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Research Paper
Is catastrophe from global warming inevitable or preventable?
Nurmagambetov Daniyar (#20102253)
Academic Reading and Writing 2 (Section #4)
Pamela Renner
Spring 2012
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Content
Abstract ..................................................................................................................................3
Introduction ............................................................................................................................4
Literature Review ...................................................................................................................7
Primary Research Section ......................................................................................................15
Data Analysis .........................................................................................................................22
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................26
Appendix ...............................................................................................................................28
References ..............................................................................................................................29
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Abstract
Questions related to environmental problems are big and disputable. Especially global warming is one of the most pressing and troubling problems. Every small decision related to global warming can have a great affect to the future of our Earth. Today many scientists and organizations try to find solutions to the climate change caused by global warming. However, should we really care about global warming? And, if it is inevitable how can we solve this? All these cause many controversial topics. Many researches have been done today, but projects failed which were aimed to prevent global catastrophe from rapid global warming. Actually, not only government and big organizations should prevent this, but also ordinary people. At the end, by combining all of materials, we can make a judgment and conclusion in order to satisfy more views and find correct solutions whether people can slow the global warming or not. Of course, it is very difficult to consider all of them. So, even if this research does not explain every detail related to the global warming, it underlies the most important points of the general and scientific discussions connected with it.
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Introduction
The Earth is the only planet in the solar system where there is life. If you look down at the Earth from a plane you will see how wonderful our planet is. You will see blue seas and oceans, rivers and lakes, high snow-capped mountains, green forests and fields. For centuries man lived in harmony with nature until industrialization brought human society into conflict with the natural environment. Is the behaviour of human society sustainable? Today the contradictions between man and nature have acquired a dramatic character. With the development of civilization man’s interference in nature has increased. Every year the world’s industry pollutes the atmosphere with millions of tons of dust and other harmful substances. As a result, a variety of environmental problems now affect our entire world.
One of such actual and global ecological problem today is global warming. Many people all over the world have devoted their lives to the fight against global warming; many inventions have been created, lots of books have been written, a lot has been said and a lot has been done. But what is global warming? In general, global warming is a process of rising average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere. Problem of global warming involves not only particular harms to the environment and nature but the humanity and whole world. Global warming is one of the most serious ecological problems which cause other environmental problems. For example, global warming causes a danger of ice melting which causes one more complicated ecological issue, an increased level of oceans. Moreover, the environment suffers from extinction of species like polar bears and whales due to global warming.
Today is the time of globalization, and industry play a huge role in the world. And the level of industry is increasing and developing every year. Of course, it is the one of the biggest successes of humanity. However, every new thing has disadvantages. The main cause of the global warming is big impact and interference of the humanity to the nature. However, some researchers consider that global warming is myth and reject impact of human beings.
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Actually, it is obvious that the main causes of global warming are manufactures and wastes. And, the results of last research prove the theory that the main cause of global warming is human activities. According to Spencer (2007), the University of Alabama, carbon emissions produced by burning fossil fuels contributed the average temperature of the Earth to rise from 0.5 to 0.7 degree C. Moreover, it is shown that rapid climate change is due to greenhouse gases of industries. Interestingly, even if the global warming affected our Earth over the past 100 years, only recently we found out that global warming is serious problem. It is obvious that threats of global warming to our Earth are actual and global and it needs to be solved urgently. Why? Because Climate change affects all three pillars of sustainability: ecological, social and economic stability. Even now we see the negative consequences of climate change due to the global warming. Every environmental problem has causes, numerous effects, and most importantly, a solution. Therefore, so many organizations and unions were created which aimed to prevent the worst consequences of global warming.
For instance, Kyoto protocol was basic world’s agreement on counteraction to the global warming. However, it was unsuccessful. Surely, this issue raises many questions and arguments such as: Why did Kyoto protocol fail? Are there real feasible solutions? Is ecological catastrophe preventable? Do governments of countries take measures to prevent this problem and how? What actions have already been taken and what are their results? How can we, ordinary people, do something to help in order to prevent this problem?, and many others. Today we are forgetting about how nature served for human needs, and we are in search of developed industry. And, countries compete with each other in globalization. Government should do its best to find out what are the possible and feasible solutions to the global warming. There are chances which can prevent global catastrophe from global warming. For example, if all countries provide financial support to the programs of development of using ecological clean biofuels and alternative energies, it will be a big part of
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preventing global catastrophe from global warming. For instance, 90% of energies of Denmark depend on only renewable source of energy which is ecologically friendly and effective. First of all it has no effect to global warming. Another thing is that biofuels are also becoming developed. One of the biggest advantages of biofuels is that it does not produce any wastes which are the main cause of global climate change. We should think of very important aspect of the problem that next generation, our children descendants, is in danger. And, it not only depends on the government. If every person take it seriously and do even little things in favor of the solutions to the problem, it will have a big influence on our Earth. That is why everything is in our hands.
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Literature review
Today global warming is one of the most pressing and real issues. This problem affects everyone. The development and present operating conditions of large-scale industries in many countries with different economies are the main causes of climate change in our Earth. Especially this is very true for developed countries with big and rich industries. In general, rapid climate change is the cause of global warming which is the process of an increase of average temperatures of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans. There are many hypothesis and theories about the causes of global warming. Clearly, one major view is that manufacturing and industries make wastes that rise average temperature of the Earth. Another view is that this is not only the main origin of rapid climate change. Perhaps every problem has at least one solution. So, does global warming have effective solutions or not? On the whole is rapid climate change preventable or is global catastrophe inevitable? Today most of the well-developed countries like the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and others do their best to find at least one way of preventing further global catastrophe. In articles that are discussed in this review, there are analyses of environmental research, statistics of changing temperature, many projects aimed to prevent the problem, experience of other countries which have learned to use alternative type of energies and finally different approaches that ordinary people can do in order to either stop or slow global disaster.
The main characteristic of the Earth’s climate is temperature. Even in the beginning of 20th century the effects of global warming was noticeable. The temperature of Earth has risen by 1 degree. Even in 1998 snow and ice melting in the Northern Hemisphere and Arctic Ocean have increased. As a result sea level has risen 4–8 inches over the past century. Moreover, international academy of science of all countries consentaneously found out that average temperature has increased by 0.7 C since manufacturing revolution that started in the
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end of XVIII century (Khilyuk & Chilingar, 2003). An increase of the average temperature of the Earth is clearly shown in the picture below:
Another point is the main causes of rapid climate change. Greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide (CO2) are the main harmful wastes from many manufacturing and industries which cause global warming. The term “greenhouse effect” has two meanings. Firstly, greenhouse effect is also a natural effect that is due to man-made extra carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels. Second, a natural greenhouse effect is mostly due to water vapor which has 90% of effect, carbon dioxide and methane (Spencer, 2007). However, greenhouse effect is mostly based on man-made carbon dioxide to the Earth’s environment, and most of the scientists in field of environment claim that rapid climate change is due to human’s fault.
T
his
is the graph of rapid growth of carbon emissions during the 50 years.
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However, defenders of human activities strongly oppose that the main cause of global warming is man-made actions. An explanation for that are increased emissions of the greenhouse gases with an increase of global temperature. Consequently, the increased emissions cause the global warming. Another factor is based on solar activity, because the greater the solar activity, the greater the sun’s radiation. Accordingly, the Earth’s surface absorbs more radiation from the sun. Clearly, this leads to an increase in the surface temperature and a consequent warming of the atmosphere by water vapor condensation, and radiation. Also, water contains 50-60 times more carbon dioxide than atmospheric air. Consequently, an increase of temperature causes CO solubility from the ocean water to the atmospheric CO concentration (Khilyuk & Chilingar, 2003). So, it shows counter argument that the main cause of rapid climate change is not only today’s manufacturing, but it is also natural process of the Earth. Thus, it raises many questions.
The expected dangerous climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced. Therefore, in order to prevent at least the most horrific consequences and to slow the speed of the change, many organizations and projects were created. One of them is Kyoto protocol. Actually, Kyoto protocol is the international treaty aimed to restrict carbon emissions between developed signatory countries. It entered into force in February 2005 with support of UNFCCC (UN Framework Convention on Climate Change). The first purpose of the protocol was a sufficient number of countries that account for fifty-five percent of carbon emissions from industrialized or transition economy, and countries had to ratify the Protocol (Tipton, 2008). It was one of the most serious agreements of many countries, but it raises a question: why has it achieved so little? There are several issues which were not touched in this agreement. Firstly, according to Lanchbery (2010), director of environmental projects, it was an agreement without many immediate political or economic consequences. It promised much and cost little. Moreover, many countries did not take it seriously; that is why it could
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not limit greenhouse emissions. Secondly, Kyoto did not have all main plans to reduce carbon emissions. For instance, Kyoto did not contain provisions that provide carbon credits or offsets for preserving existing forests that absorb carbon in developing countries (Ferrey, 2010). As mentioned above, the goal of the project were the setting of targets for the reduction of emissions from industrialized countries; and the establishment of a framework for the evolution of wider and deeper reductions subsequently. These targets should cover all the developed industrialized countries. However, it excluded USA after its withdrawal in 2003, but even if Canada was in this project, it was not making progress. On the contrary, its emissions have risen by over 20% since 1992. Consequently, Canada left Kyoto in 2005. The Japanese position is also not good; despite low economic growth emissions rose 8.1 % by 2005 from the 1990 level (Helm, 2008). Today is the day of innovation and new technology. Therefore, many countries are competing without thinking of effects and consequences.
There can be a point that warming is much better than cooling. However, it is wrong. The global warming leads to rapid climate change. As a result it changes environment and conditions of many animals to survive. So, it contributes to change animal genetic diversity. In general, the water takes 60% of the Earth, and only less than 40% has land. Global warming contributes water to increase. A good explanation is that 20% of water contains ice which are melting day by day (Hoffman, 2010). Of course, it causes a rise in sea level. Firstly, ice melting in Arctic zones threatens many valuable species of animals. For example, today polar bears and whales are on the verge of extinction. Today they are under protection of WWF, and it is strictly prohibited to hunt them. Actually, nowadays there are only 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears in our planet (Oguz, 2009). Polar bears are swimming longer distances because of melting sea ice. Moreover, only these big predators are accustomed and able to live in the severe climate of Arctic. "Climate change is pulling the sea ice out from under polar bears' feet, forcing some to swim longer distances to find food and habitat," said
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Geoff York, a polar bear expert at the World Wildlife Fund who co-authored the study. According to the survey in which researchers collected data from 68 GPS collars attached to bears over the course of six years, twenty bears in the survey swam more than 30 miles at a time. Eleven of the bears that swam long distances had young cubs when researchers attached the collars, and five of those mothers lost their cubs while swimming. And, melting of ice strongly hinders polar bears from hunting their main prey, seals (Oguz, 2009). According to the study published in “Nature” in 2004 15% to 35% of all species, potentially millions, could be committed to extinction by 2050 as a result of anthropogenic climate change (Hsiung & Sunstein, 2006).
Surely, every problem has at least one solution. However, firstly in order to find solution we should find causes of the problem. Clearly, the main cause of global warming is carbon emissions produced by burning fossil fuels in order to get globally and strongly consumable energy. Therefore, firstly we should find another alternative ways of obtaining energy. Of course, the solution must be environmentally friendly and economically feasible solutions. There were created approximately hundreds of projects to reduce the carbon emissions. However, not all of them were effective. One of the best projects was using renewable sources of energy. To slow global warming, there must be a fundamental shift of the technological base for power-generation from fossil fuels to renewable energy resources (Ferrey, 2010). Nowadays it has already used in many countries, but it is not developed and widespread. Renewable sources of energy contain using wind, solar and water power so as to get energy. For instance, today Denmark is a leading country in using renewable sources of energy. Its system mostly based on wind and solar energy technology. When other countries’ energy is based on fossil fuel and nuclear energy, 90% Denmark’s energy relies on renewable sources of energy. It is really good example for imitation (Spencer, 2007). There are several reasons why. Firstly, in every country there is steppes where wind is strong. Secondly, it is acceptable for
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every country. Surely, at first the equipment should be provided, and it is an expensive one. However, the result is vast. Thirdly, it totally has no harm to the environment and especially it has no effects to global warming. Mostly it can reduce air pollution, water pollution and global warming.
Another effective developing type of getting energy is biofuels. Obviously, causes and effects have a big influence on finding solutions to the global warming. In order to reduce global warming emissions there needs to be improvement on vehicle fuel efficiency and shift to lower carbon fuels. It is fuels produced from plants or other biological material. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists biofuels are quickly gaining support, because they can be integrated more easily to electricity or hydrogen from our existing fuel distribution infrastructure. Rising world fuel price, the growth of demand for energy and concerns about global warming contribute to develop this new type of energy. Actually, the main advantage of biofuels is that it does not have any wastes after burning. On the contrary, coal, oil and gas are very wasteful type of energy which contains the main cause of global warming, carbon emissions (Rosegrant, Zhu, Msangi & Sulser, 2008).
Actually, we, ordinary people, also can do something to slow the global warming process. At first glance it seems that we can do nothing, and only government, scientists and corporations should do their best to find the solutions to global warming. However, we also have a big influence on preventing global disaster from global warming. Ordinary people should contribute to slow global warming by recycling, planting, using energy sources efficiently and so on. Basically, it starts from our usual actions. For example, our daily actions like eating, shower, using electricity efficiently play a significant role on decreasing global warming.
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Firstly, eating better can also help to slow global warming. Professor Paramanov (2010) reports that eating locally grown foods cuts down on carbon dioxide emission since food won't need to shipped long distances. Fresh food also requires less processing than canned or frozen foods. Imagine two people eating the same diet, same number of calories, same ratio, same number of meat calories, but one of them gets his meat calories from beef while the other from poultry. The difference between these two eaters is 1.4 ton of CO2 equivalent per year. Even eating chicken more than beef is effective. For example, if 100 million people switch from beef to chicken, and it has eliminated the emissions of 140 million tons of CO2, it is equal to the Czech Republic’s total annual greenhouse gas footprint (Trembly, 2009). There are many such theories. However, it needs more clarifications and explanations how it contributes to help preventing climate change, because we should try to do every action which is helpful for our Earth.
Secondly, switching from a 12 minute shower using a regular shower head to a 6 minute shower with an efficient head will lower your overall annual footprint by 1.1 tons CO2. If most Americans made this switch, the national emission savings would amount to over 330 million tons of CO2, it is more than Argentina’s total carbon footprint (Quirke, 2000). Next, switching from cars which needs more fuel to efficient cars which need lees fuel can also reduce their overall emissions to 96 percent of their current value. If 100 million people use such cars, it will reduce approximately 99 million tons of CO2 (Paramonov, 2010). The good example is the city Portland where many people use bicycles in order to reduce the level of pollution (Portland, 2012). Moreover, it is not only beneficial for environment but especially for residents’ health. Another thing is that if we are in earnest about electricity usage, it will decrease quarter of carbon emissions. For instance, if every person does not forget to switch off the light when it is not needed, carbon emissions from the electricity will
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not be produced a lot. For example, in April 2007, in Oregon state of the USA residents of Portland use of energy, water, and miles driven have all decreased over the last ten years (Portland, 2007). It is one of the best examples to imitate. Imagine if over 6 billion people take it seriously and switch off the lights on time, obviously that will slow the global warming process.
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Primary Research Section
As global warming is known as one of the most serious and pressing ecological problems, many researchers who are interested in global warming, are curious to know expert opinion about global warming. As an important aspect of research, I looked for a professor of environmental sciences whose work is related to global ecological problems like global warming. Also, I took a public opinion poll and got the results which have not surprised me. The interviews and the poll took the place in order to clear up that “Is global warming inevitable or preventable?” and “Should we really worry about global warming?”. Also, interview helps to find out more information about why Kyoto Protocol failed, and also daily actions of ordinary people in favour of stop global warming like planting of trees and use of electricity efficiently. These questions are demand very deep and more information which cannot be answered by only one sentence. Types of primary research, demographic survey and interview, allow us to view the issue from various sides. The professional of environmental studies, for example, can make more clear the processes and events which happened and answer to more actual questions.
An interview with Aliya Nurtayeva Ph,D, C.Sc., who is associate professor of environmental science in KIMEP university, was very important so as to learn and know deeper, broader information about global warming and her personal attitude. She explained in simple and understandable words for everyone. In simple words, generally global warming is the result of greenhouse effect. Radiation from a planetary surface is absorbed by atmospheric greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases existed always, it means that they were always in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide and water vapor are major greenhouse gases. Water is also greenhouse gas, it controls its concentration itself. For example, if we have more water we have rains. Greenhouse gases catch energy and remit it back. As a result our planet takes additional heating.
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Professor Nurtayeva explained why we are worried about global warming: “During 100 years the average temperature increased 0.7-0.8C, and this is high level. Scientists discovered that average temperature is increasing too fast. At the same time scientists were investigating CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. It was found out that an increase of CO2 increases high temperature degree and basing on this were formed global warming theory. According to Nurtayeva’s words the main initial cause of temperature function was an increase of CO2.
Also, it was interesting to know that delivery of this information to the public belongs to Alfred Got, who was an opponent of J. Bush to president post. Unfortunately, he did not succeed, and he decided to switch his activity to environmental studies. Although he was not scientist, he investigated global warming process, and he delivered this information to the public as good orator. For that he was awarded by Nobel prize.
Basically, global warming is based on 2 scientific evidences: CO2 and monitoring of temperature. Nurtayeva emphasizes that there are doubts about global warming. Global warming is proven, but it had short period of time. Even 100 years is not long time. So, it is too early to fear. Also, there is opposite theory about global cooling. It means that climate is always changing, it will not always be warm. It clarifies that global warming is not inevitable.
“There is another theory that an increase of average temperature is not due to carbon dioxide. The major cause is extra activity on sun. There are certain sun-spots on the sun which is also cause of global warming.” (Nurtayeva, 2012). This hypothesis proves that global warming is natural process of the Earth. Third theory is based on fluctuation of average temperature of the Earth that says average temperature is always changing and not stable. Sometimes it can be higher or lower. Global warming is just fluctuation of higher level temperature. From these theories Nurtayeva emphasizes that “Now I cannot say that global warming is serious problem, because it is earlier to evaluate it”. Of course, we can see effects
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of global warming on ice melting. However, again this is not only affected by rapid global warming but also sun activity and electromagnetic activities. And, even if during the last 100 years average temperature is increased by 1C, in further 100 years it can be decreased. So, we cannot say exactly about this process. Nurtayeva even said that she cannot even call this global warming. Sure, all these raise questions: what about manufacturings which produce CO2?
According to Nurtayeva many industrial manufacturings contribute to increase greenhouse gases. The main reason for that is burning fossil fuels and pollution from wastes of manufacturings. As a solution to pollution that contains much concentration of CO2 needs high advanced technology as filter and recycling system. It means that it is costly and sometimes inaccessible. For solution to fossils fuels from Nurtayeva’s words fossil fuels are on the verge of finishing: 200 years for coal, 30-40 years for oil, 50- 60 years for gas. As you can see anyway it demands development of renewable sources of energy and biofuels. The era of fossil fuels will end. Another solution to slow global warming process is to use non renewable source of energy such as nuclear power stations that uses power of uranium. We are already using that, but not widely. Even our young Kazakhstan is on the top of uranium production. Using uranium as energy we can reduce concentration of CO2. Unfortunately, nuclear fuel is risky. As good examples can be Chernobyl and Fukusima catastrophe from explosions of nuclear power stations. So, it indicates that effective solutions are renewable sources of energy and recycling systems.
Another important area for research is that why projects failed which were aimed to fix all these problems. Kyoto Protocol was one of the most serious programs that were created. However, it is interesting to know why Kyoto did not work. Kyoto protocol is the subjective agreement. It states on reduction of CO2 concentration in different countries depending on the level of their development and time. Nurtayeva highlights that Kyoto protocol had certain limit comparing with 1990. Countries are different. If country is highly developed it means
the level of pollution is also highly increased. The higher industry means the higher carbon dioxide. So, if industry was developed, it is very difficult to decrease level of pollution.
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However, for Soviet Union it was beneficial, because that time USSR collapsed and many industrial factories stopped and closed their production. Accordingly, pollution level was less. And, if we look at level of pollution in Kazakhstan it is less as in Russia. Starting from 1990 to 2000 pollution level started to decrease, because each country was supposed to decrease pollution depending on their economical level. For Russia and Kazakhstan it was beneficial. Both had natural decrease of pollution. Therefore, as Russia signed the protocol Kazakhstan also signed this protocol. However, it had advantages and disadvantages. For Russia and Kazakhstan it was very profitable. On the contrary, for many countries with big industries it was unprofitable. Why? For example, there are countries “A” and “B”. “A” reaches low level of pollution 1% it means that country “A” has some credits over the country “B” which has high level of pollution. “A” can sell this for “B”. Country “B” should provide money for country “A”, because it has high pollution level. So, it should decrease pollution level quickly. This was the principle of Kyoto protocol, but this was difficult task for many developed countries with big industries. And, Kazakhstan signed relatively later. Kazakhstan did not have time to use this benefit due to late signing. Nurtayeva explained that we have different countries which have different economical situations. And, therefore it concerns environmental justice. It was difficult to make this project fair system without discriminating countries. In this case for example, the USA did not ratify Kyoto protocol, because high level of industry it means that they produce high level of pollution. Reduction of greenhouse gases is not cheap process and not easy. Not only for the USA but also for other big countries even to decrease for 0.01 % of pollution is very expensive. That is why all these made Kyoto protocol unsuccessful. Kyoto protocol was supposed to finish in 2012. And, in 2009 in Copenhagen countries tried to expand and develop Kyoto ideas. Unfortunately, it did not work, and many countries withdrew.
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If governments of countries cannot do anything, can ordinary people do something at least to slow down global warming? According to Nurtayeva what we can do is to use electricity efficiently, because we consume too much electricity that also contributes to rise average temperature. This is kind of indirect measure, but it is possible. If every person, 6 billion people, will use electricity efficiently, and calculate it, in two years it will equal to 0.7C – 0.001C = 0.699. As you can see it is also good benefit for ourselves. Also, one of the ways is plant more trees as they use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis process. By reducing carbon dioxide we can slow down rapid global warming.
As we, ordinary people, can contribute to slow down global warming process by efficient using electricity and planting trees, my survey was based on these issues. I have made a public opinion poll for the purpose of getting people’s response to the questions related to global warming, then for making the conclusion, based on responses, which will be important to this research. The table given below shows the result of the poll.
The result of public opinion poll connected with global warming
Questions: |
Number of people who approved the question (out of 60) |
Number of people who disapproved the question (out of 60) |
|
Do you think that global warming is caused by human activities? |
49 |
11 |
|
Do you agree that using electricity efficiently can help to slow global warming? |
41 |
19 |
|
Do you use electricity efficiently? |
Yes |
I think so |
No |
15 |
36 |
9 |
|
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I created three general questions about global warming and using electricity efficiently as this is important contribution from ordinary people. 60 ordinary people are asked randomly in which there are students, workers and pensioners in different public places. The results of poll supported my thought that most people 49 think that human is guilty for global warming. And, only 11 people think that it is natural process which is also true. Use of electricity efficiently is what we can do in order to help the nature. That is why questions about that was important for research. As it is seen above 41 people think that it really helps, and 19 people do not consider that as a solution. The most interesting question was that if people use energy efficiently. 15 people said that they save and spare electricity, and 36 people answered that they do not know whether they save or not, which shows that they do not use electricity completely efficiently. It shows that many people do not care not only about loss of electricity but also about global warming.
These two primary researches were useful to clarify the problem, because global warming is very complicated issue. As Nurtayeva (2012) says the main causes include both human activity and natural activity. The big combination of these two activity makes climate change even worse. It is obvious that even if we will control pollution from industries, change of climate still depends on the nature. So, if it is natural process it can be inevitable. However, human activity to the environment should be restricted anyway. As Nurtayeva emphasizes it is too early to say that global warming is serious global problem. However, we should not wait for worse effects. Also, Kyoto Protocol which aimed to fix the problems of global warming failed. It raises questions and doubts that if such global project as Kyoto Protocol could not solve this environmental problem, how we, ordinary people, can do something so as
to slow global warming process. However, we can contribute to help avoid from worse circumstances of global warming. As survey shows not everyone knows that using energy efficiently and planting trees can slow down global warming process slightly. However, not
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many people are concerned about these small daily actions that even if they are seen for us as unimportant, it has great impact on environmental change. If all people in our Earth follow doing these simple two things, it will have a big influence on the average temperature.
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Data analysis
The global warming needs more information to investigate. Demographic survey and interview are very useful to find out more information about rapid climate change. Analysis and evaluation of primary research are beneficial to draw a conclusion and prove truthfulness of the some information and theories. In the analysis of interview and the results of public opinion poll I tried to support and critique them with the material from the academic articles.
The associate professor of environmental science in KIMEP, Aliya Nurtayeva, said that the average temperature of Earth is really increasing. It is also deeply indicated in Khilyuk and Chilingar’s article (2003) that the average temperature of Earth has been increasing since 20th century. Now it has reached by 0.7C. This shows that the global warming problem really exists. Nurtayeva deeply explained the main causes of rapid climate change that carbon dioxide from wastes of manufacurings is one of the most harmful causes of global warming. The article “How serious is global warming threat?” also emphasizes that carbon dioxide contributes to increase the average temperature of Earth which makes stronger greenhouse effect.
The surprising point is that Nurtayeva (2012) states that mostly global warming is due to natural process of Earth. She says that “There is another theory that an increase of average temperature is not due to carbon dioxide. The major cause is extra activity on sun. There are certain sun-spots on the sun which is also cause of global warming.” It contradicts with many articles. For example, Paramanov’s article (2010) states that rapid climate change’s main causes are human activities such as manufacturings and heavy industries. Surely, Nurtayeva does not deny that, but she claims that it has less impact on an increase of the average temperature. This somehow shows that the global warming process is inevitable. According to Nurtayeva this is fluctuation of average temperature of the Earth, and it is not stable. This can
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decrease in future. However, Hoffman (2010) disclaims that 90% of greenhouse effect is mostly and rapidly increasing due to manufacturings last several years.
As a solution to this problem Nurtayeva’s idea coincides with Spencer’s (2007) statement that renewable sources of energy are effective way to slow global warming. Also, Nurtayeva highlights that not only renewable sources of energy are solutions to the global warming but also type of non renewable sources nuclear power stations and recycling-filter system are beneficial to slow the average temperature of the Earth. Ferrey (2010) gives an example of Denmark’s system of getting energy to support Nurtayeva’s statement. Actually, 90% of energy in Denmark is based on renewable sources of energy. The reason for that is burning fossil fuels contributes an increase of CO2 from pollution wastes of manufacturings.
Another interesting point is that why Kyoto Protocol failed. Nurtayeva emphasizes clear and more detailed information about failure of Kyoto Protocol. She supports Helm’s point (2008) that Kyoto Protocol could not cover many aspects like environmental justice. As a result many developed countries like the USA, Canada withdrew Kyoto Protocol, because countries with high industry has high level of pollution. So, it was ineffective for many countries to realize this project.
As an important aspect of solution to the global warming is ordinary people’s actions. Actually, Nurtayeva did not reject the idea that daily actions of ordinary people can also contribute to slow the global warming process. Paramanov (2010) highlights that if we are in earnest about electricity usage, it will decrease quarter of carbon emissions. Nurtayeva supports this idea saying that planting trees can also decrease CO2 as they use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis process. So, we can do something to slow the global warming.
The problem under investigation was that how many people and how people use electricity efficiently so as to contribute to slow global warming. 60 people were asked randomly.
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60 = 100%
81% of people approved the question that global warming is caused by human activities.
19% of people disapproved the question that global warming is caused by human activities.
68% of people approved and 32% of people disapproved the following question “Do you agree that using electricity efficiently can help to slow global warming?”
60% of people answered unsurely and 15% of people answered in the negative to the question “Do you use electricity efficiently?”
This really shows that people do not care about electricity, but if we act accurately, we will achieve slowness of global warming. We should just delivery this information to the people so as to encourage people to use electricity efficiently, because it is not only beneficial for the environment but also for us.
It is important to mention about one of the greenest cities of the USA, Portland which is very good example to imitate. Today Portland of Oregon State is considered as leading ecologically and environmentally friendly city of the USA (Portland, 2012). Firstly, recycling system of Portland makes it to be one of the cleanest cities. Portlanders went forward to embrace recycling of other waste, such as glass, tin, cardboard, papers–all in containers provided by people. New recycling standards and regulations have been adopted by the City of Portland adding recycling requirements for businesses, multi-family, and construction. We also can adopt recycling system even in our city, Almaty, which is one of the most polluted cities. It will be first step to reduce pollution. A second good example is Portland’s transportation. Actually, Portland is also known as a cyclist’s city. As it is know that car is one of the main sources of producing carbon emissions. That is why 57% of residents use bicycles to get to their destinations (Portland, 2012). Also, many conditions are made for cyclists as convenient lanes for bicycles and so on. In addition, as an important transport metro is considered as one of the effective transports in Portland. It is obvious that it makes a big contribution to reduce pollution. By decreasing pollution we can slow global warming.
Why cannot we use these examples in our city Almaty? For example, we can use bicycle as additional and main transport for residents. Unfortunately, it is not for always, because winter severity in Almaty makes an obstacle for cyclists. Also, metro can be ineffective way of transport for Almaty region. There are several reasons. One of them is that Almaty is located in Southern part of Kazakhstan which is considered as mountainous. Accordingly, it is a seismologically unstable region. So, it makes it risky to build long distance trains. Also, one of the most important points to mention is that location of Almaty plays a big role in increasing air pollution, because Almaty is surrounded by mountains as in the cup. It is an obstacle for circulation of air. As you can see many factors negatively impact Almaty.
Actually, big cities produce more wastes. There are 15 000 refuse bins in Almaty (Mukhametzhanov, 2009). Actually, Almaty is one of the biggest cities of Kazakhstan, and the city is considered as millionaire city as its population exceeds 1 million people. Area of Almaty is 23 square km. Accordingly, 15 000 refuse bins are less for such big city which produces more wastes. Less of refuse bins are also main cause of pollution in Almaty. This makes a barrier to clean our city. Therefore, akimat of Almaty should provide establishment of refuse bins in each street of Almaty. In general, it can be seen as small part of the problem, but it has a big role in reducing pollution in Almaty.
Actually, in 1998 the new 2030 General Plan of Almaty was developed and aimed at forming ecologically safe, secure and socially comfortable living conditions. The main objective is to promote Almaty’s image as a garden-city (Mukhametzhanov, 2009). Thus, we should realize this goal. In order to accomplish this planting of trees and gardens in Almaty have a big influence. Also, government should support young organizations stated for clean and green city. One of such big projects is “Zhasyl el” found in 2005, republic group of youth of work collectives. Actually, this organization was active in the years when it was established. Members of this project exceeded 114 thousands of people. And, they planted 28 millions of trees in Kazakhstan (Mukhametzhanov 2009). Moreover, all these actions were delivered by mass media to people. Today “Zhasyl el” are still active, every year they organize many activities like “We are for clean city”, “Garden city”, “Green world” and so on. Unfortunately, during the last years this becomes less and less, year by year “Zhasyl el” becomes weak organization due to the lack of governmental support. If we support an try to realize all these systems, Almaty will be considered as green city instead of most polluted city. Not only member of such organizations should plant trees for our city, and it is not only their responsibilities to care about our city, but each resident of Almaty can plant at least one tree. Actually, Almaty is translated into English as “the city of apples”. Thus, Almaty should be green, and we should deserve and keep this name of Almaty. So, this is every citizen’s duty to care of his lovely city.
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Conclusion
As Kazakh writer Syrbay Maulenov said “People are mountains, each person is a stone of the mountain”. Each of us has a small part in solving the problem, but together we can change everything, even the natural catastrophe global warming. If all people act amicably against global warming, it will make a big contribution to the slowing of global warming. In summary of this research I would like to mention the professor Nurtayeva Aliya’s saying that, “Everything which is happening by the reason of human actions, and they are responsible for their actions”. It means that we did it, so, we should fix it. In spite of the fact that this paper includes and describes most of the facts and theories about global warming inevitability and prevention, the decision is not clearly written in one statement. There are still many unanswered questions related to the global warming and thesis statement. This is pressing and true environmental problem. And, today this is being strongly researched by many scientists and organizations because this problem can lead to the big catastrophe. Even now we can see heavy negative effects to the ecology, especially for many species which are on the verge of extinction. For example, bears and whales are under dangerous risk of extinction. Therefore, it needs immediate solutions. However, solutions are still not found. As it is mentioned above even big projects as Kyoto Protocol could not be realized.
The main goal of this research paper was to find and determine reasons that prevent global catastrophe from global warming, and try to find some possible ways to solve this problem. Of course, to find possible solutions all aspects of the issue: government participation and support for environmental projects, financial issues, and organizational aspects must be taken into consideration. Even if many organizations failed to solve this problem, today we still have feasible and new programs aimed to decrease not only the average temperature of the Earth but also it can reduce pollution overall. Many countries are already realized and using such projects. For example, renewable energy sources, biofuels and nuclear power stations are widely used in several countries. These are practical steps toward efficiency and conservation. Use of energy sources from water and wind is feasible solution. Actually, wind is everywhere. Generally, biofuels are also one of the effective energies which is obtained without harmful wastes. All these can easily replace fossil fuel efficiently. In order to develop this it needs support in many countries. However, it is considered as long term solutions.
One of the main goals of the research paper was to find out whether simple residents can do something to slow global warming process or not. Actually, they can, and it is true that ordinary people can stop rapid climate change. Generally, it starts from people’s simple daily actions like use of electricity and water efficiently, recycling and planting trees. Nurtayeva also supports the idea that even if planting trees is a small step in proportion to the magnitude, then in several years it will make big effort in reducing carbon emissions which are main causes of global warming.
Also, it is important to remind about green city Portland which is good example for every city to imitate and follow its example. If every person takes this problem seriously, he will at least care about daily actions efficiently. We should not only claim and rely on governmental actions. Everything depends on us. If 6 billion people make their daily actions efficiently and accurately, it will have a big influence on declination of the average temperature. For example, use of bicycle as main transport and planting trees are small step to solve this problem. If at least 10 people plant 1 tree each of them, in future it will reduce 0.001% of carbon dioxide. If we deliver this information to everybody, surely they will respond to that. As we are a single whole with the nature it is our duty to protect and save our Earth. And, there is no doubt that ordinary people can achieve it even without governmental interference.
Daniyar Global warming 28
Appendix
The questions which were asked in the interview with the associate professor of Environmental Sciences Nurtayeva Aliya:
What are the main causes of global warming?
What are the effects of global warming?
Is global warming preventable or inevitable?
Are there feasible and real solutions?
Why did Kyoto protocol fail?
Are there other projects or organizations aimed to solve this problem today?
Can ordinary people do something to slow global warming? What?
What can we do right now to slow climate change and make a real difference?
Which countries contribute the most to global warming?
Is the atmospheric and oceanic circulation changing?
Can using biofuels and renewable energies help to slow global warming?
Survey questions:
Do you think that global warming is caused by human activities?
Do you agree that using electricity efficiently can help to slow global warming?
Do you use electricity efficiently?
Daniyar Global warming 29
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