Global Warming - A Threat

So we already heard about it – the term global warming. And by hearing it, we then associate it with greenhouse effect. But do you know that greenhouse effect is actually a boon? Well for those who really have scrutinized the term (greenhouse effect) firmly, they might have understood what I mean. But for those who have not, maybe I need a small talk.

Actually greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that’s happening in our atmosphere. Its primary role is to keep earth warm enough in sustaining life. The greenhouse effect is the result of the interaction between sunlight and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. About 20 percent of the heat is absorbed by the aforementioned gases, while 30 percent’s reflected back into space. The remaining 50 percent is absorbed by earth. As these greenhouse gases absorb the energy they become warmer, and soon emit heat waves in all directions. It’s like they allow radiant energy to enter earth, while trapping few of them. Therefore, without these greenhouse gases earth would be much colder.

But as man progresses (so does technology) the focus about nature declines. Not because these two things repel from each other. It’s just that, not all of us know how to make both, complementary. So here’s the problem: decreasing number of plants and increasing number of machines (not all machines are environment friendly). These machines increase the amount of greenhouse gases, while the reducing number of trees makes the conversion of some of these like carbon dioxide into oxygen, to be more unlikely to happen. And if you think this increase of greenhouse gases, doubles our protection from catastrophe that nature might cause, then we are thinking the wrong way. More greenhouse gases than normal level, means the higher the mercury would rise in our thermometer.

According to some scientists, earth’s temperature by 2050 might increase by 0.5`C- 2`C. With that great change in our temperature, ice caps at the north and south poles would melt, thus flooding the coastal areas and low lying lands. Approximately water level would increase by that time, for about six meters.

Surely, there’ll be changes in our biodiversity. Remember that living organisms are open system. We are affected by the changes in our environment. The growing number of diseases is one proof, that we will be sorry if we will not make a move.

Good thing! Nowadays there are more and more people getting aware on what is happening in our home right now. Environmentalist groups also grow in number, just to conserve the planet where we are into. One of those who promote self-awareness in terms of global warming is Al Gore, the author of the book – “An Inconvenient Truth”. He says “In the long run earth is going to be fine. It’s humans who are at risk.” Threatening, yes it is, but actually it’s an eye-opener.

The Filipinos also share their concern as they joined the world wide event called the EARTH HOUR. In the Philippines, there had been a nationwide blackout that had been participated by some places in Manila and 30 more cities outside it, last March 29 of 2008, about 8:00 – 9:00 o’ clock in the evening (Philippine date and time). Aside from the conserving of energy (even just for an hour), the event also intends to promote self-awareness about the earth’s status, so proper actions might be taken by concerned citizens.

Even just for our simple acts like planting, not burning garbage, conserving energy, etcetera, we can actually be a great help in this program – saving Earth. I know with the sincere heart to save our home, our life, God will help us succeed.