Climate
Change and Global Warming
Name
University
Date
Table of Contents
Climate Change and Global Warming
Abstract
Weather
experts are greatly saddened at the rate at which the climate on the planet is
changing gradually. Unfriendly environmental sources of energy such as fossil
fuels are used in electricity production hence emitting harmful gases to the
atmosphere which cause global warming. Also, cutting down of trees by human as
they search for settlement and cultivation areas has been a major cause of
earths’ heating up. It is therefore clear that global warming awareness has not
been introduced to many people. It is evident in the practices they carry out
that promote extreme earths’ temperatures without knowing their repercussions
in the future. However, some of these effects are already felt in the
contemporary world and are causing imbalance in ecosystems. Therefore, the
right measure should put in place to curb global warming before its
consequences become dire. Introduction of renewable sources of energy will help
in reducing the level of global warming because they do not produce harmful
gases. However, this study explains what is global warming, major factors that
cause it, its negative impacts on the planet and possible remedies to get rid
of it.
1.0. Introduction
The
way the planets’ temperature is shooting is causing much alarm. Researchers
have concluded that the reason behind it is global warming. The earth absorbs
approximately 70% of the sun rays emitted while the rest is reflected back.
This process makes the temperature on the surface above the normal hence making
life of flora and fauna unbearable. During this warming of the surface, the
absorbed energy is however released out to the atmosphere therefore causing a
cooling effect on the planets’ surface. However, some solar energy combines
with greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and radiated back to the earths’
surface.
1.1.Literature Review
1.1.1. The major greenhouse gases and sources
Carbon
dioxide is the main greenhouse gas with the highest percentage of emissions. A
three-quarter of emissions usually come from carbon dioxide. Its main source is
the burning of organic materials such as coal, oil, gas, wood and solid waste.
Another greenhouse gas is Methane. It is released from petroleum industries and
agriculture (digestive systems of animals). Methane accounts for a 16 percent
of the greenhouse gas emissions. Nitrogen oxide gas is also a greenhouse gas
but with relatively small contribution in the emissions. It gives a 6 percent but
it is more powerful than carbon dioxide when it occupies the atmosphere for
over 20 years. Its main source is the fertilizer, manure, burning of
agricultural residues and also burning of fuel. Industrial gases such as hydro
fluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride and nitrogen Difluoride add to the greenhouse gases. They have the
greatest heat-trapping potential as compared to carbon dioxide. Again, they
stay in the atmosphere for a long period of time.
The
other greenhouse gases are water vapor and ozone. Water vapor is not as a result of human
activities and its effects are not clear. However, the ozone is a result of
complex reactions among pollutants in the air. This process helps in balancing
the temperatures on the surface. However, in the last two decades, the levels
of the greenhouse gases have exceeded the average with humankind being the main
cause. For example, in 2004, a lot of carbon dioxide tons (from burning of
fossil fuels such as coal and oil) were released into the atmosphere. The gas
absorbs solar energy and keeps it close to the earth’s surface leading to
planets’ increased heating up. The greenhouse effect is now responsible for
climate change globally (Toan, Kien, Giang, Minh, & Wright, 2014).
Other
humankind factors that increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
is deforestation and cement manufacturing which emits lime and carbon dioxide
when the main component (calcium carbonate is heated). Additionally,
agricultural practices like usage of fertilizers, manure and livestock
digestion add heat on the surface. The temperatures of the earth have been
ever-increasing over the last 100 years leading to an average temperature 0.6
to 0.9 degrees which is higher than the normal temperatures.
Moreover,
if global warming is not looked at and corrective measures initiated, it might
lead to many negative effects on earth like change in climate, abnormal rising
of sea levels, and extreme weather events among other environmental impacts. However, it is tough for climate experts to
make solid predictions on the future impacts of global warming because other
factors are contributing to hailstorms rise in temperatures, hailstorms, snow
falls and rain. Also, it’s very hard to tell how much magnitude of the greenhouse
gases will be because change in political decisions and technological
advancements might be a major determinant.
1.1.2. Effects of greenhouse gases
Global
warming has led to many side effects both on the environment and human health
on the planet. To start with, excessive water vapor in the atmosphere falls
back on earth leading to flooding. Consequently, when the weather gets warmer
makes the water evaporate again leaving the earth dry with possible famine and
poor crop production.
Again,
global warming leads to rapid melting of ice and glaciers that reciprocates to
rising in sea levels in the oceans, rivers and lakes hence causing floods.
Increase in industrialization and power houses in the 20th century
has led to emission of unsafe gases into the environment as compared to the
previous century which had the situation controlled. In the contemporary world,
areas are experiencing thunderstorms, floods and earth quakes as a result of
global warming.
Thirdly,
over heating on earths’ surface has greatly affected human health whereby
diseases like blood pressure and heart diseases have been on rise
currently. Reduced crop yields might
lead to famine and shortage of food which again might lead to nutrition related
diseases and cause the human body to be reluctant in fighting against
infections (Agaev, 2007). Global warming
could lead to immigration by people escaping either extreme cold or warm
temperatures. This might lead to transfer of diseases.
Another
effect of global warming is the eruption of contagious diseases such as cholera
when swollen water bodies burst. Overheating on earth’s surface cause
dehydration to both flora and fauna. In human, dehydration might lead to deadly
diseases such as kidney stones while on plants; they might dry up due to
extreme temperatures. Due to the dust that results from drought, infections
such as valley fever has been on the rise in the United States. Long durations
of warm temperatures have provided a conducive environment for malaria borne
diseases such as dengue fever which is a deadly disease.
Also,
global warming is also affecting animals in a way that they are forced to move
to favorable areas (cooler) for their survival. This process has been observed
severally and thus it can be used to indicate on temperature changes. The
ecosystem is suffering from extreme heat on the surface leading to the
extinction of some species. Continuous global warming has aided in bushfires in
many forests more often than ever before. Animal-human conflicts have increased
as the animals search for environment to stay (Bradford, 2017).
1.1.3. Role of Government in reducing Climate change
To
save the earth from excessive heat, governments in every corner should join
efforts and come up with tactics that will help in overcoming this menace. For
instance, the governments should protect and restore the available ecosystems.
Some of these include rivers, oceans and forests because when depleted they
cause climate change. Also planting of mangroves will serve a purpose of
absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide hence reducing warmth. Mangroves also
act as a barrier in case of storms caused by climate change. When the ecosystem
is taken care of, both human, plants and animals are the core
beneficiaries’.
Governments
can also promote small agricultural production which employs sustainable
practices without harming the land unlike the big factories that emit the
greenhouse gases. A good example of those factories that cause the most
hazardous effect on the environment is the meat factory because it causes water
contamination and more land is expanded for livestock feeding. The practice has
led to deforestation around the world.
Another
method the government can assist in reduction the effect of global warming is
by encouraging the use of green energy. Although many upcoming countries need a
lot of energy in industrialization and the general growth, it is however a
better option to consider energy resources that are safe for the environment.
Also, government should combat carbon dioxide
pollutants. They contribute the greatest percentage in greenhouse gases which
remain in the atmosphere for a long time. Short lived pollutants such as soot,
methane and ozone should be controlled through governmental regulations and
policies hence fighting against global warming. Furthermore, alleviation of
these gases is a direct benefit to human health. Governments should have a
common goal of adapting to the projects that not only reduce climate change,
but also eliminate them. The UN Environment (the Global Environment Facility)
partnership in climate change adaptation has four approaches in helping
developing countries to overcome climate change. They include, developing
methods and tools to help adaptation, planning and decision making, helping
upcoming countries to overcome the barriers of implementing adaptation
solutions by ensuring the information required is accessed, facilitating policy
development and easing access to finance. Also, it improves the science-policy
interface in adaptation policies and planning, and lastly, it enhances climate
resilience through planning, piloting and testing ecosystem-based adaptation
and hence reducing losses to peoples’ livelihoods and the economy. These
approaches will greatly have a great impact because many areas that are already
suffering from the effects of climate change will be saved.
Governments
should promote innovations that give sustainable energy options. Technology
innovation can help create or expand markets for green products and services,
creating job opportunities and contribute in reduction in greenhouse gases
emissions.
Therefore,
in order to eliminate global warming menace, it is very crucial to adhere to
ways that eliminates it. For example, as cited earlier on this analysis, fossil
and fuel burning is a major cause of global warming and therefore using
alternative energy sources could lead to a decrease in greenhouse gases. Use of
wind, solar, biomass, thermal and hydro could be the best source of energy.
This is because they are environmental friendly and do not produce harmful
gases that might cause global warming. More than 1.2 million people use fossil
fuels as source of energy. This has increased greenhouse gases through fumes
and deforestation which increases carbon dioxide emission to the ozone layer.
Developing
countries are also predicted to need a lot of energy and therefore all these
new consumers will require safe energy sources that will not harm them or the
environment. However, the only challenge inhibiting the use of alternative
energy sources is their high installation and set up costs leaving many
companies without option but to use energies that are dangerous to the
environment. For that reason, the only way to end global warming is use of
alternative energy resources such as renewal resources. Everybody should be
cautious on the type of energy resource they use. This will help in maintain
the best climate to benefit even the future generations.
Governments
should also draft policies that encourage use of renewable sources of energy
rather than conventional energy sources. They should also create awareness on
the effects of using fuel and fossil energy sources to the environment. The
rising countries should consider renewable sources of energy as it has proven
to produce a lot of energy in the developed countries. It will help combat
global warming because emission of gases will be curtailed. Another way of
reducing global warming is banning of vehicles that emit toxic gases. Though
it’s a challenge, through awareness many people have resolved to using private
transport, bike and others walk to help in reducing global warming.
Recycling
is also another method of curbing global warming. For example, use of
rechargeable batteries is the best option compared to use of disposable ones.
The Government should encourage reforestation and impost heavy charges to
discourage forest deforestation.
1.1.4. Sustainable Energy Development and Climate Change
Human
beings have heavily relied on energy since the bringing of humanity. Energy is
required for basic to complex operations. In the early stages of man, human
beings required energy in form of fire to light and cook food. They required
this product to deter animals, cook food and warning themselves. The modern man
has increased the need for energy which has led to discovery of many products.
Currently, human beings need energy to cook, light, manufacture and mobility.
This has led to invention and improvement of sources of energy with the main
source being petroleum and petroleum products and electricity. For development to be sustainable, in
economic and social aspects, energy has to be available and affordable (Moomaw, Yamba, & Maurice, 2012).
85%
of worlds source of energy comes from fossils with a combination of 56.6% being
anthropogenic GHS emissions (CO2 eq). to maintain sustainable
economic condition that is capable of providing important goods and services,
energy is required. The world has been
having a threat from climatic change. The effect has impacted the environment
and human society. Research has thus been very extensive on finding new
solutions to reduce future effects. In this context, sustainable energy has
been developed where alternative sources of energy have been introduced to try
and reduce emission of greenhouse gases. In (McCarl & Kung, 2018) the research
outlines that average temperature increase from 1.40C to 5.8 0C
within one century of the 20th to the 21st. the research
explored the possible reason for this phenomenon by looking at energy demand
and type of energy being used in that particular time.
The
use of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil has increased since about 1850.
They have become the primary source of energy supply, replacing bioenergy and
providing new sources. They have thus been associated with the bulk source of
greenhouse gases (Toan, Kien, Giang, Minh, & Wright, 2014). In developing
strategies for reducing CO2, valuations such as Kaya identity has
been used to analyze energy related carbon dioxide emission. The formula
factors in variables such as population, GDP, energy intensity and carbon
intensity. It is expressed with the formula;
CO2
emissions = Population x (GDP/Population) x (TPES/GDP) x (CO2/TPES)
Which
the formula can be expressed as;
CO2
emissions = (population x Affluence x energy intensity x carbon
intensity)
Innovations
in renewable energy sources can be linked to reduction in CO2. In
the research conducted in (Moomaw, Yamba, & Maurice, 2012), reduced CO2
emission can be reduced by lowering the energy intensity required to
produce energy and by lowering the energy supply sources. While some research
has linked CO2 emission with GDP, there the same has changed over
the last few years. There had been an increasing carbon emission over the
duration between 1970 to 2008 in relation to growth in GDP. However, from 2008,
the trend has changed by reduction in Carbon emission over GDP growth. This has
been linked with the increase in production of products being produced are more
energy saving than in the past. Regulations have also been made by governments
in controlling energy dependent products over the last few years.
Historically,
developed countries have contributed to emission of greenhouse gases than
non-developed ones. This is due to its high numbers of industries and cars.
However, the narrative has changed over the years with developing countries
currently being linked with high emissions. It is estimated that renewable
energy would account for 12.9%of the total energy production of energy. The
largest source of biomass constituting of 10.2% of majority of fuel for heating
and cooking.
The
World Health Organization has emphasized on the importance of mitigating
climate change effects on human health. In low income populations such as in
developing countries, the effect has been evident. People are required to be
engaged in the fight against fuels and practices that affect the ozone layer.
However, there has been little research concerning how human behavior and
perception affect climate change. This research was aimed at finding the
perception on climate change and how it has impacted human health.
2.0.Methodology
The study involved
both qualitative and quantitative study. Data was collected from various cities
in the world. The study was aimed at studying the perception of climate change.
a total of 42,654. The research used a structured questionnaire used to collect
quantitative data on their perceptions towards climate change. In depth study
was conducted from previous research about the study to find out how other
literature viewed the effect and how the government would work towards reducing
climate change effect (Toan, Kien, Giang, Minh, & Wright, 2014). The data
collected was of a wide range of economic status and geographical location to
have a range of quantitative data. The data was collected using surveys with
the respondents on a face to face basis. The none response rate was only 3%
where almost all the invited respondents. Respondents were aged between 15
years to 60 for both genders.
2.1.Data Collection
The research used
quantitate study, face to face interviews conducted using structured
questionnaire. Data collection was done by trained professionals. The
questionnaires were developed and piloted by the research team before being
used in the actual data collection. The questionnaire comprised of general data
collection and topics related to climate change such as how they perceived
about climate change.
The questionnaire
was themed at finding how respondents wanted viewed issues about climate change
and whether they believed that there was a solution to towards solving the
problem. The questionnaire also tried to get information related to what part
they thought they would do to reduce global warming. Variables were coded as;
Eneffap -How likely to
buy most energy efficient home appliance
Elgcoal- How much
electricity in [country] should be generated from coal
Wrdpfos- How worried,
[country] too dependent on fossil fuels
Clmchng -Do you think
world's climate is changing
clmthgt1 - How much
thought about climate change before today
sbsrnen -Favor subsidies
renewable energy to reduce climate change
ccnthum - Climate change
caused by natural processes, human activity, or both
ccgdbd - Climate change
good or bad impact across world
lkredcc -Imagine large
numbers of people limit energy use, how likely reduce climate change
gvsrdcc - How likely,
governments enough countries take action to reduce climate change
inctxff -Favor increase
taxes on fossil fuels to reduce climate change
2.2.Data Analysis
Data
was analyzed using R studio software. It was used as an interface for r
programing. Both descriptive and analytical analysis was used in the study.
Analytical calculations such as Chi-squire tests and regression analysis were
conducted to compare discrete variables. logical regression was used to detect
the association between people’s perception and climate change and the social
determinants. Significant level was set at p < 0.05. r code for calculating regression
(appendix 1).
Scatter
plot will be used to show data behavior between the variables. The regression
between energy use and climate change shown in the scatter plot indicated a
close relationship between the two variables. Reducing energy used in
homesteads through energy efficient appliances would reduce need for energy
thus reducing effects of climate change.
Figure
1: Scatter plot
3.0.Results
3.1.Characteristics of the study Subjects
The study
population comprised of both genders; male and female. 32,000 of the people
that were selected through a sampling procedure, 97.8% of the respondents were
available and agree to provide information. The respondents were selected
across a wide range of geographical, economic sectors. The mean of age was 55.6
± 16.5years, with a distribution of both genders, marital status, wealth index
in all regions selected. The sampling method was preferred to find a wide range
of opinion about the subject.
3.2.Perception of Climate Change
Most of the respondents stated that they have heard about
climate change. They were aware of the impact of climate change. Majority of
people that participated in the survey started that they were aware of climate
change and global warming. The effect of global warming was felt in the change
in temperature and unpredictable weather conditions. Majority of respondents
stated that they have felt the effect of climate change with 24,585 stating
that the climate is definitely changing, 15,764 stated that it was probably
changing while 1,962 stated that the climate is probably not changing and only
978 stated that the definitely not changing. The response shows that majority
of respondents have felt the change in climate.
Figure 1: Opinion about
climate change
The
questionnaire tried to find out how each individual felt about what role or
responsibility to reduce climate change. The questionnaire comprised of a
rating from 1 to 9 beginning with not at all and the highest being a great
deal. Majority of the respondents at 7, stated that they felt that the personal
responsibility ti reduce climate change.
The overall question showed that respondents wanted to own up climate
change. However, they survey did not show a strong feeling of individual
ownership in reducing climate change. Most of the respondents stated the
biggest job will be done by the government through setting up policies and use
of fossil fuels.
Figure
2: Extent of personal responsibility to reduce climate change
Global
climate change has been linked with energy source. In developed countries that
have developed its industries are linked with high emission of greenhouse
gases. However, innovations have reduced machineries with very high emissions.
Respondents also confirmed that there would be reduced climate change through
using reusable energy. Subsidizing the cost of renewable energy would be one
remedy for reducing climate change (Long & Steinberger, 2016). Reusable energy
such as solar power, wind, water has been linked to low fumes emissions thus
reducing gases being emitted to the ozone. Energy efficient appliances have
been introduced; from television, refrigerators, washing machines. However,
they are expensive for most of the people (Moriarty & Honnery, 2019). Most respondents
stated reducing the price of energy efficient devices and sources would reduce
the effect of climate change.
Figure 3: Favor
subsidizing renewable energy to reduce climate change
Majority
of the respondents stated that it would somewhat favor, while only 1,819 did
not see the effect of subsidizing renewable energy in reducing climate change.
3.3.Relationship between Attitude Towards Climate Change
The regression was conducted to find the relationship between fossil fuel, whether reducing energy would reduce climate change use and global warming. The research wanted to find whether there was a relationship between the three variables. a multiple linear regression was done with p set to <0.05. The result showed a strong relationship between the three variables. P value from the analysis was of 0.0054 indicating that the there was a close relationship between the variables. Significance F was also strong (89.56) indicating there was a close relationship. The variables influenced others in the behavior.
A regression analysis was conducted using the r programing code (Appendix 2).
# build linear regression model on
full data
linearMod <- lm(Clmchng ~ ccnthum, data=
ccgdbd)
print(linearMod)
Appendix 2
# capture model summary as an object
modelSummary <- summary(linearMod)
# model coefficients
modelCoeffs <- modelSummary$coefficients
# get beta estimate for clmthgt1
beta.estimate <- modelCoeffs["Clmchng", "clmthgt1"]
# get std.error for speed
std.error <- modelCoeffs["Clmchng", "Std. Error"]
# calc t statistic
t_value <- beta.estimate/std.error
# calc p Value
p_value <- 2*pt(-abs(t_value), df=nrow(cars)-ncol(cars))
# fstatistic
f_statistic <- linearMod$fstatistic[1]
# parameters for model p-value calc
f <- summary(linearMod)$fstatistic
model_p <- pf(f[1], f[2], f[3], lower=FALSE)
#> t Value: 6.542
#> p Value: 0.0054
#> Model F Statistic: 89.56711 1 48
#> Model p-Value: 0.054
Results summarized in table bellow.
t Value
|
6.542
|
p Value
|
0.0054
|
Model F Statistics
|
89.56711
|
Model p-Value
|
0.054
|
Table 1: Regression analysis result
4.0. Discussion
In
conclusion, every living creature has felt the bitter part of global warming
and therefore the appropriate measures should be taken before it gets worse. It
does not only affect human being but also animals and plants. The remedies to
global warming must be taken in time that includes use of renewable energy
resources and stopping deforestation. Lastly, innovative solutions should be
implemented to do away with global warming. Both the government and individuals
have a role to play in reducing global warming. Developed countries such as
United States have accelerated use of clean energy and transition to low-carbon
electric grid. The cost of generating electricity using wind and solar has
reduced by 58% since 2009. The costs are expected increase with the need for
green energy over the world. The analysis also confirmed that global warming is
a concern to many people across the world.
In the 20th century, the world had highly
relied on fossil fuels that was emitting very harmful gases to the ozone. Over
the years, innovations and the concern of the global warming has reduced the
dependence through the use of bio and renewable energy that has reduced
emission of CO2 gases to the atmosphere. The climate has change;
evident in the increase in excess rains and droughts, unpredictable rain
patterns and reduced productivity. The problem requires individuals to be at
the forefront of reducing activities that increase emission of gases.
Appendix 1
#import spss file to r
> library(foreign)
>
file.choose("c:users/joe/desktop")
[1]
"C:\\Users\\joe\\Desktop\\ESS8e02.1_F1.sav"
> View(dataset)
#plot data
> View(dataset)
> plot(dataset$netustm,dataset$nwspol)
#DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS
> # get means for variables
in data frame dataset
> # excluding missing values
round(mean(Elgcoal.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(mean(Wrdpfos.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(mean(Clmchng.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(mean(clmthgt1.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(mean(sbsrnen.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(mean(inctxff.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(mean(ccnthum.num,na.rm=TRUE),2))
cbind(
round(sd(Elgcoal.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(sd(Wrdpfos.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(sd(Clmchng.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(sd(clmthgt1.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(sd(sbsrnen.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(sd(inctxff.num,na.rm=TRUE),2),
round(sd(ccnthum.num,na.rm=TRUE),2))
#chi-test
chisq.test(gvrfgap, elgcoal)
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