My Global Societal Issue Is Climate Change: Identify The G
My Global Societal Issue Is The Climate Changeidentify The Global Soc
My global societal issue is the climate change. Identify the global societal issue you have chosen to research for your Final Paper, an argumentative essay, and explain why further research on this topic is important. Provide a clear and concise thesis statement that includes a solution to the global societal issue. Explain how this global societal issue impacts a specific population. Locate a peer-reviewed scholarly source and provide statistical data that you found surprising on the topic. Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length, which should include a thorough response to each prompt. You are required to provide in-text citations of applicable required reading materials and/or any other outside sources you use to support your claims. Provide full reference entries of all sources cited at the end of your response. Please use correct APA format when writing in-text citations and references.
Paper For Above instruction
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing global societal issues of the 21st century, affecting ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. Its pervasive nature necessitates urgent research and policy action to mitigate its impacts and adapt to unavoidable changes. The importance of further research into climate change lies in understanding the complexities of its causes, effects, and potential solutions, particularly as new data continues to emerge about its accelerating pace and severity. This research is vital for developing effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable practices across different sectors (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [IPCC], 2021).
A comprehensive exploration of climate change reveals a pressing need for a global response, with a focus on mitigation and adaptation strategies. The scientific consensus indicates that human activities—primarily the burning of fossil fuels—are the main contributors to rising global temperatures. According to the IPCC (2021), global surface temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era, leading to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruption of ecosystems. The solutions to this complex problem must involve international cooperation, investment in clean energy, and policies that promote sustainability (Ritchie & Roser, 2020).
The impacts of climate change disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly low-income communities and indigenous peoples. These groups often lack the resources to adapt to climate-related disasters, such as floods or droughts, which threaten their livelihoods and health. For example, in coastal regions of Southeast Asia, rising sea levels threaten subsistence farming and freshwater access for marginalized populations (ADB, 2020). Such disparities underscore the importance of targeted policies that address both environmental and social justice aspects of climate change.
A surprisingly alarming statistic from recent research indicates that approximately 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gases has been absorbed by the oceans since 1971 (Cheng et al., 2019). This data highlights the critical role oceans play in regulating Earth's climate but also points to the grave consequences of continued carbon emissions. Protecting marine ecosystems and reducing fossil fuel consumption are crucial steps toward tackling climate change effectively.
In conclusion, further research into climate change is necessary to develop innovative mitigation and adaptation strategies that protect vulnerable populations. Addressing this issue requires a concerted global effort, grounded in scientific evidence, policy change, and social equity. The pursuit of sustainable solutions will be vital for ensuring a resilient future for all.
References
- Asian Development Bank (ADB). (2020). Climate change and its impact on vulnerable populations. Retrieved from https://www.adb.org
- Cheng, L., Abe, M., & Domingues, C. M. (2019). Ocean heat uptake and its role in global warming. Nature Communications, 10(1), 4818. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-12864-7
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Sixth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2021. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch
- Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2020). CO2 and Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Our World in Data. Retrieved from https://ourworldindata.org