In the words of prominent teen climate activist, Greta Thurnberg;
“The eyes of all future generations are upon you. And if you choose to fail us, I say: We will never forgive you” [1]
About 250,000 years ago, humans started using fire for various life activities. As time went by, we realized the energy potentials of water, wind and wood. Several years after, the use of steam engines ushered in the industrial revolution. Consequently, crude oil, a more effective energy source was discovered, which was used first in producing kerosene, then, to more complex usages. These series of changes in the conduct of human activities led to radical changes in our climate leading to the extinction of more than 99% of all species that ever lived.[2] Hence, the contention relayed in this paper, which is in line with the topic, is that global warming is an enormous threat to the future of mankind.
Global warming is simply the result of releasing heat trapping gases known as greenhouse gases into the atmosphere leading to a rise in Earth’s temperature. Examples of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapour and chlorofluorocarbon. The excessive release of these gases into the atmosphere over the years now pose an immediate threat to humans and the environment.
In order to recognize the urgency of putting an end to global warming, one must first understand its underlying causes. The burning of fossil fuels and emissions from fuel-powered machines results into the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Methane, a greenhouse gas, is generated by fossil fuel and from livestock such as sheep and cattle. Agricultural fertilizers also contribute to global warming because they mostly contain nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. More so, the recurring oil and natural gas drilling activities emit toxic pollutants, including carbon dioxide, into the environment thereby worsening the rate of global warming.
The devastating effects of climate change in the world cannot be overstated. The year 2021 has witnessed horrific climate disasters which underscores the immediate consequences of ignoring dangers of global warming. Most countries have recorded incidents of droughts, snow-melting, water shortages, wildfires, rising sea levels and horrendous heatwaves.
The effects of global warming are now more immediate than ever. The United States of America experienced wildfires in North California which destroyed more than 1,811 square kilometres of land. Also, the popular Greenland Ice Sheet had continue reading in the 8th Edition
