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Gabby Heck

Professor Barnes

English Composition 2

April 11, 2019

Is Global Climate Change Caused by Humans?

I chose to write my paper based on the question, “Is global climate change

caused by humans?” This question comes to mind often. In times when I see a lot of

litter or hear things about the shrinking ice sheets, I ponder if these things are caused

by human activity. To answer this question, I wanted to do more research on the topic.

Global warming is causing more and more harm to our Earth as time goes on. Every

single day humans are negatively affecting the Earth simply by going through our

everyday lives. Global warming is happening all around us whether we recognize it or

not. According to NASA team communicators, “most climate scientists agree the main

cause of the current global warming trend is human expansion of the ‘greenhouse

effect’” (NASA 1). H​umans are ultimately the main cause of global warming because of

things we do every day. In order to decrease the effects of global warming as an entire

population, we need to make changes to our everyday lives if we hope to save the

planet we live on for us, as well as, future generations to come.

The main cause of global warming is the greenhouse effect. ​The greenhouse

effect is warming that results when the atmosphere traps heat radiating from Earth

toward space. ​“This effect occurs naturally but has increased majorly due to the

greenhouse gases emitted into ​the atmosphere​ by humans” (NASA 1). The major
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greenhouse gases are

water vapor, carbon

dioxide, methane,

nitrous oxide, and

ozone. These gases

are long-lived and

partially linger

permanently in the

atmosphere and have

the power to block heat

from escaping. They do

not respond physically or chemically to changes in temperature and are commonly

described as "forcing" climate change. “Gases, such as water vapor, which respond

physically or chemically to changes in temperature are seen as ‘feedbacks’" (NASA 1).

These major greenhouse gases keep heat close to the earth’s surface making it livable

for humans and animals. However, global warming is happening largely due to an

over-emittance of these gases and fossil fuels (DoSomething). These gases living in the

air remain there for countless number of years and will affect our lives and the climate

far into the future. Humans have the power to do a lot to help decrease the effects of the

greenhouse gases. Recycling is a huge factor in helping the cause, as well as, driving

less if the option is available. Using less hot water or less use of heat and air
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conditioning when it is not needed are also huge factors in helping reduce the emission

of greenhouse gases.

Fossil fuels are hydrocarbons like coal, natural gas and fuel oil that form from the

remains of dead animals and plants. “​Over the last century the burning of fossil fuels

like coal and oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO​2​).

This happens because the coal or oil burning process combines carbon with oxygen in

the air to make CO​2​” (NASA 1). The burning of these fossil fuels are drastically

increasing the greenhouse effect. “There is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

today than at any point in the last 800,000 years” (DoSomething 1). The high amount of

carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is not only causing global warming, but is also

creating many dangerous health risks to humans. ​“The largest source of releasing of

carbon dioxide is from the burning of fossil fuels by humans which is also one of the

greenhouse gases that allows radiative forcing and contributes to global warming”

(Science Daily 1). The burning of fossil fuels is emitting harmful products into the air we

breath and causing harmful effects on our environment as a whole. The gasses emitted

are not only harmful to our Earth but also to the health of humans. “Fossil fuels are

creating health problems such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis heart diseases and

many upper respiratory problems” (Team Arcadia Power 1). Allowing this epidemic to

continue so strongly is only going to be worse for humans in the future in every way we

could imagine. There are ways we can reduce the burning of fossil fuels; using

alternative transportation and energy, greening your car and spreading awareness

around the world. Simply driving your car consumes fossil fuels and emits dangerous
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gases. There are forms of alternative transportation, especially for someone who lives in

a bigger city where there are many opportunities for public transportation like taking the

bus or train systems (Frost 1).

Air pollution plays a huge part in climate change. “Most air pollution comes from

energy use and production, says ​John Walke​” (Mackenzie 1). Air pollution is a

combination of particles and gases that can become very harmful both inside and

outside. Most air pollution is not even visible to the eye and can come from numerous

different sources. However, the leading cause of air pollution comes from factories -

which are very visible. While driving, it is extremely common to pass a factory and see

all the pollution it is

emitting into the

atmosphere. “Its

effects can range

from higher disease

risks to rising

temperatures” (Nunez

1). Bad air quality has

the power to kill

people and affect

one’s health negatively. “Air pollution is one of the leading causes of death killing 1 in

every 8 people worldwide from many different diseases and lung cancer” (Young

Champions of the Earth 1). “Worldwide, bad outdoor air caused an estimated 4.2 million
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premature deaths in 2016” (Nunez 1). Air pollution not only has the power to kill people,

but causes diseases and major health problems including cancer. “Air pollution has

been linked to higher rates of cancer, heart disease, strokes, and respiratory diseases

such as asthma. In the U.S. nearly 134 million people are at risk of disease and

premature death because of air pollution, according to American Lung Association

estimates” (Nunez 1). People are constantly dying just from breathing in the polluted air

around us and the problem is continuing to get worse. Many lives could be saved and

protected if humans actively took charge and started doing what we can to decrease air

pollution world wide. “Crops are also being affected negatively from pollution. They are

constantly being ruined or destroyed by air pollution and causing more than $11 billion

worth of damage each year” (Young Champions of the Earth 1). “More than 7,000

mayors have committed to reducing their cities’ air pollution emissions” (Young

Champions of the Earth 1). If other cities’ mayors around the world followed this act we

would eventually start to see positive changes in our environment as well as in the

health of the lives around us.

The temperature of planet Earth is rising even in polar regions that need to stay

cold. The result of the warming temperatures are causing glaciers to melt that should

not be melting. “The global average surface temperature has increased by more than

1.6 degrees Fahrenheit- even more in polar regions” (National Geographic 1). The

effects of the rising temperatures and global warming are occurring right now, and are

predicted to continue for years to come. This process is referred to as climate change.

“The term climate change encompasses not only rising average temperatures but also
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extreme weather events, shifting wildlife populations and habitats,​ rising seas​, and a

range of other impacts” (National Geographic 1). Climate change is affecting all of the

aspects just listed, which negatively affects planet Earth as a whole. “Ice is melting

worldwide, especially at the Earth’s poles” (National Geographic 1). The melting ice

includes many different mountain glaciers, ice sheets, and even Arctic sea ice.

Fortunately for humanity there is still hope. If we take steps towards reversal

now, the changes from greenhouse effect can return to full health. One of these steps is

to manage refrigerants, specifically chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons,

which are key

culprits in depleting

the stratospheric

ozone layer, which is

essential for

absorbing the sun’s

ultraviolet radiation

(Green America 1).

Luckily the​ ​1987

Montreal Protocol on

Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, took chlorofluorocarbons and

hydrochlorofluorocarbons out of phase, and three decades later, the ozone layer is

finally beginning to heal (Green America 1). Although this is merely one example of

change, it can also take other forms such as wind turbines, reduced food waste,
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Adoption of a Plant-Rich Diet, Tropical Forest Restoration, family planning, Solar Farms,

Silvopasture, and solar rooftops (Green America 1). With evidence of revision proving

itself effective in reversing damage in a real world scenario, the future is bright.

Countries are assembling in their masses to preserve the wonders of the Earth by

passing laws and pushing for change on every continent.

On the contrary, many people believe global warming is a false theory. Due to

the earth’s natural cycles of warming and cooling some claim this is just a natural phase

of our planet. Many also blame the argument of global warming on the vicious

competition between conservatives and liberals. While conservatives usually lean

towards the opinion of the warming coming from earth's natural cycles, liberals blame

the warming on human lifestyle. Some liberals claim conservatives have taken money

bribes from oil companies to speak against their “go green” movement. Regardless of

who is correct, humans do not treat the earth with respect. Pollution is a part of all of our

lives from our cars, to the creation of all of the everyday products you find in your home.

Without dispute, pollution is doing nothing but hurting our environment, air, and ozone,

and every step towards a healthier lifestyle is beneficial for everyone.

All of the causes of global warming are very harmful to our Earth and continue to

worsen as years go on. Without a doubt, this worldwide problem is caused by humans.

Our everyday life will soon be altered due to irreversible damage to the place we call

home. Sea levels will rise, species of animal will die, and pollution will taint the air so

extreme that human life will be cut short. Everytime we drive to work, litter, and use

environmentally hazardous products, we choke the Earth as well as ourselves into

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extinction. Fortunately there is still hope. By spreading worldwide awareness of the

situation, we can work towards making our everyday lives more eco-friendly and slowly

reverse the damage we have already inflicted. Without change, the beautiful place we

live will be permanently destroyed beyond repair making the Earth uninhabitable.

Works Cited
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“A Closer Look at​ ​Climate Change​ Skepticism.” ​National Institute of Environmental

Health​ Sciences,​ U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,

https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/ehp.118-a536​.

Essick, Peter. “Air Pollution Causes, Effects, and Solutions.” ​Air Pollution, Facts and

Information,​ 25 Feb. 2019,

www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/pollution/​.

“Fossil Fuel.” ​ScienceDaily​, ScienceDaily, ​www.sciencedaily.com/terms/fossil_fuel.htm​.

“Get the Facts: 6 Things You Need to Know about Air Pollution.” ​Young Champions of

the Earth,​ 14 June 2017,

http://web.unep.org/youngchampions/blog/get-facts-6-things-you-need-kn

ow-about-air-pollution

“Global Climate Change: Effects.” ​NASA​, NASA, 28 Nov. 2018,

https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/​.

“Global Warming Effects.” ​Global Warming and​ ​Climate Change​ Effects: Information

and Facts​, 4 Feb. 2019,

www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming

-effects/​.

Mackenzie, Jillian. “Air Pollution: Everything You Need to Know.” ​NRDC​, 13 Feb. 2019,

www.nrdc.org/stories/air-pollution-everything-you-need-know#sec2​.

Power, Team Arcadia. “10 Health Problems from Fossil Fuels.” ​Blog,​ Arcadia Power, 9

Aug. 2017, ​https://blog.arcadiapower.com/10-health-problems-fossil-fuels/​.

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“Ways to Reduce Fossil Fuel Use.” ​LIVESTRONG.COM,​ Leaf Group,

www.livestrong.com/article/160475-ways-to-reduce-fossil-fuel-use/​.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming-cause

s/

https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/ehp.118-a536​.

https://www.greenamerica.org/climate-change-100-reasons-hope/top-10-solutions-rever

se-climate-change