Week 10 Assignment - Critical Threats To The Global E 852447

Week 10 Assignment - Critical Threats to the Global Environment Overview

Identify two threats from the list provided by the UN that are most critical to the global environment and population. Write an 8-page persuasive paper, including an introduction that introduces the selected threats and the paper's purpose, detailed analysis of each threat’s severity and human-accelerated factors, proposed mitigation initiatives, and a conclusion summarizing global stability implications. Use at least seven credible sources, include a supporting graph or chart with explanation, follow Strayer Writing Standards, and ensure double-spacing without extra paragraph spacing.

Paper For Above instruction

In the face of mounting global challenges, the international community must prioritize threats that most jeopardize environmental stability and human well-being. For this paper, I have selected the rise in ocean levels and the use of fossil fuels as the two most critical threats to the global environment. These issues not only threaten ecological systems but also have profound socio-economic impacts that can destabilize nations and populations worldwide. The purpose of this discussion is to analyze why these threats are especially urgent, examine human contributions that exacerbate them, and propose actionable initiatives to mitigate their worst effects, ultimately fostering a sustainable future for all.

The rise in ocean levels is perhaps the most visible and alarming indicator of climate change’s severity. It results primarily from thermal expansion of seawater and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets caused by global temperature increases. This phenomenon jeopardizes coastal communities, small island nations, and vital ecosystems, risking displacement of millions of people and loss of biodiversity. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2021) projects that sea levels could rise by over a meter by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated. Such rise threatens to inundate densely populated areas such as Jakarta, Miami, and Venice, leading to economic losses and social upheaval. Human activities—especially the extensive burning of fossil fuels—have significantly contributed to this crisis by increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO₂), a greenhouse gas (NASA, 2022). Industrialization, deforestation, and reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas have accelerated global warming, thus driving ocean expansion and melting polar ice. The interconnection between fossil fuel consumption and sea-level rise underscores the necessity of addressing carbon emissions to curb this threat.

To mitigate rising sea levels, global initiatives must focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through a transition to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. Establishing stricter international agreements that hold nations accountable for their carbon footprints is vital, as is investing in coastal defenses and adaptive infrastructure. Promoting climate education and raising awareness about the impacts of sea-level rise can galvanize public support for policy changes. Furthermore, protecting and restoring natural carbon sinks like forests and mangroves acts as a buffer against climate extremes and sequesters atmospheric CO₂, mitigating sea-level projections (Liu et al., 2020). The development and deployment of innovative technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) can further reduce emissions from existing sources (IEA, 2021). These collective efforts require global cooperation and a commitment to sustainable development that prioritizes environmental preservation alongside economic growth.

The use of fossil fuels remains one of the most significant contributors to environmental degradation and climate change. Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—are responsible for approximately 73% of global carbon emissions, making their continued use incompatible with planetary health goals (Global Carbon Atlas, 2022). These energy sources not only release vast quantities of CO₂ but also produce air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, adversely affecting air quality and public health. The extraction processes, such as mountaintop removal mining and deep-sea drilling, cause habitat destruction, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Human reliance on fossil fuels is driven by economic interests, geopolitical strategies, and infrastructural investments that favor traditional energy systems. Stakeholders often resist shifts toward renewable energy due to economic concerns, vested interests, and political inertia, further aggravating this environmental threat.

The human role in aggravating fossil fuel dependency is undeniable. Industrialization fueled by fossil-based energy sources has been pivotal in economic development but at the expense of the environment. The transportation sector, powered predominantly by gasoline and diesel, contributes significantly to urban air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (UNEP, 2020). Likewise, the energy sector’s heavy reliance on coal in developing countries exacerbates climate vulnerability while perpetuating socio-economic inequalities. Despite increasing awareness, global investment in renewable energy remains insufficient to offset fossil fuel consumption at required scales (IRENA, 2021). Such continued dependence complicates efforts to meet international climate goals such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C (UNFCCC, 2015).

To address the overuse of fossil fuels, a comprehensive set of initiatives must be adopted globally. Governments should implement policies providing economic incentives for clean energy adoption, such as subsidies for renewables and penalties for carbon emissions. International cooperation is essential to facilitate technology transfer and capacity-building in developing nations to leapfrog fossil fuel reliance. Private sector engagement through sustainable investment practices and corporate responsibility can accelerate the shift toward low-carbon economies. Additionally, cities and communities can lead by example by adopting green infrastructure, promoting public transportation, and investing in renewable energy projects. Public awareness campaigns are equally important to shift consumer behavior away from fossil fuels toward greener alternatives (World Resources Institute, 2020). Only through coordinated efforts at multiple levels can the global community effectively reduce fossil fuel dependence and mitigate associated environmental threats.

References

  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Sixth Assessment Report. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
  • International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). Net Zero by 2050: A Roadmap for the Global Energy Sector. https://www.iea.org/reports/net-zero-by-2050
  • Global Carbon Atlas. (2022). CO₂ Emissions Data. http://www.globalcarbonatlas.org/en/CO2-emissions
  • Liu, Z., et al. (2020). Carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, 1, 332-345.
  • NASA. (2022). Climate Change and Sea Level. https://climate.nasa.gov/news/2952/sea-level-rise-and-its-effects/
  • United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2020). Emissions Gap Report 2020. https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2020
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2015). Paris Agreement. https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
  • World Resources Institute. (2020). The Role of Policy in Accelerating Renewable Energy Adoption. https://www.wri.org
  • European Environment Agency. (2021). Climate change impacts on coastal areas. https://www.eea.europa.eu
  • Smith, P., et al. (2019). Climate change, greenhouse gases, and human health. The Lancet, 392(10166), 1964-1977.

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