Reflect on the causes of global warming, its consequences, the solutions and the problems that hinder the solutions attempted.

According to the research done by the weekly journal “Science”, the average global temperature has risen by 0.2 degree Celsius—100 times higher than is normal for such a short time scale, and 2005 is on course for being the hottest year on record. Beyond description, global warming is the most challenging environmental problem facing the mankind right now. Global warming is mainly caused by the emission of heat-trapping gases like carbon dioxide and methane by human activities. CO2 level began to soar with the industrial revolution, when coal started to be burnt in large quantities. They have surged in recent decades as more countries become industrialized like China and as more cars emerge on the road, emitting tones of greenhouse gases every moment. Those who are skeptical about this man-made global warming are arguing that the heating up of the Earth is merely another natural climate cycle that we have live through. They then cite natural activities that also produce carbon dioxide such as volcanic eruption. However, we are not living in a place where volcanic eruptions occur everywhere and every moment. It is more convincing to say that Man’s activities give rise to global warming because we discharge greenhouse gases every moment at every place.

Global warming causes extensive environmental problems such as climate change. As witnessed by the world, the frequencies of occurrence of hurricane across the globe has increased and the peak intensity of hurricanes may increase 5-10 per cent, and precipitation rates may increase by 20-30 per cent, as a result of global warming. Wherever hurricane goes, it brings about destruction and deaths. Hurricane Katrina that visited USA last year is an excellent example in explaining the consequences of global warming. In addition, countries like Australia is experiencing more frequent forest fires due to abnormally longer drought than before. Cases of diseases such as malaria and asthma are also on the rise due to rising temperatures and dust storms. As temperature rises, malaria is becoming more common in the traditionally cool mountains of Africa, Asia and Latin America where 10 per cent of the world’s people live. Beijing is being engulfed in the most intensive dust storms in the year. Global warming is partly to be blamed besides deforestation activities at the outskirt of the cities. In fact, consequences of global warming are not exhaustible. It is a problem that requires global effort to tackle.

We do see some efforts in tackling the problem of global warming as countries realize the dire consequences of rising temperature. For example, we do see annual conferences be held to discuss environmental issues, especially global warming. The United Nation has derived Kyoto Protocol for countries to follow to cut down on their emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. However, many critics argue that little result has been yielded by these efforts. True enough, countries seem to be engaging in the meetings, but once they are off the discussion table, everything is back to normal. Fossil fuel continue to be burnt in great quantities, deforestation continue to occur at an alarmingly large scale. Promises are usually not kept. Worse still, some nations tend to use the opportunities to forge economic ties with one another instead of talking about environmental issues. There is a great hindrance to the success of efforts to solve global warming—national interest. British Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair said that the Kyoto Protocol on climate change cannot work in its current form and US and emerging economies must work together to cut greenhouse gas emissions. His words carry a great deal of truth. USA is one of the major producers of carbon dioxide. It refuses to ratify the treaty. Mr. Bush refused to sign the protocol because he believes the treaty ‘s binding targeting are too costly for the US economy. Also, like what Mr. Blair pointed out, the Kyoto Protocol is itself flawed as it excludes China and India, the two major producers of heat-trapping gases. What is point when small nations attempting hard to hold back their gases while the big nations continue to discharge indiscriminately? However, one piece of good news is that though China is not a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol, it has, on its own accord, ratified the treaty and, more importantly, taken steps to reduce emissions by as much as 17 per cent since 1997, as reported by the US Natural Resources Defense Council. Moreover, we also have global agreements that offer carrots in the form of foreign aid and “technology transfer” to involve poorer nations in the war against global warming problem. However, often, these assistances only serve to help to keep those corrupted leaders in power, who have little interest in promoting the well being of their societies. There are many obstructions to the successful execution of measure to tackle global warming problems right now.

Global warming is the most challenging environmental issue that needs to be addressed promptly. It is not wise to risk our future for momentary materialistic gain because it is not worth it! I think the UN need to revise the Kyoto Protocol to involve emerging economies like India and China. Also, it is also the time for US to join the global effort. It should be taking the lead in tackling this problem, considering the influence it has across the globe. It should be an example for others to follow. As the name suggest, “global” effort is essential in tackling the problem of global warming.


Articles of reference
1) “Cold comfort for poor countries” straits times 4/11/05
2) “Global warming’s ill winds” straits times 1/10/05
3) “Kyoto climate pact ‘not working” straits times 31/10/05
4) “Kyoto Protocol: It’s time US joined global effort” straits times 11/07/05