Introduction:
Over the years, global warming has become a major topic across the globe. Globalization plays a major role in accelerating the problem of the aforementioned phenomenon otherwise known as climate change. The increase in scientific knowledge has enabled the professionals to come up with ways to combat global warming. The cause of the climate change is elevated greenhouse gases (GHGs) that confine the infrared radiation. The trapped GHGs will then emit heat radiation from the Earth and in the process they result in the heating of the lower atmosphere. Globalization has led to the increase in the emission of the greenhouse gases which has led to a subsequent rise in their concentration due to more human activity such as combustion of fossil fuels and deforestation among others which has resulted in global warming.
The Adverse Effects of Global Warming:
Global warming is the most adverse case of globalization, and it can provide the basis of debate for issues relating to the economy, culture, and politics. The climate shift makes the environment an international issue, since it connects the entire global climate system. Most of the scientists in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change are from industrialized nations, but they have deducted conclusions that are beyond their countries interests (Nuesiri 186). Some non-governmental organizations such as the UNEP have made a distinctive effort in the assistance of developing states to combat issues of the global warming. Nonetheless, the industrialized countries have shown little effort in doing away with the production methods that lead to the acceleration of global warming, and it is necessary to develop plans that are systematic for adaptations.
The Role of Human Activity in Global Warming:
Human activity from globalization has led to the robust progression of global warming. According to the research, the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased due to human actions because technology has enabled them to measure the excess carbon dioxide from human-related activities (Nuesiri 54). The emission of GHGs has led to the metamorphosis of the isotopic composition. Further study indicates that most of the carbon dioxide found in the atmosphere does not originate from ocean’s release but from man’s activities (Nuesiri 62). Some of the most catastrophic hurricanes to be experienced in the world such as the Hurricane Mitch in Honduras and the Hurricane Katrina can partly be blamed on global warming. The physical destruction left behind by the aforementioned disasters is immense, and it has a negative effect on the population. Scientists indicate that the intensity of hurricanes may become worse due to the effects of global warming. The effects will be much intensified because sea levels are rising and there are more populations along the coastline than before. Researchers have been able to prove that Hurricane Harvey that occurred in 2017 was as a result of global warming, because the level of precipitation has increased since the end of the 20th century (Nuesiri 112). Hence, it is high time that governments invested in the reduction of climate change which involves formulating new methods of tackling globalization.
Evidence of Global Warming from Past Years:
Over the last decade, the temperature of the Earth has risen by almost one degree Celsius. Through the observation of old trees and trunks, it is possible to determine how temperatures have changed over the years, since there are rings that form around trees that are determined by the climate at the time. As such, the trees indicate that the climate has been altered adversely over the last decade. Furthermore, through observing sediments in large natural water bodies such as lakes, it is possible to determine the components of the air when the bits and pieces fell. For scientists to detect the condition of the past atmosphere, they have to drill through ice sheets of the Earth’s surface where they identify bubbles that are entrapped in the gas. These bubbles help in the determination of the concentration of GHGs from previous years. Therefore, according to verified research, scientists can prove that the concentration of greenhouse gases has increased since the Industrial Revolution which marked the hallmark of industry and human interference with the Earth’s atmospheric gases (Nuesiri 137).
The Causative Factors of Global Warming:
The causative factors of global warming arise from economic, political, and cultural globalization. In the protection of the environment, a dilemma arises between determining whether the best option is globalization or an entire defragmentation of the global economy, so that countries can have an entire control of their resources. In economic perspective, the important question to ask is the expansion of capitalism, so that the costs of input are put into account or the evolution of an entire economic system (Nuesiri 234). In political globalization, governments should extend to the management of the environment in consideration of social systems or focus on the development of local governments that are sustainable. From cultural point of view, it is crucial that scientist should develop formulas that help in the mitigation of climate changes or accommodate and incorporate local knowledge in the solving of issues presented by global warming.
The Impact of Globalization on the Environment:
Globalization of economies has led to the advanced increase in industrial production as well as enhanced trade across national borders which, in turn, have had adverse effects on the environment and climate change. Natural disasters have become more frequent and catastrophic as a result of globalization. Calamities such as droughts and floods have worsened due to the increase of temperatures in the Earth’s atmosphere. There is a direct correlation that exists between economic growth which leaves behind a trail of GHGs emission and the increase of industries and free trade. Globalization is also the main agent of accelerated deforestation as observed in recent times. Nonetheless, a dilemma arises because trade allows the improvement of a people’s way of life, but the world needs to re-evaluate the measures in place that protect the Earth.
Responsibility in Combating Global Warming:
The most globalized countries are the most industrialized nations, and they account for the most emission of the greenhouse gases when compared with developing states. Therefore, the global warming problem should not be shared in equal responsibility among all nations. Industrialized nations usually make up a fifth of the people in the world, but they emit the most GHGs when compared to poor countries whose emissions are for bare survival. Moreover, developed states have the capability to assist third world nations in improving their conditions of manufacturing goods through the use of efficient energy which will reduce GHG emission. They have advanced science and technology which can assist in the facilitation of reductions of emissions in poor countries.
The Impact of Communication and Transportation on Global Warming:
Globalization has been fostered by improved access stimulated by the development of the communication and transportation networks which heavily rely on the consumption of energy which is a major contributor to global warming. China is an excellent example of a country that has benefited from economic growth from improved communication and transportation networks, but the eventual result is increased use of fuel which leads to the emission of greenhouse gases. Further, there is irony in the production of energy saving devices, because they must be transported, and the corresponding networks must use energy. Therefore, it is important to consider location and transportation costs when producing green products ((Nuesiri 123). More so, it takes more than just the governments to tackle the issue of global warming but also individuals, business people, and other groups need to be involved. It is their responsibility to respond in a positive manner towards policies of the authorities that may be in place to curb the effects of the climate change. The government has the most significant power in the fight against issues presented by global warming. Nonetheless, rapid economic globalization has aggravated the problem of values found in institutions, and the political sphere has also failed in keeping up with a globalized world.
Conclusion:
There is a direct correlation between global warming and globalization that arises from the increased human activity. Evidently, the temperature of the Earth has continued to grow due to the rise in the number of greenhouse gases being emitted to the environment. Economic, cultural, and political globalization are the causative factors of global warming. As such, the issue of the climate change can be discussed on the basis of the aforementioned premises. Industrialized countries have the least population but account for the most emission of GHGs, and they should, therefore, take up responsibility for reducing the harmful impact on the Earth’s atmosphere. Further, it is important to consider factors of transportation and communication in the production of green goods. Most importantly, combating global warming takes effort from all individuals and businesses and it is not the sole responsibility of the government.
Works Cited
Nuesiri, Emmanuel O., ed. Global Forest Governance and Climate Change: Interrogating Representation, Participation, and Decentralization. Palgrave Macmillan, 2018.
