Global Warming Crisis

4-22-08

Research & Analysis—Professor Thompson

Globalization Research: Climate Change

Rough Draft

 

Updated Facts Regarding Climate Change and its Relevance to Life on Earth
 

The Global Warming Crisis

In the past decade, global warming has been a controversial issue as scientists counter and present data that supports or refutes the earths rising temperatures. In February 2007, the IPCC presented information to the UN that confirmed the claims: the earth’s temperatures are rising, and human’s are to blame. According to the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in 2007, climate change ranks among the top three priorities facing our world today. “If we don’t fix it, nothing else matters.” (World Economic Forum; World Economic Forum Annual Report 2005/2006).

Recent Developments

In 1988, Richard Hansen testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and stated that there is virtually no uncertainty that the greenhouse effect is causing global warming (Long). Since then, the public has been listening intently to the evidence brought to the table by research organizations from around the world who do their best to explain the recent phenomenon of global warming. Because the implications decide the fate of our future, international governments have been working together to identify the factors contributing to the rise in global temperatures in hopes of finding a solution.

The History of Climate Change

While the effects of climate change have been felt more recently, scientists have been predicting the possibility of such an event since the 1800’s. As man’s understanding of the world evolves scientists continue to examine impacts of technological advancements in order to gain insight into the future in hopes of curtailing any possible negative consequences.

Earth’s Atmosphere & the Greenhouse effect

The Earth’s atmosphere is composed of roughly 78% nitrogen and 20% oxygen. Other molecules such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone account for the remaining 2% (Pidwirny, “Atmospheric Composition”). The gases represented in the 2% are known as greenhouse gasses because of their ability to reflect and absorb thermal radiation reflected from the earth by solar radiation that passes unimpeded through the earth’s atmosphere. Even slight increases in carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide allow the atmosphere hold more water vapor, which greatly contributes to the greenhouse effect. The effect produced by these gasses allows the earth to remain at the fairly constant temperature for life to flourish (Long). Without them, Earth’s temperature would drop roughly 59 degrees Fahrenheit, making it impossible for any life to thrive (Long). However, if these greenhouse gasses are too heavily concentrated, the Earth would suffer from what is known as the “runaway greenhouse effect” and continue to trap heat that would cause scalding temperatures unable to sustain life (Long). Despite their low concentrations, these gasses play a significant role allowing life to thrive on earth.

Jean Baptiste & Svante August Arrhenius

In 1824, French scientist Jean- Baptiste- Joseph Fourier established our basic understanding of the greenhouse effect. He proposed the idea that the atmospheric gasses surrounding the earth act as a “giant glass dome”, allowing solar radiation to be trapped as thermal heat (Long). This theory paved the way for Svante August Arrhenius who, in 1896, hypothesized that burning fossil fuels causes an influx of black carbon and carbon dioxide which, consequently, would result in the earth’s temperature to rise several degrees (Cooper, “Global Warming”). Thinking this warming would ultimately benefit humanity by providing more pleasing temperatures, he speculated it would take 3,000 years to double the earth’s carbon dioxide concentration levels that would cause a temperature increase of 7.2 to 10.8 degrees Fahrenheit (Long; Cooper, “Global Warming”).

Industrial Revolution/ Automobiles and Petroleum (CO2)

The dawn of the industrial revolution sparked the beginning of the massive burning of fossil fuels. The 18^th century marked the transition from wood to coal to oil as mechanical advancements such as the steam engine and later the automobile took root into mainstream industry and society (Long). Railroad empires were eventually followed by the mass production of automobiles, led by Henry Ford’s model-T in 1908. Together these advancements propelled the world’s usage of fossil fuels to unprecedented levels. Prior to the 19^th century industrial revolution, the world’s carbon dioxide concentration remained around 280 molecules for every million air molecules (parts per million or ppm), fluctuating between 180 and 300 ppm the past few hundred thousand years (Sales). In the 1950’s, a little more than a century later, carbon dioxide levels rose to 315 ppm and continued to rise to 370 ppm by the year 2000 (Flannery).

Current Evidence

Although the idea of global warming arose more than a century ago with Arrhenius, it would take modern technological advancements and years of empirical data before any viable evidence for global warming was recognized. One of the first published findings of global warming was by Guy Callendar in 1938 (Long). Using data from over 200 weather stations around the world, he found that the earth had undergone a rise in temperature of 1 degree Fahrenheit, which he attributed to the burning of fossil fuels. In 1958, U.S. Chemist Charles Keeling began measuring the carbon dioxide concentrations atop Mt. Mauna Loa, Hawaii. He found a continually rising trend in CO₂ levels that increased from 315 to the year 2000 levels of 370 ppm, which he unequivocally linked to the burning of fossil fuels (Flannery). Scientists Roger Revelle and Hans Suess, also scientists in the 1950’s, studied the oceans role in the carbon cycle. They found that the rising levels of carbon dioxide were not being sufficiently offset by the oceans uptake of carbon dioxide, which could possibly lead to a rise in the Earth’s temperature (Long).

Advances in Computer Models & Data Research

A breakthrough in understanding the Earth’s climate came in 1948 when a group of scientists revolutionized computerized weather predictions that would lead to the development of general circulation models (GCMs) (Long). GCMs finally allowed scientists to study the behavior of the earth’s atmosphere as it interacts with significant factors like the ocean. Although greater insight was gained with this breakthrough, scientists found that the earth’s atmospheric dynamics are too complex to be accurately predicted. Improvements to the GCMs by the U.S. federal governments Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) would later provide more persuasive predictions for the global warming trend (Long).

Other advancements in satellites and super computers which further supported Arrhenius’ theory of global warming would lead to global concern and the formation of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC) in the 1980s. The IPCC provides the justification needed to take action against global warming. The panel is composed of scientists from around the world who work together to find evidence for or against global warming and attempt to accurately assess man’s part in recent climate changes (Cooper, “Global Warming”). The IPCC’s research found that global climate temperatures in the past century have increased between 1 and 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit (Sales). Their findings have been confirmed by other research institutions around the world, most notably the Geneva-based World Meteorological Organization (Cooper, “Global Warming Treaty”). A recent report in February 2007 found that 11 of the 12 warmest years on record have occurred in the past 12 years and 19 of the warmest 20 have occurred since 1980 (Sales; Pearce).

Changes in Weather: El Nino/Nina

Scientists and researchers adamantly believe that the effects of global warming impact every living organism on earth. Because the greenhouse effect plays such a huge role maintaining temperatures needed for life, even small variations mount up to huge impacts. Prior to 1955 the Pacific Ocean would frequently drop below 66.5 degrees Fahrenheit. These base temperatures rose some twenty years later as researchers discovered that temperatures rarely drop below 77 degrees Fahrenheit (Flannery 84). These ocean temperature imbalances have resulted in catastrophic irregular weather patterns due to their influence on the atmospheric regulation. The El Nino and La Nina, two great natural Pacific currents whose effects are so large that they resonate round the world, are responsible for planet warming and cooling. In the 1990’s the La Nina and El Nino cycles provided the first visible example of global warming’s climatic impact by producing some of the most disruptive weather the world had ever seen (Flannery 84-87). Their impacts in 1998 would cause global climate temperatures to swell .5°F, permanently changing Pacific water temperatures and redirecting the Gulf Stream forever.

Effects on Ocean Ecosystems

The impacts of these temperatures changes can be seen in every corner of the Earth. Scientists have found that rising temperatures severely affect oceanic life by making minor ocean temperature fluctuations fatal for animals adapted to live in frigid ocean depths (Flannery 185). Due to warmer water, coral reefs around the world have experienced a phenomenon known as ‘coral bleaching’, which has jeopardized millions of aquatic species (Flannery) . A study released by the web journal Public Library of Science Biology on May 8, 2007 revealed that an estimated 25 percent of the worlds’ reefs have already been destroyed and another 30 percent were in similar danger within the next 20 years (“Global Environment: Cost of Halting Climate Change Assessed; Other Developments”). Massive destruction was also seen in 1998, at Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, when scientists recorded that 42 percent of coral had been damaged and 18 percent was permanently damaged. During the warm El Nino cycles in 2002, the Great Barrier Reef experienced a severe bleaching that killed 90 percent of its inshore reef forming coral, affecting 60 percent of the total reef (Flannery). Scientists expect that bleaching will lead to the annihilation of the world’s reefs as coral dies and crumbles, shattering entire underwater ecosystems that contain much of the oceans biodiversity.

Effects on Land Ecosystems

For life on land, the situation is similar. Millions of creatures and vegetation which have adapted to live in specific climates have suffered severe downsizing and relocation as they migrate to cooler temperatures (Flannery 172-177; Pearce). Whole forests are disappearing due to climate change, and the wildlife they contain is dying with them. Rainforests like those in the Amazon are seeing its proportion of vital vegetation change as CO2 acts in favor of faster growing species and overcrowds the slower growing species, throwing the whole ecosystem our of balance (Flannery 92) . Additionally, the migratory patterns of birds and butterflies have changed like never before. Reptiles and amphibians that are dependent on proper temperatures to lay eggs that hatch either male or female have seen ‘biased sex-ratios’ that can lead to dire consequences like extinction (Flannery 90). Countless other studies illustrate the devastating effects of rising CO2 levels and increasing temperatures in every corner of the world.

Ice & the Arctic

Even more chilling are the reported changes in the glaciers and the artic landscape. Satellite data has shown that the arctic ice caps have melted 2.7% every ten years since 1979 (Sales). A study by NASA confirmed this when they reported that Greenland was losing one meter of ice per year as of 2001 only to find that figure jump to ten meters a year in 2004 (Poltorak). In Antarctica, while snowfall has remained fairly consistent over the years, glacier melting has seen a whopping 75% increase since 1996 (Poltorak). Overall 20% of Antarctica has disappeared since 1976 (Flannery 97). In addition to the negative consequences this is having to native fauna, such as a 50 percent reduction to the emperor penguin and giant slashes to caribou and polar bear populations, melting ice has invariably meant rising sea levels (Flannery 98, 146). The past decade alone has seen doubling to the rate of sea rising from 1.5 to 3 mm a year (Flannery 145) .

Causes

Scientists know without a doubt that global temperatures have changed rapidly in the past 150 years. Because the earth’s atmosphere is so complex and can function under incredible variables, scientists have been debating the exact cause of global warming. Climatic changes can occur externally through extraterrestrial systems or it can be internally induced by atmosphere, ocean, or land variables (Pidwirny, “Causes of Climate Change”). Many scientists point to man as the sole contributor while others insist that man plays a miniscule part in a much larger trend.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

Climate change is not a new phenomenon. Large scale climate changes have occurred throughout the earth’s history, resulting in periodic ice ages and heat waves. Variations in the suns radiation output due to solar flares, changes in the sun’s magnetic field, or even the earth’s orbital characteristics are common and result in long periods of worldwide climate change.

Variations in: Solar Output , Earth’s Orbital Characteristics

Until recently, scientists thought variations in the sun’s radiation changed by small fractions of a percent over the span of many years, but in the 1980s and 1990s new findings emerged. By quipping satellites with radiometers, scientists measured an astonishing .1 percent decline in solar energy reaching the Earth in just 18 months (Pidwirny, “Causes of Climate Change”). They estimate that a 1 percent change in solar output per century would cause the Earth’s temperature to fluctuate .9 to 1.8°F. Earth’s climate also changes due to variations in its orbital characteristics. The Mikankivitch Theory describes normal changes in the Earth’s three orbital characteristics which influence the amount of the sun’s radiation earth receives (Pidwirny, “Causes of Climate Change”). These two factors have been a contingent point of controversy for scientists trying to explain recent climate changes as a natural trend.

Volcanic eruptions

The most significant factors for climate change are the levels of greenhouse gases and other atmospheric molecules. The climatic effects of large volcanic eruptions have been a key interest of scientific studies that hope to understand climate change. Aerosols such as Sulfur dioxide that spewed into the atmosphere from volcanoes cause the reflection or diffusion solar radiation resulting in climate change (Pidwirny, “Atmospheric Composition”; Wolfe). While some studies show eruptions causing temporary decreases in climate temperature, others point to an overall warming effect as winters see higher temperatures (Climate Change 2007 39; Wolfe).

Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

The most significant greenhouse gas involving global temperatures is CO2. Photoautotrophs, like plant and algae, play a vital role in what is known as the carbon cycle, converting carbon dioxide into organic matter. Providing 98% of the world’s oxygen, these living organisms act as a carbon sink as they absorb CO2, storing it underground, and release oxygen (O2) (Smith; Kimball). By regulating the CO2 concentrations, their photosynthesis is solely responsible for maintaining the chemistry of the atmosphere needed to sustain life (Smith). Without them, Earth would see mounting CO2 levels which would lead to the ‘runaway greenhouse effect’, resulting in an atmosphere comparable to Venus whose atmosphere consists of 96 percent CO2, causing temperatures to exceed 860°F (Long 6).

Man Made Causes

In 2007, IPCC released their fourth climate change assessment report to the U.N., stating that evidence for global warming is ‘unequivocal’ and that there is a 99% likelihood that anthropogenic activities are the cause (Climate Change 2007 38-41). According to the report, the rise in anthropogenic greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and halocarbons (a group of gases containing fluorine, chlorine and bromine) are the primary cause of global warming (Climate Change 2007).

Population & Advancement

Since the start of the 20^th century till present, man’s population has increased exponentially from 1.6 to 6.7 billion (Department of Economic and Social Affairs 9; Cooper, “Population and the Environment”). Two hundred years ago economists such as Thomas Matlthus had predicted the possibility of man depleting necessary resources and damaging the environment (Cooper, “Population and the Environment”). According to a report by the U.N. Environmental Outlook Program (UNEP), the world’s population skyrocketed 37% in the past twenty years (“Global Environment: Climate Change Effects on Poor Reported; Other Development”). However, as man’s population increased, so did his advancements. The 18^th century Industrial Revolution modernized world industry forever, while the 19^th century green revolution revamped agricultural productivity. Unfortunately, these two major events also upset greenhouse gas concentration which, until 1750, had remained in relative balance. The IPCC reported that the anthropogenic emissions from fossil fuels increased 80% between 1970 and 2004 (Climate Change 2007 36). In addition to the massive burning of fossil fuels, the improvement of agricultural methods led to the use fertilizers containing nitrous oxide which, although far less prevalent than CO2, is 270 times more efficient at trapping heat (Flannery 31). The development of modern industrial chemistry introduced a mountain of devastating chemicals into the atmosphere called halocarbons. The ozone (O3) is a fragile layer of molecules in the upper atmosphere that protects the life from harmful UV rays. Without this layer, the suns radiation would damage DNA, preventing any life from surviving (Flannery 213-214). Their potency is so great that a single fluorocarbon atom causes the destruction of 100,000 ozone molecules (Flannery 214). The ozone hole that began forming in the 1970s as a result of these corrosive halocarbons would eventually prompt the world’s first global environment initiative known as the Montreal Protocol (“Update: Clean Air Act”).

Deforestation

Recent deforestation caused by urban sprawl and industrialization is compounding the rising effects of increased greenhouse gases. By acting as a carbon sink, forests absorb much of the greenhouse gasses man produces. In addition to eliminating opportunities for CO2 to be removed from the air, the use of ‘slash and burn’ deforestation tactics to make room for development adds more CO2 to the atmosphere than oil due to the release of black carbon and soot that burning wood releases (“Rainforest Destruction”). In 1988, forest fires in Yellowstone National Park caused a 3% increase in U.S. CO2 emissions for the year (“Rainforest Destruction”). Research estimates that the continuation of deforestation will lead to doubled carbon levels in the next century (Cooper, “Global Warming Treaty”).

US & China

Major contributing factors to global warming are caused by the United States and China. While the U.S. contains only 5% of the world’s population, it produces roughly 25% of all CO2 emissions, deriving 80% of its energy from fossil fuel (“U.N. Panel Declares Global Warming ‘Unequivocal’; Human Impact Called ‘Very Likely’; Other Developments”; Cooper, “Global Warming Treaty”). Despite the efforts of governments across the globe to cut emissions and prevent further damage to our environment, the U.S. has yet to make any significant progress. Even more frightening is China’s growing emission rates. While the U.S. has fluctuated between 6.5 and 6.6 billion tons in annual emissions from 2001 to 2006, China has grown from 3.4 billion tons to 6.6 in just six years, currently placing them as the top producer of greenhouse gasses (Watson). Despite the impacts of these two powers on global warming, they remain as the only countries that have yet to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, the world’s largest non-war agreement for greenhouse gas emissions (Cooper, “Global Warming”).

Much of the problem comes from coal burning, which China derives most of its energy from (“U.N. Panel Declares Global Warming ‘Unequivocal’; Human Impact Called ‘Very Likely’; Other Developments”). Scientists found that black carbon pollution produced by burning wood, coal, diesel fuel and cow dung play a lager role in the earth’s climate change than previously thought (Abdollah). Black carbon produces soot which absorbs 300,000 times more radiation than the same amount of carbon dioxide. Asia is responsible for roughly 25% to 35% of the world’s black carbon due to their heavy reliance on inefficient coal power plants (Abdollah, (“Desert is Eating China”).

Future Impacts

The IPCC report regarding the future impacts for life on earth is grim, stating that benefits from global warming, such as a rise in temperature, will be far outweighed by the negative consequences (Climate Change 2007). They estimate that climate change will cause many ecosystems to exceed their capacity for resilience due to catastrophic devastation of the environment. Estimating that 20-30% of plant and animal species will be on the brink of extinction if climate temperatures exceed 2.7° and 4.5°F, the IPCC stated that “there are projected to be major changes in ecosystem structure and function, species’ ecological interactions and shifts in species geographical ranges, with predominantly negative consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem goods and services, e.g. water and food supply”, highlighting the magnitude of such impacts (Climate Change 2007 48).

Weather Patterns

The 2007 IPCC Climate Change Assessment Report predicts a vast array of effects that include increased frequency of storms and abnormal El Nino cycles, cyclones, hurricanes, intense precipitation, flooding as well as extreme heat waves, droughts, decreasing permafrost regions, melting ice, and massive rises in sea-level (Climate Change 2007 46). Basing predictions on temperature changes from 1980 to 1990, the IPCCs estimated that over the next century a temperature change between 2° to 11.5°F will occur (Climate Change 2007).

Water: Sea Levels & Freshwater Availability

Because so much of the world lives near coastal regions, sea levels pose one of biggest problems facing human life. The tsunamis in the Indian Ocean were a clear example of what could happen if levels rose slightly more than one foot. While most developed countries might be able to cope with this issue of coastal flooding, developing nations, who contain most of the coastal population, will be at the highest risk. The polar ice caps constitute 90% of the world’s ice. If they were to melt, sea levels across the globe would rise an astonishing 200ft (Poltorak). Black carbon has been found to be a major contributor to ice melting because of its ability to cause 300,000 times more instantaneous warming as an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide (Abdollah). They say that this black soot makes it way to the polar caps, lands on snow, and rapidly speeds the melting process. Scientists estimate that sea levels are capable of increasing by three feet if the current trends continue (Cooper, “Global Warming”).

Aquatic Life

Recently, researchers from Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory discovered the devastating effects on ocean regions that absorb too much CO2. When CO2 levels exceeded the rate of absorption by phytoplankton, they found a rise in the oceans acidity (Flannery 195-186). Carbonate is the oceans natural buffer to counteract this rise (Flannery 185-197). When carbonate is depleted, the ocean will leach the carbonate out of the ocean’s shelled creatures, putting them at risk of extinction (Flannery 185-197). In addition, reef bleaching will eventually wipe out the world’s coral reefs. This means entire aquatic ecosystems will collapse, possibly causing the extinction of the thousands of species they support (Flannery 110).

Land

Currently, scientists are expecting a climate shift northward of 100 to 350 miles and upward 500 to 1800 feet (Long 23). The temperature changes that this would create will have devastating effects on the worlds’ vegetation. Acting as a carbon sink, forests hold approximately 80% of the above ground carbon and 40% of the below ground carbon (animals and phytoplankton account of the rest) (Long 23). The consequences of deforestation will only act to speed the process of global warming and compound the consequences.

Vegetation & Animals

Ecosystems housing the world’s natural wildlife will also suffer from this climate change. A new study published by an international team of researchers examined the effects of climate change, studying 1,103 animal species using information from the IPCC. Based on the study, they found that if current trends continue, conservative estimates place one million species on the brink of extinction by 2050 (“Global Warming May Threaten 1 Million Species”).

Agricultural & Food Supply

One of the biggest threats to life is the risk of flooding and rising sea levels. The IPCC most recently reported that by 2080, 20% of the world’s population is likely (66% chance) to be affected by river flooding (Climate Change 2007 49). More disturbing are their precipitation predictions for countries dependent upon rain fed agriculture. Scientists estimate a 50% reduction of agricultural yields in these countries by 2020 due to global warming (Climate Change 2007).

Warming weather causes greater evaporation and drought in some regions and leads to heavier precipitation and flooding in others. The IPCC reported that although the atmosphere will contain more water vapor, the displacement of water in precipitation will not be distributed evenly (“Climate Change 2007” 49). Flooding will inevitably lead to the contamination of freshwater supplies as fertilizers and sediments wash into bodies of freshwater. In addition to contamination, fertilizers and warm water can cause massive algae blooms which diminish the water’s oxygen and jeopardize the entire ecosystems (Long 21).

We have already seen the effects of water displacement as a result of heat waves and droughts. Desertification is already a serious threat to major parts of Asia. Striping valuable nutrients from farmland, vast stretches of newly eroded deserts are already costing China 6.5 billion dollars a year in lost agriculture revenues (“Desert is Eating China”). More recently China’s increased desertification can be felt in the northwest U.S as dust from the Gobi sweeps across North Korea and onto the pacific coastline where it taints the skies of Washington, California and Oregon an orange hue.

Human Health

Most of the devastation to human life will occur in developing countries. Poor countries positioned in low lying areas will be susceptible to food and water shortages as well as disease (“Global Environment: Climate Change Effects on Poor Reported; Other Development”). Tropical areas will be especially at risk for infections such as malaria and dengue fever (Cooper, “Global Warming”).

Stabilization & Prevention Efforts

Legislative efforts to curb and mitigate the effects of atmospheric pollution began in the 1980’s when governments began to take notice of unusual climate changes. Ever since, there has been extensive research from organizations around the world attempting to identify the causes and potential impacts of recent climate change.

International Treaties: Montreal Protocol & Rio Earth Summit

In 1985, countries from around the globe convened in Montreal Canada to lay out the framework for an international agreement regarding chemical pollutants destroying the ozone and contributing to global warming. This treaty, known as the Montreal Protocol, the treaty acted as an important first step towards battling climate change and set a precedent for later international agreements (Long 42).

Armed with research from the IPCC, officials from the United Nations convened in Rio Brazil for the Earth summit and signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992 (Long 43). This convention focused on 170 countries around the world working together to reduce gas emissions despite an overall lack of definitive scientific information regarding the subject. By working together, they agreed to bring emissions back to 1990 levels by the year 2000.

Kyoto Protocol

The UNFCCC paved the way for the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, the largest and most extensive non-war treaty to date (“Global Warming”). Countries from the UNFCCC convened in Kyoto, Japan to deliberate a more effective plan for reducing the “anthropogenic interferences in the climate system “ (Long 44). Countries agreed to lower carbon emissions to 5% below 1990 levels and the United States, the world’s largest producer of greenhouse gasses, agreed to lower emissions by 7% (Cooper, “Global Warming Treaty”). The Kyoto Protocol also addressed key factors in helping countries achieve this aim such by establishing a carbon credit trading system, utilizing carbon sinks, being flexible with countries meeting quotas, and providing funding to developing countries to deal with global warming (Long 44).

Natural Initiatives/ Carbon Sequestration

Because the majority of the world relies on fossil fuels as their main energy source simply its use would cause serious consequences. Instead, countries are looking at alternative ways to compensate emissions and reduce carbon in the atmosphere through carbon sequestration, which is the process of taking carbon dioxide out of the air and storing it elsewhere as organic matter. Natural sequestration occurs in forests and oceans by vegetation through photosynthesis. Although planting trees is the most effective and inexpensive way of offsetting carbon emissions, any significant change to present CO2 level in the atmosphere would require a massive global effort of replanting forests (“Capturing Carbon: The Virgin Earth Challenge”).

Utilizing the Ocean: Phytoplankton & CO2 Liquefaction

The world’s largest carbon sink scientists have already begun exploring ways of utilizing the ocean as a means of disposing CO2. Current theories involve liquefying carbon dioxide emissions and pumping into the ocean where it will be absorbed by phytoplankton as they perform photosynthesis (“Capturing Carbon: The Virgin Earth Challenge”). Because so much energy is required in the liquefaction process, drawbacks of this theory involve devising energy efficient ways of liquefying CO2 without the use of fossil fuels.

Phytoplankton Fertilization

Other scientists have looked at ways of boosting the phytoplankton in the world’s oceans through fertilization. Researchers recently discovered that phytoplankton reproduce ten fold when fertilized with dissolved iron (Falkowski). This process naturally occurs when wind blown dust is swept into the ocean. However, by artificially dissolving iron into the water scientists believe that phytoplankton will be able to more effectively remove carbon dioxide from the air. Skeptics of this method cite studies where iron uptake by phytoplankton is much lower than expected and point out the potential consequences large amounts of excess iron might have on other ecosystems and aquatic life.

Geological

Oil companies have been using the method of geological sequestration for many years now as a means extracting oil from the earth. Researchers have been looking at effective ways to pump CO2 underground as a means of storage (“Capturing Carbon: The Virgin Earth Challenge”). Critics point to the dangers of these underground CO2 sinks and reference the 1995 catastrophe in Kenya when a natural underground CO2 sink leaked, leaving 1,700 dead (“Capturing Carbon: The Virgin Earth Challenge”).

Atmospheric

Global authorities have begun to look at ways of manipulating the earth’s atmosphere in order to deflect or diffuse the sun’s radiation back into space and lessen the greenhouse effects. By studying Volcanic eruptions and the aerosols they release, scientists have gained valuable insight on how certain molecules can change the atmosphere and affect the climate (Larson). Some propose spraying the atmosphere with Sulfur particles or other agents as a makeshift sunscreen to protect the planet from harmful radiation.

Technological Advances in Alternative/ Renewable Energy

When faced with the future consequences of global warming many think that man will find the technology needed to save our planet well before it is too late. Already great technological advances have provided serious advancements in technology regarding improved efficiency and emissions of current power plants as well as the use of alternative energy power plants that harness nuclear, wind and solar energy.

All across the globe electric powered cars or alternative energy cars are being integrated into mainstream society. These cars however all derive their energy from a source, be it electricity or bio-fuel in the form of ethanol or hydrogen. The process to generate the electricity and bio-fuel require huge sums of energy. For bio-fuel alternatives the agricultural methods of manufacturing bio-fuel involving farming machinery and fertilizer are still use fossil fuels and contribute to overall anthropogenic emissions (Flannery 280). Research is being done to devise ways of capturing energy from renewable sources. Solar energy captured through photovoltaic cells has seen incredible advancement, making them affordable and realistic options for many millions around the world (Flannery 281). The most cutting edge energy sources can be seen in biotechnology market sectors. Companies are looking at the genetic modification of organisms such as algae and bacteria for the more efficient production of hydrogen and ethanol (Patel-Predd).

Negative Economic Impacts

Leaders across the globe are examining the implications of switching to alternative energy sources. Many experts explore the negative economic impacts that may result from reducing emissions or moving away from the world’s trillion dollar oil industry. In 2001, experts at Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates (WEFA) predicted that meeting the Kyoto Protocol by the 2012 target would mean a 50% cut in carbon emissions per capita in the U.S., which would cause oil prices to double, put 2.4 million people into unemployment, and cause the average annual income to decrease by $2,700 (Cooper, “Global Warming Treaty”).

In addition, massive sums of money are needed to integrate many advanced energy alternatives into country, which poses itself as a daunting task for poorer nations. Reducing emissions would mean more controls on countries like Brazil who rely on deforestation as a major industry, curbing their economic growth (“U.N. Panel Declares Global Warming ‘Unequivocal’; Human Impact Called ‘Very Likely’; Other Developments”). This is a major reason why flexible treaties are in place for developing nations to meet emission targets. But can the world offer to wait that long? Other questions arise when examining the reliability of energy sources like wind or the long term consequences of nuclear energy. Wind energy is unreliable as wind currents are constantly changing and uranium for nuclear energy is a limited resource. Many other alternative sources haven’t been established as definitively reliable in the long term. WEPA, like many others, sees that “the high cost estimates reported would only be justified if catastrophic climate change were imminent.” (Cooper, “Global Warming Treaty”).

Positive Economic Impacts

There are, however, many environmentalists, economists, scientists, and politicians who view the jump to cleaner energy as beneficial not only for the environment but also for economic growth. A 2006 study by RAND corp. (Research and Development Corporation), a company specializing in government and defense research and development, found that the switch to renewable energy would not cause any negative economic impacts (“Update: Renewable Energy”). Signing international treaties and accepting proposals to cut pollution and greenhouse gases would cause the growth of new markets and prevent any further damage to the environment from anthropogenic emissions.

Conclusion

So what does this all mean? There’s no doubt the world is getting warmer. Every year new studies affirm irregular fluctuations in temperature. The real debate rages among those who think that global warming has been induced by anthropogenic activities, and those who think the earth is seeing a natural warming trend. The implications of this answer will decide whether or not man needs to take control to ensure the future safety of our planet, or if global warming is part of a much larger natural trend. Global warming skeptics are numerous and constantly point to the fact that the smallest variations in data can drastically throw off climate models (Wood). With only a few centuries of climate data and a handful of experiments, when considering the long history of life on earth, scientists are unable to make absolute predictions. This leaves many people hesitant about placing the fate of the world on a few decades of research.

Effects of Globalization & Population Increase

Looking past man’s potential role in global warming, it is obvious that population increases and current economic trends will eventually destroy the earth’s resources. We have only one earth and at the present time man is doing little to think about the long-term consequences. Thankfully there are companies making steps towards renewable energy. Whether they’re capitalizing on the fear of the earth’s demise or seriously concerned with saving the planet, they’ve managed to revolutionize the way man is looking at his role as a contributor to pollution. A Gallop Poll in 2006 revealed that 41% of Americans are concerned with global warming, down from 33% in 2001, and 59% believe that they are already seeing the effects (“Gallup poll finds that public’s concern is rising over global climate change”).

Responsibility of Individuals

The only real solution for sustaining our earth’s resources, and mitigating any further damage to our environment, lies in the people. People must take steps to reduce their personal emissions by switching to cleaner energy sources and saving energy through the details.

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