association between greenhouse gases and global warming

 association between greenhouse gases and global warming

Climate change has increasingly become a severe problem in the contemporary world because of the associated negative implications. From unpredictable weather patterns that threaten food production to growing sea levels known to exacerbate the risk of catastrophic flooding, this phenomenon continues to present a significant challenge to the international community, hence calling for drastic action (United Nations). The United Nations (UN) has been at the forefront in fighting climate change by urging member states to adopt policies with the potential of keeping greenhouse gas emission levels low. Recently, this body requested me to address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions in Afghanistan, especially the contribution of carbon dioxide towards climate change. This report explores the association between greenhouse gases and global warming, atmospheric emissions as an issue of concern for the developing world, as well as the causes of greenhouse emissions and possible solutions. The problem of climate change has negatively affected Afghanistan’s economy, security, and political landscapes, and an answer to this challenge largely depends on the willingness of major industrialized countries to embrace strategies that limit the amount of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane emitted into the atmosphere.

Background

The greenhouse effect results from the interaction of the sun’s energy with various gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, among others in the earth’s atmosphere. The greenhouse phenomenon is attributed to the capability of these gases to capture heat from solar rays, which are consequently transferred to the earth’s surface, resulting in increased temperatures (Kweku et al. 3). Overall, the flawless cycle of interactions in heat capture and transmission is responsible for the notable increase in global temperatures.

While many gases have been linked to the greenhouse effect, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases are the principal contributors. In particular, carbon dioxide’s role in global warming is attributed to its chemical composition: the gas comprises one carbon atom with a single atom attached to either side. As the bonding takes place, the carbon dioxide molecule begins to vibrate (Kweku et al. 3). The presence of more carbon dioxide gas has been shown to contribute to the greenhouse effect. Burning fossil fuels such as oil introduces more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, hence exacerbating the greenhouse effect (Kweku et al. 3). In effect, an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide augments the risk of greenhouse gas impact.

An increase in the volume of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has been linked to climate change. Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide allow sunlight to pass into the earth’s surface; Nonetheless, they prevent sunlight from escaping into space (Twardy). In essence, the earth’s inability to release excess heat into space due to the influence of greenhouse gases leads to increased atmospheric temperatures. Although the consequences of the shifting natural atmospheric greenhouse are difficult to predict, specific impacts appear likely. Notably, warmer conditions likely result in more evaporation and precipitation, while a stronger greenhouse effect will probably warm oceans (Twardy). In sum, the presence of high levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere causes rapid changes in climate, leading to extreme temperatures.

How Emissions Cause Problems for the Developing World

Though developing countries are not among the chief contributors to the greenhouse effect, they are the main casualties. Figures from the International Energy Agency (IEA) depict the United States of America and China as the world’s leading emitters of greenhouse gases. According to this agency, the two countries produce approximately 40% of the global carbon dioxide emissions, translating into 35% of greenhouse gases (Mohajan 191). Other significant contributors include India and Russia. The latter is placed at position three, while the former has been ranked as the fourth most prominent greenhouse emitters in the world. Based on these statistics, it is evident that the United States, China, India, and Russia are principally to blame for the climate changes witnessed in developing countries.

The soaring amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have been linked to far-reaching economic implications. Agricultural production is arguably the most significant causality when it comes to the impact of climate change on a country’s economic profile. In recent decades, Afghanistan has been hit hard by global warming. Worth noting is that agriculture is the most prominent economic activity in the country, and has since been affected by the increasing levels of greenhouse emissions from other global regions. In recent years, the number of livestock is estimated to have dropped by 50% due to prolonged droughts that have led to the degradation of animal feeds (Savage et al. 14). In essence, climate change has undermined Afghanistan’s core economic activity, thus threatening livelihoods.

Security and safety risks are other notable adverse outcomes of climate change. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to this possibility because of the existing food security issues and higher dependency on the agricultural economy (Savage et al. 17). Afghanistan is one of the developing countries that have been at the receiving end of climate change due to the rising levels of carbon dioxide emissions. Notably, food and health insecurity have been affecting more than 75% of the population in recent years following prolonged droughts and water shortages (Savage et al. 17). Indeed, security and safety have remained significant issues of concern in the country due to climate change.

Furthermore, climate change has the potential of triggering political instability. With rising economic insecurity, local authorities are tasked with the responsibility of addressing emerging conflicts occasioned by the scrambling for limited resources. In Afghanistan, state officials have been experiencing difficulties in handling disputes related to traditional pasture rights due to competing interests among various factions (Savage et al. 18). For this reason, the political landscape has been a victim of excessive greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere.

Causes of Greenhouse Gases and Possible Solutions

The accumulation of greenhouse gases is associated with processes that emit carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor. The greenhouse effect is largely linked to activities such as nitrification and denitrification, microbial respiration, and combustion of coal (Darkwah et al. 5). Therefore, management of these processes can be critical in averting this problem.

The employment of bioremediation technique, tree planting, reduction in fossil fuel use, and consumption of clean energy are some of the promising solutions to the issue of greenhouse emissions. The bioremediation method entails the utilization of microbial metabolism to eliminate pollutants from the biosphere (Darkwah et al. 4). Collectively, the above-highlighted approaches can significantly minimize the volume of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Conclusion

The problem of climate change continues to affect the world, especially developing countries, more than ever before, due to the escalating levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Human activities that emit excessive nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide, and methane into the atmosphere are principally to blame for global warming. The economic, security, and political profiles of developing countries such as Afghanistan have suffered much due to climate change. Strategies such as bioremediation, renewed efforts in afforestation, and the adoption of renewable energy have the potential to minimize global warming, thus making the earth a better place.