Global Warming: A Deadly Threat for Human Life
What makes the Earth so unique in itself?? It is life, in the form of a cell (biologically), or a human figure (philanthropically) or existence of a protective shield around the earth called atmosphere (scientifically). A dissension may arise here, to the close connection between the existence of man and atmosphere. In such a case, it shall be apt to state that "ignorance is bliss". In the contemporary world, if one is unaware of the terms, Ozone Layer depletion and Global Warming, then one definitely needs to brush up one's knowledge of their very own existence.
We, as humans, are answerable to the catastrophe that we are heading for with so much of e-waste and emissions down the lane- CO2, methane, troposphere ozone, CFCs and nitrous oxide. The extensive accumulation of excessive concentrations of these green-house gases in the earth's atmosphere prevents the radiations reflected from the surface of the earth to escape out, thereby, 'warming' up the atmosphere on the whole. In lay man's language, it is transforming the earth into a hot air balloon; growing every year in size. By the end of 20th century, scientists reported an average global temperature increase of 0.6 degrees Celsius and if human activities continue to follow the same trend, it is estimated that by the end of 2100, the temperature rise would accelerate to 1.6 to as much as 5.6 degrees Celsius. Interestingly, rather than elaborating on the scientific aspect of this phenomena, I take this as an opportunity to instigate the readers of this passage to become insurgents; to be conducive to a psychological transformation.
By and large, now the question is, how threatening is the phenomenon of Global Warming to humans? Global Warming is a term that has surfaced over the past few years though its origin can be dated back to the Industrial Revolution. However, the exigencies that it brings along are owing to the indiscriminate exploitation of earth's resources by humans. It is 'born by humans and also, borne by humans'. As a result, Ozone Layer Depletion, Heat-Island effect, melting of glaciers and ice-caps are inevitable. The recent shift in climate patterns all over the globe, rising temperatures, loss of flora and fauna and submergence of coastal lands are some of the paramount quandaries that shall have an immediate setback to human life. Every year, the number of casualties due to extreme temperature conditions is soaring high.
There have been innumerable efforts to broaden the general level of awareness of people. Since the impact is so severe, we cannot let this situation slip out of our hands. Movies like The Day After Tomorrow, Wall-E and the most recent addition to the list 2012 are a goad to the efforts made by environmentalists all over the globe and must be encouraged. The concept of green buildings, EIA and carbon footprint have gained pace over the years. In fact, the decision of Supreme Court to make environment education a compulsory subject in all schools is a boost to this cause. As a child of Earth, it is our moral duty that we save our planet from the shackles of such an ominous doom.
The harm has already been done. However, it is high time now for us to shake a leg and save the only planet that supports life; that supports us. It is not a war against an enemy; it is a war against our own conscience. Let us fight it out!!
By
Swasti Raizada
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