Posts from — October 2008

What is global Warming?

A condition of increase in earth's temperature is called as global warming. Few years ago, studies have depicted increase in earth's temperature in last century by one degree Fahrenheit. Industrial development has served a gate way to the progression of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This initiated to tremendous warming on earth.

Reasons behind it...

Carbon emissions - Carbon dioxide traps the heat of the sun on the globe, much like a veritable balloon filled with warm air. On an average day, humans add to the atmospheric level of carbon dioxide in several ways, from power plants to vehicles. Air pollution from industrial plants is increasing at an alarming level despite steps taken to enforce environmentally friendly practices.

Deforestation - Deforestation is another aspect of global warming. Deforestation is viewed as the primary driver of the increased in carbon dioxide in the environment. Human activities expanded to the extent of destruction of rainforest. With lesser trees to absorb CO2, global warming prevails and challenges the existence of humanity.

The dire consequences

Weather patterns - Drought is a state of inadequacy of water supply in a given place. Most harmful consequence brought by drought is starvation. As farmlands are destroyed by drought, crop yields declined. This results to famine in less developed and undeveloped countries.On the contrary, drought may results to stronger rains,severe floods and even hurricanes and tsunamis.

Health - Smog in certain parts of the world is causing allergies and asthmatic conditions to worsen. The poor air quality also results in weakened respiratory system. Droughts and other eco disruptions lead to the rapid spread of infectious diseases and food and waterborne illnesses such as malaria, cholera and dengue fever.

Wildlife - With ecosystems unable to adapt to the pace of climatic changes, several species are reaching near extinction. From decreasing numbers of polar bears to the danger of extinction of penguins in the Antarctic, this threat has roots in the vast reductions of their natural habitats.

What measures you can take?

Stop pollution! - Cutting down pollution from car emissions and power plants will decrease the rate of global warming to a great extent. Varied technologies for use of alternative energy have already been developed. And, more technology is being developed regularly. We need to continue to make use of current alternative energy resources like wind power and solar power, and we can adopt new technologies as they are developed.

Changes to the legal system - With public support on the rise, laws must be imposed worldwide to cap emissions of carbon dioxide and other green house gasses from industrial and power plants. Tighter standards for appliances such as air conditioners and heat pumps will also strengthen the efforts to reduce emissions.

Make it YOUR problem. - Energy conservation should be addressed in a right way. Reduce your energy bills by opting for little changes such as fluorescent lights and environmentally friendly refrigerators. Make an effort in every little way you can to sustain the planet for future generations. Let us embrace sustainable development.

I remember the day, about six months ago, when I had some of my friends decided to go for camping in a forest in a mountainous area. We had been living the metro life for years and due to busy routine, it hadn't been possible to break free and meet the Mother Nature. However, when the program was charted out this time, I couldn't resist and joined the gang for the fun.

Guys! Its heaven on earth! You can't even think of how beautiful the countryside, the forests, the rivers and the mountains can be. Its here that one realizes what's fresh air. I don't understand how one can live in cities in those jungles of concrete when there is so much of natural beauty to explore.

As we moved on, we realized how much deforestation had taken place. The forests had been cleaned up to create cities, villages and agricultural land. The result-loss of habitat for wild animals, killings of animals, natural resources being exploited like anything, all round pollution- in water and air. This is what we have got from our development.

The constant erosion of forests has resulted in loss of habitat for the wild animals. No wonders that now and then we hear the incidents of wild cats being found in cities. They are considered dangerous and killed. But the fact is that human population has grown in a disproportionate quantum and has moved closer to the animal habitats.

The precise and unpleasant answer is 'yes'. Imagine your visit to zoo. The teacher told you- Look at that animal- its Mammoth. It's not found any more. Same way, a day will come when the teacher will show a picture of Petrol can and tell that it's no more found. How you plan to run your vehicles?

Most of the deforestation has been caused due to energy needs. It is the need of the hours that we should focus on non-conventional and renewable energy resources like using solar power to create solar energy. In many countries, wind power has been used to generate electricity through wind power. These kinds of resources are never ending.

It is time that the ecology is preserved to make the development-sustainable development. Alternative sources of energy have to be used to relieve pressure from the natural resources. Solar power is being used to convert it into solar energy; similarly wind power has been translated into wind energy. Recycling of paper can be a lifeline for trees. Developing renewable sources of energy can help in longevity of natural resources like coal and petrol. Vehicles, using non-conventional energy resources can help in keeping low pollution levels.

In order to bring things back on track, we need to rely more on renewable energy sources like wind power and solar power. These energies are unlimited and don't create any pollution. Recycling can relieve at least some pressure from our limited resources. Vehicle using non-conventional energy can reduce the pollution and so can the factories do by following pollution norms. Together, we can script the tomorrow of our planet. We need to aim at development- the sustainable development.