Introduction: Global Warming and Human Activities
Global warming and human activities leading to it is the greatest challenge that humanity is facing on Earth, possibly leading to its extinction, yet many are deliberately ignoring this challenge. Although some people perceive it as simply longer summer months, it is more complex than that, as “the environment is a complex network made up of the atmosphere, soil, water, and humans under the influence of the Sun,” leading to “climatic variability” (Bota, Voisculescua, and Bota 26). This complexity means that climate and temperature vary from place to place, but the problem lies in human activities that are responsible for a considerable increase in this temperature. As Simona Condurache-Bota, Mirela Voiculescu, and Gica Condurache-Bota state, “climate change and global warming are important issues” (27). The issue of global warming is due to numerous human activities, and reducing these activities could lead to overall improvements in weather conditions globally. However, if ignored, as is the case for various people, it may cause widespread disasters.
Opposite Views on Global Warming and Human Activities
However, there are many opposing views. The first is that only humans are not responsible for global warming. There are some natural phenomena that humans cannot stop, leading to global warming and climate change. Brad Balukjian says, “Only 40% of Americans attribute global warming to human activity, according to a recent Pew Research Center poll” (Balukjian). It is also evident that there is a lack of knowledge about global warming. He states that “many university professors teaching global warming barely had a better understanding of its mechanism” (Balukjian). This means that most people are not aware of what global warming is, let alone its human causes.
Richard Renneboog says that “Overall, the condition of the earth’s atmosphere is the result of a planetary balancing act between incoming solar energy and energy emitted into space from the planet’s surface” (01). He has identified three major causes of this balancing act: solar energy and the energy from space that come from the surfaces of the planets. He further states, “There is a contingent of climate scientists who correlate global warming with solar activity and terrestrial cycles” (01). This means that not all aspects of global warming can be attributed to human-made activities, and there are several scientists who do not attribute it solely to human activities. However, this does not negate the fact that human activities are contributing to climate change.
Different Opinions about Global Warming and Human Activities
In fact, there is some difference of opinion and understanding, as shown by Brad Balukjian and Richard Renneboog, indicating either ignorance among people and experts or the presence of many other factors. There is some truth in both perspectives. It is acknowledged that various natural activities have been occurring for years. However, the key point is the neglect of human activities that contribute to the increase in temperature through different means. For instance, the National Academy of Sciences has stated in a report that “Since the Industrial Revolution, all developed economies have been based on the burning of fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases,” highlighting a man-made activity (Bowman 2). This underscores the difference in understanding about the issue, indicating that common people may not be clear about it, and some scientists may not have considered the human dimension of the problem.
The real position aligns with both of these opinions. Bowman’s perspective is supported by an article on National Geographic, “Causes of Global Warming,” which demonstrates that human activities are influencing the climate. The article states that “there are several greenhouse gases responsible for warming, and humans emit them in a variety of ways” (“Causes of Global Warming”). It further mentions that the greenhouse gases responsible for the increase in temperature mostly “come from the combustion of fossil fuels in cars, factories, and electricity production” (“Causes of Global Warming”). This indicates that the human contribution to the problem has not been fully explored.
Multidimensionality Global Warming and Human Activities
It also shows that reality is multidimensional, and different people perceive the same issue in quite different ways. In other words, both opinions in this connection are correct. There are natural causes as well as man-made activities contributing to the increase in overall temperature, leading to problems in the form of natural disasters and diseases. Although there are some truths in Balukjian and Richard Renneboog, they do not represent the whole truth. The other side is equally correct, implying that human activities are indeed causing global warming.
Conclusion: Global Warming and Human Activities
In fact, the whole situation is that, regardless of the specific truth, both of these factors contribute to global warming, which is not benefiting mankind on Earth. In other words, if both of these factors, which are within the power of human beings, are addressed and managed to maintain the climate, it would benefit the human race in the long run. For example, reducing the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation could help keep our environment clean and free of greenhouse gases that impact temperature. Therefore, global warming, caused by man-made activities, could be mitigated to reduce the overall increasing temperature and keep the world a safe place for future generations. Otherwise, if both sides of the argument continue to adhere to their positions, it seems that practical actions may not be taken until time runs out.
Works Cited: Global Warming and Human Activities
- Balkujian, Brad. “Why Doesn’t Everyone Believe Humans Are Causing Climate Change?” NOVA Next. 19 Nov. 2014. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/earth/climate-change-acceptance/. 21 Dec. 2022.
- Bowman, Jeffrey and David C. Morley. “Point: Scientists Have Not Determined the Exact Causes of Climate Change.” Points of View: Global Warming, 31 Mar. 2022, p. 2. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=26159048&site=pov-live&scope=site.
- “Causes of Global Warming.” National Geographic. n. d. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/global-warming-causes/. Accessed 22 Dec. 2022.
- Condurache-Bota, Simona, et al. “Weather Records: A Worldwide View.” Annals of the University Dunarea De Jos of Galati: Fascicle II, Mathematics, Physics, Theoretical Mechanics, vol. 39, no. 1, Mar. 2016, pp. 26-36. EBSCOhost, libaccess.hccs.edu:443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=124713183&site=ehost-live&scope=site.
- Renneboog, Richard. “The Foundations of Climate Change.” Points of View: Reference Shelf- Global Climate Change, May 2022, p. 1. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=96572723&site=pov-live&scope=site.
- ___. “Scientists at Odds.” Points of View: Reference Shelf- Global Climate Change, May 2022, p. 1. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=pwh&AN=96572722&site=pov-live&scope=site.
Relevant Questions: Global Warming and Human Activities
- How do human activities contribute to global warming?
- What are the most significant impacts of global warming on the environment?
- In what ways can individuals and communities mitigate their contribution to global warming?