Since ancient times, humanity has greatly affected the environment and continues to do so. Have you ever thought about how to prevent the effects of global warming, which we feel strongly today? Then let's take a look together.
What is Global Warming?
Global warming can be defined as "the increase in temperature detected on Earth and in the lower layers of the atmosphere (lower and middle troposphere) due to the rapid increase in the accumulation of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of various human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, agricultural activities, and industrial processes since the Industrial Revolution, along with the effects of urbanization strengthening the natural greenhouse effect."
The excessive increase in population density worldwide, migration and urbanization movements, and the rise in living standards, along with the consequences of increasing industrial production over the last approximately 150 years, have led to the release of a large amount of harmful gases and particles into the atmosphere due to the excessive consumption of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas, as well as changes in land cover, which are the main factors causing global warming.
What Gases Cause Global Warming?
There have been significant increases in the amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that reduce ozone (O3) density, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), as reported by theodysseyonline.com. Due to these increases, the enhanced greenhouse effect in the atmosphere has led to the emergence of the global warming and global climate change problem we face today.
What Can We Do Against Global Warming?
1- Use public transportation by reducing the use of your personal vehicle
Instead of using personal vehicles, ride a bicycle, walk, or prefer public transportation. For every kilometer not traveled by gasoline-powered cars, 150 g – 380 g of carbon dioxide will be saved. Contribute to making our cities cleaner by reducing traffic and pollution.
2- Reduce your use of packaged products
Reevaluate or recycle the packaging of the products you purchase.
n. Because the decomposition time of plastic packaging in nature can reach up to a thousand years. Be careful not to use plastic bags while shopping, and buy reusable shopping bags. Raise awareness in your environment about this issue. At this point, we can implement the 3R (Reduce- Reuse – Recycle) Goal. The 3R goal can be effectively achieved by focusing first on "reducing," then on "reusing," and finally on "recycling."
3- Plant trees
Planting trees is seen as the top action we should take in the fight against global warming. Trees act as insulators by absorbing and reflecting some of the sun's heat, thus reducing the heat and scorching effects of solar radiation. Plant at least one tree each year. A tree absorbs 1 ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Additionally, ETH Zurich researcher Ecologist Thomas Crowther has stated that "trees are the most powerful weapon in the fight against climate change."
4- Save water
Saving water is of great importance in the fight against global warming. Small steps we take in a geography where water resources are limited can create significant effects. To do this, you can minimize the total amount of water you will use in a year by changing the faucet fittings we use at home, repairing leaking pipes, and keeping the time short while brushing your teeth or taking a shower. According to the United Nations World Water Development Report 2020, water usage has increased sixfold in the last century. The report states that protecting wetlands is of "vital importance" because these areas not only stop floods and purify water but also store carbon as much as forests. Richard Connor, the editor of the report, said, "If you are saving water, you are saving energy. This way, the greenhouse gases produced to generate the energy that brings water are also reduced."
5- Turn off your electronic devices
Energy savingChoose energy-efficient and environmentally friendly electronic devices. Even if your device is energy-saving, do not use them excessively. If you won't be home for a long time, turn off your refrigerator. Do not use the heater too much during the winter months unless necessary. Coffee machines and microwaves equipped with LED clocks still consume power when not in use. Completely turn off these devices when you don't need them. When you calculate the amount of energy saved at the end of the year, these small savings will eventually turn into significant savings.**6- Try to use renewable energies**The use of renewable energy sources can help reduce the carbon footprint resulting from global energy consumption. By doubling the share of renewable energy by 2030, it is possible to reduce approximately half of the emissions, and when combined with energy efficiency, the average rise in global temperature can be kept below 2°C (1.5°C), preventing climate change from becoming a global disaster. For these reasons, prefer renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy more.**7- Reduce your meat consumption habit**Research shows that at least 15% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide come from animal farming. This rate is higher than the emissions caused by air and land traffic. The digestion of animals leads to the release of methane gas into the atmosphere, while manure production emits CO2. The use of fossil fuels in livestock farming is also a significant environmental issue. On the other hand, the production of animal feed (especially soy) leads to deforestation, reducing the planet's capacity to eliminate greenhouse gases. Eating less meat and more locally grown vegetables and fruits reduces carbon emissions.Global warming causes shorter seasons, disruption of the food chain, droughts, a decrease in the amount of freshwater on the planet, mass extinction of species, diseases, and the melting of glaciers. We all face the consequences of global warming.There is a role and responsibility regarding this matter. Global warming can eventually make the world uninhabitable. If we do not change our lifestyle and habits, we may face worse outcomes. Now is the time to take action.**Sources**Türkeş Murat, What is Global Climate Change? Basic concepts, causes, observed and predicted changes, Research Article, January 2008, p.32
Özmen M. Tamer, Greenhouse Gas – Global Warming and the Kyoto Protocol, IMO Journal, 2009, p.43
Calculate Your Driving Emissions, http://shrinkthatfootprint.com/calculate-your-driving-emissions, Access Date: 19.04.2020
+21 Astounding Reasons Why You Should Plant a Tree Today https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/astounding-reasons-why-you-should-plant-tree-today.php, Access Date: 20.04.2020
https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Küresel_ısınma#cite_note-40, Access Date: 19.04.2020
Christian Jon, Research: Planting Trillions of Trees Could Cancel Out CO2 Emissions, https://futurism.com/planting-trillions-trees-cancel-co2-emissions, Access Date: 20.04.2020
World Water Day | “Water conservation is an overlooked but powerful weapon against global warming”, https://theworldnews.net/tr-news/dunya-su-gunu-su-tasarrufu-kuresel-isinmaya-karsi-goz-ardi-edilen-ama-guclu-bir-silah, Access Date: 20.04.2020
What are Energy Efficient Homes?, https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/11-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient.php, Access Date: 20.04.2020
Güner Esra Deniz, Turan Emine Su, The Impact of Renewable Energy Sources on Global Climate Change, Artvin Çoruh University Natural Disasters Application and Research Center Natural Disasters and Environment Journal, Volume 3, Issue 1, p. 49
https://tr.euronews.com/2019/01/14/kirmizi-et-yemeyerek-kuresel-isinmayla-mucadeleye-katki-kanser-kitlik-tarim, Access Date: 19.04.2020
