Global Warming: Problems and Solutions
Global warming is defined as “a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth 's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants.” by the Oxford Dictionary. This means that due to the effects of pollutants in the atmosphere the temperature of the earth is rising in a process called the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is what happens when solar radiation (light, infrared and ultraviolet) pass through the clear atmosphere. Some of this energy is reflected back into space while the rest of the energy from the radiation is absorbed by the earth and warms it. Infrared radiation is then re-emitted by the earth …show more content…
A straightforward and extremely effective solution to this issue specifically caused by CO₂ is to minimise long-distance travel. Transportation is the second leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. While transportation is a vital part of every day lives, it can be minimised and improved greatly. Transportation, most notably airplane flights, emits greenhouses gases in the process of combustion. They are not only a danger currently but are one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions and a source that potentially releases these emissions in the worst possible spot (higher in the atmosphere, thus more likely to absorb radiation). The reason specifically airplane flights are such a major problem is because there is no beneficial alternative. To cut down on the amount of flights, commercial shipping should be through train or ship and only critical, long-distance trips should require airplanes. While this is possible, it is very unlikely as travel is a very large part of the world both socially and economically. It is very important in communication around the world as well. For this reason, while cutting down airplane flights would be very beneficial to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, it is …show more content…
Inefficient fertilisation (involving nitrogen) can lead to unwanted N₂O emissions. Simply fertilising crops with the precise amount of nitrogen can reduce such harmful gas emissions. While small changes may not seem like they can solve the problem of global warming, it is important to be aware of the fact that small changes have also caused global warming. For example, cows, which release between 70 and 120 kg of methane per year are very dangerous to the climate as the negative effect on the climate of methane is 23 times higher than the effect of CO₂. Therefore the release of about 100 kg methane per year for each cow is equivalent to about 2 '300 kg CO₂ per year for each cow. This is due to disorganised feeding processes. What is needed to solve this problem is organised feeding processes including a higher pasture quality and monitored, organised breeding (which will result in increased productivity, thus less CH₄
Global warming is defined as “a gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth 's atmosphere generally attributed to the greenhouse effect caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants.” by the Oxford Dictionary. This means that due to the effects of pollutants in the atmosphere the temperature of the earth is rising in a process called the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is what happens when solar radiation (light, infrared and ultraviolet) pass through the clear atmosphere. Some of this energy is reflected back into space while the rest of the energy from the radiation is absorbed by the earth and warms it. Infrared radiation is then re-emitted by the earth …show more content…
A straightforward and extremely effective solution to this issue specifically caused by CO₂ is to minimise long-distance travel. Transportation is the second leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. While transportation is a vital part of every day lives, it can be minimised and improved greatly. Transportation, most notably airplane flights, emits greenhouses gases in the process of combustion. They are not only a danger currently but are one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions and a source that potentially releases these emissions in the worst possible spot (higher in the atmosphere, thus more likely to absorb radiation). The reason specifically airplane flights are such a major problem is because there is no beneficial alternative. To cut down on the amount of flights, commercial shipping should be through train or ship and only critical, long-distance trips should require airplanes. While this is possible, it is very unlikely as travel is a very large part of the world both socially and economically. It is very important in communication around the world as well. For this reason, while cutting down airplane flights would be very beneficial to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, it is …show more content…
Inefficient fertilisation (involving nitrogen) can lead to unwanted N₂O emissions. Simply fertilising crops with the precise amount of nitrogen can reduce such harmful gas emissions. While small changes may not seem like they can solve the problem of global warming, it is important to be aware of the fact that small changes have also caused global warming. For example, cows, which release between 70 and 120 kg of methane per year are very dangerous to the climate as the negative effect on the climate of methane is 23 times higher than the effect of CO₂. Therefore the release of about 100 kg methane per year for each cow is equivalent to about 2 '300 kg CO₂ per year for each cow. This is due to disorganised feeding processes. What is needed to solve this problem is organised feeding processes including a higher pasture quality and monitored, organised breeding (which will result in increased productivity, thus less CH₄