Archive for September, 2007
Global Warming- Damage To The Ecosystem
Sunday, September 30th, 2007 by Global WarmerWhen reviewing the problem of Global Warming, one must consider the question of what will it do to the world’s ecosystems.
The term ecosystem refers to any interdependent system of animals, plants, microorganisms, and the like. An ecosystem may exist in a small pond, or in a vast place such as a desert or forest. It is an interwoven system whereby all the lives there interact with each other for their continued existence. As the ecosystem remains in harmony, its lives will continue thriving.
Climate plays a important role in each ecosystem, whether it is dry or humid, warm or cold. Ecosystems adapt to their weather patterns as time passes and any major change in climate will likely affect the ecosystem drastically.
By monitoring these ecosystems over the planet scientists have already begun to document changes that are a result of Global Warming. Some of the changes are:
- Sizes of herds.
- Animal body size.
- The timing of animal breeding - now generally earlier in the year.
- Greater plant distribution to higher locations and towards the poles.
- Shifts in migration patterns.
Not all changes can be viewed as bad. In fact, the increase in the range of an animal or plant may initially appear to be beneficial. What can’t always be determined is how these changes can affect other ecosystems nearby. Nor can we be sure what role man could play, as human populations grow and migrate, and industry progresses.
What is certain is the change in climate is having an effect on even the tiniest of life on our world. One famous case is that of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Many of the corals in this area are already living at the upper limit of their temperature tolerance. A diverse number of fish, sea life, and birds make their home in and alongside the reef. If Global Warming continues unchecked further changes will continue having a cascade effect on these interconnected species.
In conclusion it is vital to understand that the vast variety of ecosystems on the Earth not only provide a resource for our well being but are a real source of cultural, spiritual, and physical refreshment. Who has not enjoyed a a swim at a lake, or hike in the forest? We can no longer take these wonders for granted. They’re treasures that require protection if they are to thrive and continue for future generations.
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Global Warming- The Effects On Health
Thursday, September 20th, 2007 by Global WarmerHealth issues for each person vary according to such factors as how they live their lives, their genetic makeup, and whether they have enough healthcare. In addition to this, each year provides more proof that our environment, the food we eat, and the air we breathe can greatly change our health.
Varying Impact of Global Warming on Health
The effects of Global Warming on our health may vary according on our location on Earth but it is felt by all people.
According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) the average global temperature in the last quarter century has increased by one sixteenth Celsius. It projects that by 2099 the world temperature will rise between 5.8 and 1.4 degrees Celsius.
A few examples of how this will affect us -
- Intense major storms such as the hurricane Katrina directly caused thousands of deaths and untold damage because of altered weather conditions.
- Raised temperatures and sunlight along with the pollutants that are the byproducts of the continued use of fossil fuels as an energy source can cause the ground ozone level to rise. This could lead to respiratory complications such as asthma and lung diseases going up. It may also affect the eyesight of persons working and living in residential locations.
- Effects of further Global Warming in countries where food shortages are already a problem might lead to droughts and interruptions in growth cycles, that will additionally add to famine deaths, not to mention water shortages.
- In 2003 there were approximately 35,000 deaths throughout Europe, almost 15,000 in France alone brought on by a heatwave. These heatwaves are estimated to increase due to Global Warming, with death rates doubling over the next two decades. The elderly and the very young are most affected by heat-related stress.
- Climate change with its increased temperature of the atmosphere has contributed to unusual levels of precipitation. With these weather changes the growing seasons of our food supply are affected. This in turn affects the quality and quantity of food available leading to a huge impact on the health of people.
- Warming trends that lead to unusually long periods of heat may also affect the number and increase the life of disease carrying insects or animals. Examples of this include mosquitoes that carry malaria and ticks that carry Lyme disease. With an extended life the likelihood of increasing numbers of people becoming infected rises.
The full effects upon people’s health because of Global Warming is still in the early stages. Initiatives are needed to monitor these trends for the purpose of understanding how to alter the outcome.
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Global Warming- Reasons For Global Warming
Tuesday, September 18th, 2007 by Global WarmerEarth’s temperatures have varied throughout time. This is a normal event which can be affected by (for example) such things as volcanic eruptions or the amount of energy the sun is releasing. However, studies have shown that since the arrival of the Industrial Revolution around the late 1700s our activity has played a role in adding to the natural gases leading to the Earth’s warming.
What is Greenhouse Effect?
Greenhouse Effect refers to the covering the atmosphere provides the Earth. Much like greenhouses that grow plants safely in wintertime, it works by the glass letting sunlight through but keeping the warmth inside. Earth’s atmosphere does the same for all of us. The natural cycle of energy absorbed by the Earth, and the expelling of energy-absorbing gases into the air provides the Earth a protective blanket of atmosphere. Without this atmosphere the planet would be too cold to live on.
A problem occurs when excess gases are released and retained in the atmosphere. The main greenhouse gases include water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. Water vapor is the major component in the atmosphere and is in a constant state of flux. It will change due to any prolonged period of precipitation and evaporation. Carbon dioxide however is a long term gas that can stay there for years.
Studies that focus mainly on the past 50 years show us that the makeup of the atmosphere is changing. Since the start of industrial growth the use of fossil fuels such as oil and coal have greatly increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. One example of how fast this increase can happen is in China.
Currently, it is the biggest user and producer of coal. In the next few years it is predicted that it will surpass the U.S. as the world’s greatest producer of carbon dioxide. China plans to continue to cope with its industrial growth by building a new coal burning power plant each week over the next 5 years. It also claims to lack the technology required to control the emissions. But with the needs of their population making increasing demands there doesn’t appear to be a simple solution.
There is no question that higher concentrations of greenhouse gases have been increasing in step with industrial growth on Earth. These gases are doing their job of trapping more heat in the atmosphere: and Global Warming is the result.
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Squid and Global Warming
Saturday, September 15th, 2007 by Global WarmerEven squid in the sea seemed not to be spared from Global Warming.
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