Global warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Global warming - Essay Example Consequently, the carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere increases and thickens the ozone layer which in turn prevents the infrared radiation from escaping the earth’s atmosphere. This in turn results to warmer temperatures around the world. To make his presentation believable, Al Gore used statistical data. For instance, he mentioned about the top ten hottest years ever measured which occurred in the last fourteen years as of 2005 with the hottest of all in the said year. This shows the relentless increase in atmospheric temperature which is affecting the world. Moreover, Gore also compares photographs of glaciers in the past and in more recent times to impress in the minds of the listeners what he is trying to point out. He notes that the glaciers in Kilimanjaro, Glacier National Park, Columbia Glacier in Alaska, the Italian Alps and the Rhone Glacier in Switzerland are evidences of the results of global warming. The once majestic glaciers that attracted many scientists and tourists alike have all been decreased to nothing and more glaciers on the North Pole are at the brink of extinction as well. The effects of the aforementioned consequences of global warming are floods and droughts. This is due to increased precipitation and relocation of precipitation. For instance, in Africa alone, more droughts have worsened because of lack of rain while other places would have strong rains that are actually unusual. Moreover, it is not only sea water that evaporates and cause increased precipitation that in turn cause floods but the heat of the sun also sucks moisture from the soil which leads to droughts. In addition, the melting of the glaciers and Arctic ice caps are predicted to someday cause major floods in low areas and this should cause alarm today. This is explained by the result of studies that show that when the rays of the sun hit the ice caps, they are reflected back to the atmosphere just like in a mirror. On the other hand, when the rays of the sun hit the sea water; they are absorbed and therefore make the water warmer. As a result, the ice near the water melts and increases the volume of sea water. With the data presented by Gore which have obviously been carefully studied and are scientifically based, I strongly agree with all his arguments. The presentation does not just appeal to common sense but it also demands responsibility and accountability from listeners appealing to their moral senses. Indeed, global warming is not just a political issue but it also is an ethical issue which presents itself as the responsibility of every individual regardless of age, gender, political affiliations or beliefs. On another angle, on a more personal perspective, environmentalist Bill McKibben suggests that global warming is caused by people’s desires to have more. Economically, it is a good thing for individuals to want to succeed because it affects the nation’s economic stability. However, the want to have more things a ctually is increasing the carbon dioxide that is polluting the atmosphere. For instance, as more people are able to afford to buy more cars and appliances, more carbon dioxide is emitted from these machines. Moreover, with the fast-paced lifestyles of people wanting to earn more money, they are forced to eat processed foods which encourage more manufacturing processes that contribute to air pollution. Therefore, McKibben suggests people to live simpler