Global Warming: Burning the Earth as well as Our Conscience

(Garth, n.d.)

Humans do not need a police officer to tell them that global warming is the biggest crime they are guilty of committing. They may complain about bearing the brunt but the truth that it is human-induced remains unchanged. Incessant burning of fossil fuels essentially has contributed to the rising temperature. Additionally, deforestation, harnessing limited resources, burgeoning pollution, and, growing population among others have accelerated this process. The greenhouse gas emissions from these activities warm up the Earth.

The clearing of forested areas has deprived the environment of carbon reservoirs. Moreover, many industries that depend on mining fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum generate large emissions. Consequently, there is excess heat in the atmosphere which is absorbed by oceans, altering the marine ecosystem. In addition to this, snow caps and glaciers are melting. As a result, sea levels are rising and, in the future, will consume many cities. This has exerted insurmountable pressure on the carrying capacity of the environment.

Thus, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the future is bleak.

What Does the Future Hold for Us?

If the temperature continues to rise at an unprecedented rate, eventually the Earth will be warmer by 4.4°C by the end of the twenty-first century (United Nations, n.d.). More threatening is the fact that the number of climate change skeptics is on the rise. This group is supported by fossil fuel companies that want to advance blatant corporate interests.

Another related issue is that many people believe that global warming is a phenomenon that belongs to the distant future. Opposed to popular belief, it is ongoing and continuous.

Nature has once again reminded humankind of the fact that they need to remain within their limits. Their interference with the environment's natural processes has resulted in damage that cannot be undone. Their recklessness has cost them a beautiful home. It is time for them to take responsibility and change their ways.

Global warming is the biggest crime that humans have committed and they do not have the right to remain silent about it.