Introduction
In the scientific literature, global climate change is often called global warming. This problem is particularly relevant today, as in recent years, environmental specialists have increasingly focused on observing changes in the global climate. This essay aims to provide a common understanding of global climate change caused by anthropogenic factors.
Particular attention will be paid to the greenhouse effect and the carbon cycle disruption caused by fossil fuels. Identifying environmental impacts affecting human health and technological decision-making to address climate change are also important themes. Thus, the paper’s primary goal is to identify ways to effectively combat current environmental problems and emphasize the importance of quick decision-making.
The Greenhouse Effect and the Carbon Cycle
Definition of the Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is a natural and normal phenomenon that plays a crucial role in controlling the air temperature on Earth. This phenomenon is the heat captured by greenhouse gases in the planet’s atmosphere (Manabe, 2019). These gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and water vapor, which serve as a blanket for the Earth. These gases prevent some of the planet’s heat from escaping into space but allow solar heat and light to enter the atmosphere unhindered. This greenhouse effect is natural and allows all life to live for millions of years. It allows you to maintain the temperature in the atmosphere at a comfortable level, suitable for all creatures.
The Carbon Cycle Explained
The carbon cycle can be described as one that regulates carbon exchange in the Earth’s atmosphere, water resources, and the shared ecosystem. This cycle involves carbon exchange between flora, fauna, oceans, soil, and the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a significant component in this cycle and plays a key role in climate regulation (Mikhaylov et al., 2020). In photosynthesis, all plants absorb carbon dioxide and oxygenate the atmosphere. Animals, in turn, exhale carbon dioxide but use oxygen to breathe. Since living beings are interconnected and require different carbon cycle components, their balance is essential.
Disruption of the Carbon Cycle by Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels, such as oil, fossil coal, and natural resources, are energy sources that people widely use. These sources are rich in carbon and are the remains of ancient animals and plants that previously lived on Earth. Emissions from fuel combustion disturb the carbon cycle, which is the leading cause of excess carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere (Schwartz, 2018). This is because when these fossil fuels are burned, they release energy and a lot of carbon dioxide, creating an imbalance.
Excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere enhances the greenhouse effect, which manifests itself in the retention of heat in the earth’s atmosphere and increases the mean temperature in the atmosphere. The increase in the greenhouse effect is the principal anthropogenic climate change and is the leading cause of temperature increases. The phenomenon became particularly visible during the last table, so humanity began to talk about global warming.
Ecological Effects of Climate Change
Melting of Polar Ice Caps and Rising Sea Levels
The world’s ecosystem is now under pressure, as the effects of climate change are far-reaching and sustainable. For example, one of the most frequently mentioned aftershocks is the melting of glaciers, which raises sea levels worldwide (Mikhaylov et al., 2020). Glaciers are melting due to rising global temperatures, with dire consequences for coastal areas and islands. Coastal areas are at risk of soil erosion, causing many species to lose their habitats and may even begin to die out.
Changes in Weather Patterns and Extreme Weather Events
Climate change also causes changes in weather patterns and an increase in extreme weather events. As temperature increases disrupt the natural ecosystem, there is an increased risk of natural disasters in the form of severe storms, heat waves, or droughts. These changes affect the life and migration patterns of different species, resulting in food disruption and disruption of the overall ecosystem.
Human Health Concerns Due to Climate Change
Increase in Heat-related Illnesses and Deaths
Climate change threatens human health, and a particularly popular problem is the increase in the number of diseases and deaths due to heat waves. As heat waves become more intense each year, vulnerable populations, such as young children, the elderly, and people with cardiovascular disease, are increasingly at risk (Schwartz, 2018). The increase in the number of cases causes an increase in mortality and strains the health system.
Spread of Vector-borne Diseases
Another health problem is the prevalence of vector-borne diseases. As global temperatures rise regularly, vectors such as mosquitoes are increasingly active (Mikhaylov et al., 2020). The increasing number of vectors increases the risk of transmission of diseases such as malaria, which is a global threat to human health.
Technological Solutions to Combat Climate Change
Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy was the first technological solution to global climate change challenges. Switching to these sources, including wind and solar energy, is a step towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere (Mikhaylov et al., 2020). Thus, humankind worldwide must invest in energy efficiency, reducing fossil energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
Carbon Capture and Storage
The second technological solution is carbon capture and storage (CCS), which involves capturing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industries and storing them in unique underground reservoirs. This technology can potentially reduce emissions to the atmosphere in areas of society where decarbonization is a complex process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, global climate change is related to human activities and is an environmental challenge. To offer solutions, it is important to understand the implications of the greenhouse effect, the carbon cycle, and the impacts of climate change from different perspectives. In order to combat problems effectively, mankind must adopt technological solutions that will reduce the use of fossil energy sources. In this situation, it is essential to act quickly, as it will determine how severe the effects of climate change will be in the future.
References
Manabe, S. (2019). Role of greenhouse gas in climate change. Tellus A Dynamic Meteorology and Oceanography, 71(1). Web.
Mikhaylov, A., Moiseev, N., Aleshin, K., Burkhardt, T. (2020). Global climate change and greenhouse effect. Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Issues 7(4), 2897-2913. Web.
Schwartz, S. E. (2018). Resource Letter GECC-2: The greenhouse effect and climate change: The intensified greenhouse effect. American Journal of Physics, 86(9), 645–656. Web.