Environment Changes

Human induced climate change resulting from an enhanced greenhouse effect is probably the greatest environmental threat facing the world today. Specifically, the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide may be classified as the primary culprit. As a result of greenhouse gases entering the upper levels of the earth’s atmosphere, it diminishes or breaks down the earths’ Ozone layer. With this loss of this protective blanket, harmful radioactive rays from the sun enter the deeper into the earth’s atmosphere. This creates a rise in the overall temperature of our planet, along with alterations in the global environment, ecosystems and way of life for the habitants of earth.

The earth like any body in space cools and warms until energy inputs from solar radiation and outputs from natural radiation are balanced. Greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere from human activities trap some of the energy radiating from the earth, increasing the temperature at which the earth creates energy balance. Based on a study by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) done in the early 1990s, approximately 65% of human induced greenhouse gases contributed to global warming. Over 80% of the increased atmospheric concentrations of harmful gases since the industrial revolution have been causes by industrial countries. Due to recent outsourcing and manufacturing market transfers, Asia and Latin America are regions where harmful emissions are rising most rapidly. Global greenhouse gas emissions are still growing and unless significant measures are taken, they are likely to reach high levels in the next few decades.

I think a considerable measure that can be taken would be to address the threat of climate change to the main international countries contributing to it. I think all countries should discuss and create a solution to minimize the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the earths’ climate change. Such a level should be achieved within a timeframe sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure food production is not threatened and to allow economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner. One example of this in our world today is the use of “Green Building” technology or “Sustainable Design” in architectural design of structures. This innovative idea of building allows structures to be built using recycled materials or substances that are less harmful to the environment. The efficient use of light and energy would be the most concentrated means of achieving a specific design goal.

Aside from the political and legal measures taken in this matter, I feel companies need to undertake voluntary measures to address the climate change. As residents of earth, it is essential to be aware of the impacts ones’ company is generating. A company should measure their greenhouse gas emission