Environmental Issues

An increase in human population has put undue pressure on natural resources. In particular, the need to satisfy the global demand of consumer goods has led to an upsurge in agricultural and industrial activity. The environment is therefore facing a crisis emanating from factors such as pollution of land, the atmosphere, and water among other environmental issues (Kluger 2006).

One of the most widely debated environmental issues facing our planet today is global warming. Global warming is the increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the earths surface (Revkin 2008). Several factors are responsible for this apparently worrying phenomenon. First is the eccentricity in the earths revolution around the sun (Michaels 2004, p. 29). More heat is being emitted at a time when the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is increasing. Carbon, methane and oxides of nitrogen reduce the atmospheres capacity to radiate excess heat into outer space, leading to a rise in terrestrial temperatures (Michaels 2004, p. 29).

Even though natural processes such as volcanic activities account for a considerable amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, research through computer simulations has shown that results which are in line with current climatic conditions are only generated if mans activities are included (New York Times 2010). Mans activities such as deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, and inorganic farming have contributed to the increased the amount greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to unprecedented high levels (New York Times 2010). Indeed, many proponents and activists of global warming have claimed that global warming and the resultant climate change can largely be blamed on mans activities on earth, which are increasing greenhouse gases contribution in the atmosphere day in day out (Revkin 2008). Clearing land for settlement and agriculture and industrialization are the leading causes of carbon dioxide emission into the atmosphere as these activities lead to deforestation and the burning of fossil fuel as mention above (Kluger 2006). The immediate consequence is the now seen as near catastrophic global warming phenomenon, leading to climate change. When models simulating climate change exclude human contributions to global warming, simulated climates do not resemble what we currently have. It is for this reason that humanity must take remedial measures to reverse global warming and its effects.

Global warming has caused climatic conditions to change dramatically. We are now experiencing extreme and unpredictable weather patterns. Prolonged droughts, coupled with floods are threatening the survival of not only plants and animals, but also mankind (New York Times 2010). Rain patterns have become unpredictable affecting agricultural practices and species that depend on the natural environment for survival. For example, a diminishing forest cover has made resident species like mountain gorillas face the threat of extension. Melting glaciers and increasing oceanic temperatures as well as the rising sea levels have led to the occurrence of flash floods and flooding of coastal land settlements, which have dealt devastating blows to human and animal life as well as infrastructure (Revkin 2008). The question today is, should mankind initiate measures to adapt to global warming and climate change or should we invest our resources to programs that would help mitigate global warming.