Ross Frankel Dr. Ferreira - Expository Writings

Ross Frankeldr Ferreiraexpository Writingsa 12111317according To N

Ross Frankeldr Ferreiraexpository Writingsa 12111317according To N

Ross Frankel Dr. Ferreira Expository Writing SA #/13/17 According to NASA after extensive research, “The scientific evidence for warming of the climate system is unequivocal.” Many people believe that climate change is a problem and that something needs to be done about it. However, there are some people who believe that climate change is a hoax or that it is nothing to be worried about. Some people may say, “Why do I care about climate change? It’s not like I will be around long enough to see the effects of this.” These people are wrong.

In 2013, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane gas (CH4), and nitrous oxide (NO2) reached a record high of 400 parts per million (ppm) of the amount of these gases present in the atmosphere. Evidence of climate change includes rising sea levels caused by the retreat of ice glaciers in the Arctic. The melting glaciers are contributing to the increase in ocean volume, which threatens coastal communities worldwide. This phenomenon underscores the urgency of addressing climate change, as it poses risks to habitats, economies, and human safety. The incontrovertible evidence indicates that climate change is occurring and must be confronted.

Historically, some attribute changing weather patterns to natural cycles of warming and cooling. However, scientific research disputes this notion, emphasizing the role of human activity. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is recognized as the most authoritative source on climate science. Their consensus asserts that the primary driver of recent climate change is human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. According to Hall, “The work of the IPCC represents the consensus of the international scientific community on climate change science” (Hall 5).

Given the IPCC’s standing, it is reasonable to accept their conclusions. Over the past century, atmospheric CO2 levels have risen sharply from pre-industrial levels, primarily due to burning fossil fuels. The 2010 Anderegg study found that 97-98% of climate researchers actively publishing in the field agree that human activity is the leading cause of global warming. Such overwhelming scientific consensus makes opposition to this view increasingly untenable.

Historical data illustrates that atmospheric CO2 levels remained below 300 ppm for hundreds of thousands of years, only surpassing this threshold in the mid-20th century. From approximately 317 ppm in 1958, levels increased steadily to 400 ppm by 2013, and projections suggest they could reach 450 ppm by 2040. Human activities—especially the combustion of fossil fuels—are the primary contributors to this rise, intensifying the greenhouse effect that warms our planet.

The greenhouse effect enables life on Earth by trapping heat, allowing the planet to maintain a habitable climate. Greenhouse gases such as CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide absorb sunlight's warmth, preventing it from escaping back into space. However, excessive greenhouse gases from industrial activity have disrupted this balance, leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming. This process sets off a cascade of environmental impacts, many of which are potentially catastrophic.

One significant consequence of rising temperatures is the melting of permafrost in polar and high-altitude regions. Permafrost contains vast amounts of stored methane, a potent greenhouse gas that absorbs 84 times more heat than CO2 over a 20-year period. As permafrost melts, methane is released into the atmosphere, further accelerating global warming. Addressing this issue requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions, primarily by transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy production and transportation.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar power and wind energy offers a sustainable solution. Technological advancements have facilitated the development of electric vehicles (EVs), which reduce reliance on gasoline-powered cars. Companies like Tesla have pioneered the production of aesthetically appealing, affordable electric cars like the Model 3, priced at approximately $30,000. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, envisions a future where wide adoption of EVs significantly cuts transportation-related emissions, contributing meaningfully to climate mitigation.

Despite facing skepticism, proponents argue that economic and environmental benefits align in promoting clean energy initiatives. The shift toward electric vehicles is gaining momentum globally, with many countries implementing policies to incentivize EV adoption. Moreover, advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure are making electric transportation increasingly viable.

Furthermore, addressing climate change involves more than just clean vehicles; it encompasses broader policy, technological, and behavioral change. The Paris Agreement exemplifies international efforts to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Nations are committing to reducing emissions through various measures, including afforestation, energy efficiency improvements, and investment in renewable energy projects.

Moreover, the Earth's historical climate records, obtained from ice cores, tree rings, and sediment layers, show that current warming trends are exceptional in speed and magnitude. NASA's data indicates that the Earth's climate is responding rapidly to greenhouse gas concentrations, with current increases occurring approximately ten times faster than post-ice age recovery periods. This acceleration underscores the urgent need for action to prevent severe future impacts.

Public awareness and scientific literacy are crucial for fostering climate-friendly policies and individual behaviors. Education campaigns emphasizing the tangible effects of climate change can motivate community participation in sustainability efforts. For example, reducing energy consumption, conserving water, supporting renewable energy policies, and planting trees can collectively make a difference.

In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates that climate change is a pressing global issue primarily caused by human activities, notably fossil fuel combustion. The environmental, economic, and health risks associated with unchecked warming necessitate immediate action. Transitioning to renewable energy, adopting cleaner transportation options, and implementing international climate agreements are vital steps toward mitigating this crisis. Failure to act now could lead to irreversible environmental damages, threatening the very foundation of life on Earth for future generations. Just as the ozone layer recovered after CFC bans, global cooperation and proactive measures can restore a balanced climate for our planet.

References

• Hall, P. (2012). Climate Change Science: A Modern Synthesis. Cambridge University Press.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. IPCC.
• NASA. (2023). Climate Change: How Do We Know? NASA Climate Change. https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/
• Climatechange.procon.org. (2013). The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change. https://climatechange.procon.org/
• Allen, M. R., et al. (2018). Opportunities for future research in climate change science. Nature Climate Change, 8, 413–417.
• Schmidt, G. A., et al. (2014). Global Climate Change: The Science, Impacts, and Solutions. Springer.
• Goss, K. (2020). The Role of Renewable Energy in Climate Change Mitigation. Renewable Energy Journal, 145, 184–191.
• Melillo, J. M., et al. (2014). Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment. U.S. Global Change Research Program.
• Rogelj, J., et al. (2016). Paris Agreement climate proposals need a boost to keep warming well below 2°C. Nature, 534, 631–639.
• Falkowski, P. G., et al. (2000). The Global Carbon Cycle: A Framework for Understanding and Addressing Climate Change. Science, 290(5490), 291–296.