Global Climate Change

Global Climate Change

Climate change and global warming are some of the most talked-about issues in the world today. While some people do not believe that climate change is a reality, a majority of people are concerned that human activities such as industrialization are causing the climate to change unfavourably. The world is experiencing drastic changes in weather and climate. Two opposite sides try to explain why these changes are occurring. One group blames human activity and the modern lifestyle for climatic change, arguing that a change in lifestyle and human activity would fix the global problem, while the opposing group believes that the changes in lifestyle and human activity are not the only reasons for climate change.  This paper discusses the issue of climate change, including the various proposed causes and solutions to the problem. Online sources of information, including journals and reputable websites were used as information sources for the development of this paper. Various arguments posed by companies and individuals through the media are discussed in an attempt to determine the appropriate course of action to control the deteriorating climatic conditions that the world is facing.

The opposing thoughts and beliefs that people and organizations hold have resulted in a societal dilemma that is frequently the topic of discussion on social and mass media as well as government platforms. The control of global climate change is a popular media advocacy issue across the world From observing the current state of the planet such as increased temperatures, rising ocean levels, and unpredictable weather patterns, it is evident that climate change is a reality (Mgbemene et al. 302). My current position on the way forward is that changes in human activity and lifestyle are the best way to save the planet and minimize the adverse climatic effects that are experienced today. Climatic changes have increased with the rising urbanization and industrialization (“Causes of Climate Change”). Industrial activities produce the highest quantities of greenhouse gases, which are the major contributors to global warming and climate change. According to National Geographic, global warming has been steadily rising since the start of industrialization. (Mgbemene et al. 302).

Urbanization and motor vehicle use have also largely contributed to climate change. The use of vehicles and trains in large cities across the world results in production of carbon emissions, which contribute to global warming (“Causes of Climate Change”). Vehicles are the major means of transport worldwide, which means that they are produced in large numbers every year. This mass production of automobiles has increased emissions and contributed to the destruction of the ozone layer, a shield that protects the earth from excess heat and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun. Therefore, a change in human activity can control climate change and prevent the destruction of the planet. The production of electric cars that have zero emissions by companies such as Tesla is an example of an initiative to minimize air pollution and control global warming (“Factcheck: How Electric Vehicles Help to Tackle Climate Change”).

While many people agree that the world is experiencing drastic climatic changes, not everyone thinks that the best way to resolve the problem is by advocating for a change in human activities and lifestyle. Some people propose that global climatic change is largely contributed by nature. According to Time for Change, climate change is caused by some animals (“Are Cows the Cause of Global Warming?”). The article states that cows produce methane, a type of greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. This argument indicates that climate change and global warming are caused by more than just human beings. Based on this knowledge, it is impossible to reverse climate change or reduce its progress by changing human activity. Animals undeniably contribute to climate change. However, human activities are the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, mostly from industrial activities and motor vehicle use. With controlled industrial and motor vehicle pollution, emissions would significantly be reduced, decreasing unfavourable climatic change.

Other people and organizations believe that while human beings are the major contributors to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, they are already accustomed to that way of life. They believe that it is impossible to convince the society to change its lifestyles to reduce pollution. For instance, vegetarians across the world have been conducting movements advocating against feeding on beef to save the planet. Although some people have been influenced to change their lifestyle, many people remain rigid (“Fight Climate Change by Going Vegan”). People can be difficult to change. However, with increased media advocacy and creation of awareness on the effects of climate change, society can be moved and convinced to change its lifestyle to save the planet.

When this assignment started, I thought I believed that human activity is the largest contributor to environmental pollution and climate change, and that it is possible to minimize and resolve the problem through a change in lifestyle and human activity. After collecting support on both sides, my position remains unchanged as evidence noticeably shows that human activity such as industrialization and urbanization has largely contributed to greenhouse gas emission and climate change.

Works Cited

“Causes of Climate Change.” Environmental Protection Agency, 12 May 2017, https://archive.epa.gov/epa/climate-change-science/causes-climate-change.html.

“Causes of Global Warming.” National Geographic, 27 Feb. 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming-causes/.

“Are Cows the Cause of Global Warming?” Time for Change, https://timeforchange.org/are-cows-cause-of-global-warming-meat-methane-CO2.

“Factcheck: How Electric Vehicles Help to Tackle Climate Change”. Carbon Brief, 2019, https://www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-how-electric-vehicles-help-to-tackle-climate-change.

“Fight Climate Change by Going Vegan.” PETA, 23 June 2010, https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-food/global-warming/.

Mgbemene, Chigbo A., Chidozie C. Nnaji, and Chekwubechukwu Nwozor. “Industrialization and Its Backlash: Focus on Climate Change and Its Consequences.” Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 9.4 (2016): 301-316, doi:10.3923/jest.2016.301.316.