Our planet is currently experiencing the hottest temperatures ever in recorded history. This rise in temperature is as a result of the effects of global warming. The prime suspect in the case of global warming is carbon dioxide. More carbon dioxide means more solar radiation being trapped and this means warmer temperatures. So what are the activities that contribute to global warming and what can you do to help?
Deforestation
Forests around the world are being cleared every day to make way for developments, to provide timber for anything ranging from the production ofpaper to the building of furniture. The removal of trees means that less carbon dioxide gets used up by the trees in photosynthesis resulting in more atmospheric carbon dioxide leading to warmer temperatures through the same sequence as mentioned above. To help you can: use both sides of paper when printing, use all the remaining pages in your notebook, plant a tree and encourage others to do so.
The burning of fossil fuels
The oil and natural gas resources are currently being depleted rapidly worldwide. When these fuels are burnt carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere resulting in the sequence that leads to global warming. This is the largest contributor of atmospheric carbon dioxide. To help you can: Use mass transit or walk for short distances and turn off lights. By turning off lights when we leave the room, we will save energy.
The rapidly growing world population
The world's population is an indirect causal factor of global warming. As the population increases more pressure is placed on the Earth to provide resources. Along with the need for more resources comes an increased demand for human necessities. This places a greater demand on deforestation and fossil fuel use, which subsequently leads to a greater rise in temperature. To help curb this problem requires individual governments to deal with reducing birth rates.
The effects on animals
All of these temperature changes compromises the well being of our animals. Apart from habitat destruction animals are also faced with extinction. With the change in climate the rate of species extinctions will increase. Here are ways in which the lives of species can be saved: Protected areas can be set up to contain and manage the animals at risk, the public should be educated about conservation issues and the importance ofit to the survival of the animals, appropriate policies should be put in place on an international scale to curb the rise in temperatures and hence reduce the effects of global warming.
Nneka Richards
Press Pass Correspondents
University of the West Indies