GP DISCUSSIONS.

Protect the Earth!

The earth seen from space is a single pearl of blue and green, floating against a dark and cold universe. Such a vision of our planet and ourselves unifies us. To care for nature and endangered species. To be concerned about global warming and forest fires that cause transboundary pollution. To protest against dams that block up reivers, and large companies that dislodge local peoples from their traditional ways of life.

These are archetypal concerns of the environmentalist. They transcend the limits of place and time. To care about the environment is to look beyond borders. Environmentalists, like time travellers, also look beyond the present, to care about events that might affect future generations. But what about us? Everything we do - driving, writing on paper - is destroying a little bit of the environment!

Now, the earth is angry! Natural disasters, the sudden loss of diversity, climate changes and global warming, it's all taking its toll on the humanity. This is a serious problem!

Rapid changes in global temperature

The levels of carbon dioxide were currently at their highest levels in the past 450, 000 years. Increased greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect is feared to contribute to an overall warming of the Earth's climate, leading to global warming. Some regions may experience cooling, or wetter weather, while the temperature of the planet on average would rise.

Extreme Weather Patterns

The warming of the climate will lead to more extreme weather patterns such as more hurricanes and drought; longer spells of dry heat and intense rain; Northern Europe could be sevrely affected with colder weather if climate change continues, as the arctic begins to melt and sned fresher waters further south, keeping countries such as Britain warmer than expected; In South Asia, the Himalayan glaciers could retreat causing water scarcity in the long run.

Ecosystem Impacts

With global warming on the increase and species' habitats on the decrease, the chances for various ecosystems to adapt naturally are diminishing. Many studies have pointed out the rates of extinction of animal and plant species, and the temperature changes around the world since the industrail revolution, have been significantly different to normal expectations.

Rising Sea Levels

Water expands when heated, and sea levels are expected to rise due to climate change. Rising sea levels will also results as the plar caps begin to melt. Rising sea levels is already affecting many small islands.

Increase in Pests and Disease

An increase in pests and disease is also feared. The is an alarming increase in outbreaks and epidemics of diseases throughout the land and ocean based wildlife due to climate changes. Climate change is disrupting natural ecosystems in a way that is making life better for infectious diseases. IF some of this does get worse, it is likely that the poorest regions and people are likely to suffer the most, as they would have the least resources in hand to deal with the effects.

Most people think environmental effrots take too much trouble. Others are indifferent to the need to save the environment. But amid to despiar, there is one hope. Technology would be the key. We are living in a technology age, we can utilise the resources and teh knowledge we have to save the environment. If everyone is willing to put in more effort to preserve what we have now, we will not only ensure the surviail of our future generations, but also protect the wonders Nature has given us.

Angela

Labels: Environment

Y 07S10-GRP02

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