Warmheart Worldwide (2019) on global warming
Warmheart Worldwide (2019) define global warming as the “Slow increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere because an increased amount of energy (heat) striking the earth from the sun is being trapped in the atmosphere and not radiated out into space.” It is important to note that the atmosphere has a greenhouse effect, which ensures that the earth enjoys warm temperatures that permit the emergence of various life forms. However, human activities such as farming, deforestation, and burning of fossil fuels have increased the concentration of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leading to global warming (Nunez, 2019).
The effects of global warming are being experienced in America as well as in other parts of the world. These effects include an increase in global temperatures. Nunez (2019) note that the average global temperature has increased by over 0.8 degrees in the last 100 years. Other extreme weather events such as rainstorms, blizzards, droughts, and heat waves are occurring in the United States with greater intensity due to global warming. Parts of North America are witnessing a decrease in snow cover. Melting of ice can lead to landslides, and other land collapses. Also, the melted ice is raising the sea level, and if the trend continues, coastal areas in which habit about half of the earth’s population will be flooded.
America contributes to only 5% of the world’s total population, but its consumption of natural resources is disproportional as it’s the largest consumer in the world. What contributes to America’s voracious appetite for resources is personal lifestyle choices. Americans prefer lavish lifestyles that deplete natural resources in the country. PRB (2019) gives a good illustration whereby Michael Frisby moves his family from a 3,700 square feet house to an 11,00 square feet house. The house has amenities such as a media room, steam room, a music room, among others. What inspired the move was the fact that Frisby wanted a house big enough that everyone had enough space. Frisby’s case is an example of how personal lifestyle choices are contributing to global warming due to the vast amounts of energy required to satisfy these choices.
Government efforts to combat global warming in the United States are being made using laws and policies aimed at reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. The current federal efforts to mitigate climate change are based on the Clean Air Act of 1970. Some of the efforts made by the U.S. government to combat global warming include advancing research on nuclear energy. Indeed, nuclear power is the best zero-carbon energy, and its utilization will play a significant role in decarbonization efforts. Another effort made by the government is garnering support from international organizations. U.N Framework Convention on Climate Change is contributing to this initiative by supporting other countries to cope with climate impacts, develop clean energy, and reduce emissions (PRB, 2019). Individuals are addressing global warming by changing their lifestyles and planting trees to increase forest cover.
The current efforts to reduce global warming are having a significant impact, but I believe more can be done to address the issue. Indeed, America cannot address global warming on its own. It requires global efforts by each country, and international organizations such as the U.N. can play a significant role in rallying support from member countries. America should sensitize the public on the importance of reducing their carbon footprint as most of them are unaware of how their actions impact the environment.