Because of the increasing pace of global warming and the drastic effects it has on the environment, especially on the variety of species, the effects of global warming have to be reconsidered and re-evaluated. Therefore, the issue deserves immediate research and consideration. Once working out the solutions for the problem of species disappearing from the face of the Earth, the humankind will be able to face the rest of the challenges that global warming poses.
Among the most important concepts that require explanation, the following terms should be mentioned:
- endangered species, which are the species currently facing extinction;
- the extinct species, which are the ones that are no longer in existence;
- habitat, which is the typical environment for the given species;
- non-native species, which are the species migrating from their natural habitat to another one due of the change of climate.
It is important to mention that, of all the concerns that touch upon the issue, the one demanding endangered species protection is the most essential at present. According to what the researchers say, “Unless we get our act together soon, we’re looking at committing ourselves to this kind of thing”, Handrewk, the author of the article “Global Warming Could Cause Mass Extinctions by 2050, Study Says,” emphasizes. Therefore, the primary concern is to come up with the solutions on the space extinction problem.
As for the secondary problem that the opposition is facing in relation to the species extinction due to the increase in the pace of global warming, the change of the natural habitat of the species is the key concern. Since the environment conditions change, animals migrate, which causes severe changes in the environmental processes and decreases the life expectancy of various non-native species, leading the latter to complete extinction. Indeed, according to Powers, who wrote in 2008 the article “Effects of Global Warming on Snowpack in Colorado River Basin,”
Contained beneath the snow of the Colorado Basin is a layer of frozen ground. The layer of soil which freezes in the winter only to thaw out again in the warmer months is known as the active layer. In areas that are cold enough there is another layer below this which never fully thaws out. This is known as permafrost. As the average temperature of an area rises, these layers will decrease in size and duration. This has the potential to create lasting atmospheric effects. (8, Effects of global warming on snowpack in the colorado river basin).
To address the primary concern of the opponent as for the effects of the global warming, namely, the fact that the species extinct due to the increasing effect of the global warming, one must keep in mind that the process of extinction is enhanced by the unceasing poaching, as well as by constant air pollution and the environment contamination. Therefore, the change in the attitudes towards the nature can help prevent the consequences of global warming harm the live forms on the Earth.
Addressing the secondary concern of the opposition, namely, the change of the species’ natural habitat, one must mark that the same measures against pollution must be undertaken. In addition, it is necessary to add that the change of climate has not only negative, but at times neutral or even positive effect.
For instance, Eisenhauer, Fisichelli, Frelich and Reich claim in their article published in 2011 that “the biomass of exotic plants was directly positively affected by warming and the presence of A. caliginosa and L. rubellus. Moreover, L. terrestris and L. rubellus had an indirect positive effect by reducing the litter layer”. Still, they also admit that “L. terrestris had a marginal direct negative effect on the biomass of exotics, as well as an indirect negative one by decreasing soil water content”.
Thus, it is evident that, to address the first concern mentioned, one should take care of the habitat in which the endangered species live. Thus, making everything possible to prevent the melting of ice and the increase of temperature, on can possibly help the species survive.
As for solving the second issue, one must admit that more serious measures are to be taken. As Endangered Species Coalition says, “Working to lessen the impacts of climate change alone will not be enough to protect wildlife”. To make sure that the habitat of the species does not change, people will have to come up with the ideas not only on how to prevent the effects of global warming, but also how to fix the current damage and restore the habitat for some of the endangered species.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the effect of the global warming are mostly negative and have a harmful effect on the environment, the species and the human race. However, it is also obvious that the effects of the global warming can be dealt with and that the development of the global warming can be hindered. Once enhancing the care for the environment and starting to work out the means to protect the endangered species, the humankind will be able to stop the dreadful effect of the global warming.
Works Cited
Eisenhauer, Nico, Nicholas A. Fisichelli, Lee E. Frelich and Peter B. Reich, “Interactive Effects of Global Warming and ‘Global Worming’ on the Initial Establishment of Native and Exotic Herbaceous Plant Species,” Oikos, 000.001-013, 2011: 1-13.
Endangered Species Coalition. “Global Warming Legislation.” StopExtinction.
Handrewk, Brian. “Global Warming Could Cause Mass Extinctions by 2050, Study Says,” National Geographic News, 2006.
Powers, Michael. Effects of Global Warming on Snowpack in Colorado River Basin.
Worcester, MA: WPI 2008.