Global warming, which is one of the most severe problems nowadays, reaching more serious levels as time goes on; threatens our world, including humans, animals, plants in it. In short, all of the life on Earth. This problem, which will leave us with a terrible fate, is still not prevented and necessary precautions are not taken. The first thing to do in this regard is to know what global warming is.
The simplest definition can be made as the release of greenhouse gasses (carbon dioxide, methane, ozone) into the atmosphere by humans cause increase in temperature on the earth as a result of the greenhouse effect. To explain in more detail, the Earth’s surface is heated by the sun’s rays. The Earth reflects these rays back into the atmosphere, but some rays are caught by a natural cover formed on the Earth by water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane gas. This causes the earth to stay warmer than normal. The part that we cause this is that we release gases into the atmosphere that results in greenhouse effect. Major greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, chlorofluorocarbon, ozone and nitrogen oxides. It is known as the most effective greenhouse gas with 50% carbon dioxide rate among them. But how do we emit these gases to the atmosphere?
Recently; the accumulation of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide gases in the atmosphere increased due to burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, rapid population growth and increased consumption in societies. To begin with, as a result of deforestation the produced oxygen has decreased and the carbon dioxide used in photosynthesis increased in the atmosphere. This is because forests are being depleted for many domestic and commercial purposes.
Moreover, the use of vehicles, even for a short distance results in diverse gaseous emissions. The vehicles burn fossil fuels which emit a huge amount of carbon dioxide and other toxins into the atmosphere causing a temperature increase.
Furthermore, as we use air conditioners and refrigerators excessivelly , humans have been emit CFCs(chlorofluorocarbon) into the environment that affects the ozone layer. The CFCs has led to ozone layer depletion making way for the ultraviolet rays, thereby increasing the temperature of the earth.
Lastly, overpopulation means more people is breathing which leads to an increase in the level of CO2, the primary gas that causes global warming. Even though there are some reasons that are natural which results in global warming such as volcanoes, frost blazes, water vapour; global warming is mostly caused by humans. This brings us to the question of how we can prevent global warming. In the simplest way, you can use fossil fuel-consuming vehicles less to avoid the emission of greenhouse gases. Alternatively, you can choose electric cars or consider options such as bicycles and buses. Another way to reduce the emission of CO2 is planting. You can plant trees so that less carbon dioxide and more oxygen will be released. In addition to what I mentioned, you can use energy-saving light bulbs, choose local products, reduce the use of fossil fuels used in the import of these foods, and increase recycling and show a more environmentally friendly attitude. In conclusion, while there is so much we can do, do not ignore this issue. Fight together for a better future.