Global Warming: A Human Blunder

We are in the world where machines have become internal part of human life. Due to the increase of human population, use of machines has increased many folds in recent years. Going statically science World War II the number of motors vehicle in the world increased from 40 million to 680 million. This shows the amount of human dependence on machines. The increased rise of this has caused the environmental pollution, giving rise to global warming.

Scientists generally believe that the combustion of fossil fuels and other human activities are the primary reason for increased concentration of carbon dioxide and other green house gases. The chemical composition of atmosphere is changing through the built up of greenhouse gases (water vapour ,carbon dioxide� and other gases) trap some of the outgoing energy, retaining heat somewhat like glass panels of a glasshouse. Without this natural �greenhouse effect�, temperatures would be much lower than they are now and life as known today would not be possible. Instead, thanks to green house gases, the earth average temperature is 60F/15C. However problem may arise when atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases increases. Since beginning of industrial revolution, atmospheric concentration s of carbon dioxide has increased nearly 30%, methane concentrations have more than doubled, and nitrous oxide concentration have risen by 15%. These increases have enhanced the heat trapping capability of earth�s atmosphere, causing GLOBAL WARMING.

Global warming has started affecting human life. The melting of polar ice and mountain glaciers may cause sea level to rise by at least three feet, probably much more, and by 80 feet in coming centuries if the average temperature rises five degree, warming what will be difficult to avoid. Half of the worlds plant and animal species are at risk of extinction by 2100 as habitats and destroy the ecosystems unravel. The huge Siberian permafrost peat bogs are apparently starting to melt, releasing methane and accelerating global warming/climate change. Antarctic glaciers are sliding into the ocean faster than previously expected, which may result in world wide coastal flooding. Increasing temperature can devastate human communities and world life habitats. The health of human population depends on the continued use of earth natural system. Climate change is likely to have negative affect on human health, with significant loss of life through a variety of illnesses. Warm temperature can increase local air pollution, which in turn can lead you breathing problem of respiratory diseases. Many infectious diseases only appear in warm areas. Warmer trends would enable insects and other disease carriers to expand to their range. Mosquitoes and other insects will spread further across the globe. Currently, 45% of the world�s population lives in climatic zone suitable for spread of malaria.

Ironically speaking what are we doing. Are we building a better world for our future generations or a bitter world, where they have to struggle for their existence? I may not hesitate to say that if we continue to overlook this problem, it may result in extinction of human life. It�s high time now when we should get up and take positive measures to control the uncontrollable. This nature is a boon to humanity lets prevent it from becoming curse for us.

Shailesh Thakur
B.Tech. Electrical & Electronics Engineering�� (2007 Batch)