Global Warming and Water Resources Essay

Climate change is a global problem. Its causes a string of effects but particularly, it affects water resources. As global warming affects the marine ecosystems and as it contributes to the melting of the polar ice caps, mankind is facing a bleaker future. Climate change, also known as global warming or the greenhouse effect is caused by the excessive amounts of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere. These greenhouse gases prevent heat from escaping the atmosphere resulting in a considerable warming of temperature. This phenomenon results in many problems. This greenhouse effect is natural and without it, the Earth would be too cold to sustain the current ecosystem, but the problem is the warming of the planet is reaching very high levels (West, What is the Greenhouse). The melting of the polar ice caps is a major concern especially when talking of global warming. One particular aspect is that the melting of the polar ice caps will result in rising sea levels. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, sea levels would rise by as much as 230 feet if all the polar ice caps melted. This will provide a threat to people especially those living near the coastlines (5 Deadliest Effects, 2007). The ice caps are formed from fresh water and the melting of these polar ice caps makes seawater more saline. Thus, it creates an imbalance in the marine ecosystem. In one case, swarms of jellywish invaded the waters near the coastline where they usually do not reside in. A survey by Oceana indicated that they are ten jellyfish for every square meter in some coastal areas in Spain. According to Frances Peters from the Institute of Marine Science in Barcelona, higher water temperature and higher water salinity forces these creatures to move to waters near the coastline (BBC, 2008). The melting of the ice caps also threatens different species of animals in the arctic region. Due to the changes in their natural habitat, some animals in this part of the world may find it hard to adapt to the changes which can ultimately lead to their extinction (5 Deadliest Effects, 2007). Climate change also results in seawater turning into acid. Excess carbon dioxide is absorbed by the sea and when carbon dioxide is mixed with seawater, a weak type of carbonic acid is formed. Erosion provides the waters with a natural buffer to the acid which is the calcium coming from rocks that underwent weathering. However, rising carbon dioxide levels have began to alter this balance. The rising acidity of seawater poses a threat to the thriving marine ecosystems including the corals (Spotts, 2004). A huge portion of the Earth is water and water is a main component of life. If water resources are affected by climate change, thus, all living things would be affected. A disturbance in the balance of marine life as an effect of global warming will affect the world’s food supply since many people rely on fish as food. Coral bleaching results in the fish having no food or shelter (Markey, 2006). Climate change has also resulted in many problems for people such as droughts and floods. These two incidents affect food production. Droughts constitutes in the absence of an irrigation system for the field while floods destroy planted crops. Drinking water also becomes a problem in some extreme cases of droughts (Struck, 2007) Experts indicate that it is not too late to stop global warming. It may be prevented by cutting down on the greenhouse gas emissions which is why the Kyoto Protocol came into existence. The Kyoto Protocol aims to bring down emission levels of countries that have ratified it. The United States refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol which 178 countries signed on the ground that it will have severe economic effects on the country. Many criticized the administration of George W. Bush for such a response (West, Should the United). Methods of limiting greenhouse gas emissions can be done to curb the problem such as using more environment-friendly means of transportation and resorting to energy sources that produce no greenhouse gas emissions. These can be done by countries to limit their greenhouse gas emissions to comply with the demands of the protocol. Electrcic cars or other alternative vehicles that produce no emissions should be adopted. Using coal to produce electricity should also be put to a halt since it produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide. There are many alternative energy sources aside from fossil fuels such as solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy an hydroelectric energy. All these can produce virtually no amount of greenhouse gases and are even more economical. If every nation would adopt these steps, global warming could easily be stopped and reversed. The challenge here is the transition. It would take great effort to completely change all energy sources to more environment-friendy energy sources. The use of non-fossil-fuel-powered vehicles may also be difficult to adopt since not all people can afford to get a new vehicle at a given time. Adopting these steps eliminate dependence on oil and oil-producing countries. On the other side of the fence, these steps would result in decreased revenues from oil which could render some people jobless. Educating the public would also be an important step to make them more aware. This would not be too hard as a process since the media is now becoming more aware of environmental concerns such as global warming. Politicians are also starting to put attention on the subject. All these steps must start from government efforts since they have the resources and the attention of the public. The steps must be done in large scale proportions. Even little efforts to help decrease greenhouse gas emissions but the cooperation of everyone is needed to really have an effect. Legislating laws to demand compliance would be a viable step.