Global warming is the average increase in the atmospheric temperature caused by natural and human causes. It results from increased greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere (IPCC, 2006). Emission in the atmosphere can be reduced by a decrease of fossil fuel consumption.
In addition, reduction in fossil fuel consumption leads to a reduction of greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere. Moreover, reduction of these gases keeps the effects of climate change within manageable levels. The adoption of efficient energy can also be used to mitigate global warming.
Motivations to improve energy efficiency involve sustainable energy use. Advantages of improving energy efficiency include reducing energy costs, which results in financial cost saving through the implementation of energy efficient technologies.
In addition, the use of efficient energy methods also leads to a reduction and control of global emission and concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Efficient energy and renewable energy are two crucial pillars of sustainable energy policy. Increased use of efficient energy plays a crucial role in productivity growth (IPCC, 2006).
Renewable energy sources are particularly essential in providing energy access, as well as a reduction in green house gas emission in the atmosphere. Therefore, renewable energy helps in enhancing energy security. It is also helpful in accelerating economic growth and development.
Another cause of global warming is deforestation. According to Hassenzahl (2008), trees use of 50% of carbon in the atmosphere. When they are cut down, the carbon dioxide that is stored in them escapes back into the atmosphere leading to increased concentration of green house gases in the atmosphere.
Reduction of deforestation leads to a reduction in carbon-dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, thus reducing global warming. Sustainable agriculture, which makes use of organic carbon, has been advocated by IPCC as an important option in reducing global warming. It also minimizes transportation cost of fossil fuels leading to reduction in green house gas emission (Hassenzahl, 2008).
Population growth leads to multiple environmental problems. It has led to the clearance of rainforests hence, leading to green house gas emissions. Reduction in population growth leads to a reduction in use of fossil fuel and reduced deforestation rate. In addition, it leads to a reduction in the consumption levels, thus minimizing devastating effects on the environment. All these measures contribute to sustainable development and leads to a wise use of natural resources (Hassenzahl, 2008).
Households air pollution come from petrochemicals, coal and wood products, tobacco products, building equipments and furnishings, asbestos having insulations, furniture, and household cleaning products, humidification devices, pesticides and insecticides. Health problems associated with indoor air pollution includes; respiratory health diseases, cancer, respiratory track diseases among infants, suffocation, and death.
However, there are topographical factors that can lead to an increase or a decrease in air pollution. For example, mountains and hills can block wind flow and trap pollutants in the atmosphere for several days. On the other hand, mountains and hills can block the sun’s rays and assist in the dispersal of air pollutants.
Earths’ sustainable agriculture is a farming system that can meet the needs of society indefinitely (Hassenzahl, 2008). Such farming systems ensure conservation of resources, and; therefore, governments should provide incentives to farmers to adapt this technology. This can be achieved by phasing out tax breaks and subsidies to encourage farmers to switch to sustainable farming. In addition, imposition of higher taxes and reduction of subsidies can discourage farmers from using unsustainable farming practices.
References
Hassenzahl, M. D. (2008). Environment. New York: Wiley and Sons
IPCC., (2006). Climate Change. Impacts, adaptations and mitigation of climate change: Scientific technical analysis, contribution of working group II to the second assessment report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change. Geneva. Switzerland.