, as many territories are left unused and the economy bases on different sources of income. The trade is on high level – migrants try to take as many belongings as they can so they trade the goods they collected through a long period of time, animals are traded as well for food and fur. 9. Ethnic diversity in Central Asia contributed to the breakup of the Soviet Union. How have national identities been asserted in the decade since the Central Asian Republics became independent countries? What cultural factors serve to unify or separate the states in this region?

After the breakup of Soviet Union in 1991 many countries of Central Asia that separated have been placed in hard times of crisis and political and economic instabilities. As well as Russia, they were developing with the use of their own resources and skills. Some of them were influenced by the USA in order to get some material help. The cultural factors that served to unify or separate the states are based on cultural differences, disagreement in accepting other cultural traditions and religions. Some regions were not satisfied with the government and were trying to separate and establish their own ones.

All places on earth have weather. Weather can be wonderful or it can be terrible. Sometimes it benefits human activities whereas other times it is destructive. Weather has different components which involve precipitation and climate. Both these parts affect human life on earth. They determine what we can do and when we can do it. Canada is a little different from most countries. Canada has two dramatically different seasons in regard to temperature, weather and activities. Summer is a wonderful season with great temperatures and fine weather that allows or many fun events.

High temperatures are caused by direct sunlight as the earth tilts in a direct line with the sun. The only difficulty is we have a certain amount of rain, fog and even hail. Both summer and winter have quite a bit of difficult precipitation. Most people enjoy the great variety of weather brought about by temperature differences and different weather conditions. Although people in Canada generally like to do outdoor sports in all seasons, including winter, we particularly enjoy being active in summer. Many people like to go Into nature In order to hike, swim, picnic and participate In outdoor sports.

This Is the favorite season of most people; however, It Is not the season for which Canada Is known. Winter Is a very cold time In Canada with harsh weather that forces many people Indoors while a few practice winter sports. Low temperatures are caused by the oblique angle of the earth In relation to the sun. Like In summer, there are different kinds of precipitation that can be difficult to endure. These Include snow, Ice storms and freezing rain with very sharp, cold winds. It can be beautiful when the sun Hines on the freshly fallen snow and Ice glistens In the trees.

Many people hide Inside and do only Indoor activities. Others take winter vacations In the southern United States or the Caribbean. Some Canadians, however, Like to get outside to ski, snowboard, skate, snow-shoe and drive snowmobiles. Summer and winter are very different In most respects. They have opposite temperatures. The proclamation In winter Is harder to get used to. Along with the cold temperatures, the bad weather forces most people Indoors. For this reason, the majority of people can’t Walt for spring to come each year.

With spring comes mummer, and the return to life outside with all the fun satellites that people of all ages love to participate In. A few brave souls prefer winter, Its stark beauty and the exciting sports that belong to the mountains and frozen surfaces of lakes and arenas. Overall, few Canadians would Like to do without four separate seasons however difficult It can be at times. By Nick_ho particularly enjoy being active in summer. Many people like to go into nature in order to hike, swim, picnic and participate in outdoor sports. This is the favorite season of most people; however, it is not the season for which Canada is known.

Winter is a very cold time in Canada with harsh weather that forces many people indoors while a few practice winter sports. Low temperatures are caused by the oblique angle of the earth in relation to the sun. Like in summer, there are different kinds of precipitation that can be difficult to endure. These include snow, ice storms shines on the freshly fallen snow and ice glistens in the trees. Many people hide inside and do only indoor activities. Others take winter vacations in the southern United States or the Caribbean. Some Canadians, however, like to get outside to ski,

Summer and winter are very different in most respects. They have opposite temperatures. The precipitation in winter is harder to get used to. Along with the cold temperatures, the bad weather forces most people indoors. For this reason, the majority of people can’t wait for spring to come each year. With spring comes summer, and the return to life outside with all the fun activities that people of all ages love to participate in. A few brave souls prefer winter, its stark beauty and the Overall, few Canadians would like to do without four separate seasons however difficult it can be at times.