Climate change is a major problem that’s continuing to arise with the lack of action that states have taken to stop the increase of global warming. This phenomenon affects both national security and human security across the world. National security is a nation that the government, along with the legislation, should protect the state and citizens against different kinds of “national” crises through different power projections. Examples of the power projections are political power, diplomacy, economic power, military might, and more self help methods. Human security is a combination of threats that are associated with war, genocide, and the displacement of populations. In short, human security means freedom from violence and from the fear of violence.
The textbook, How the World Works, provides three possible scenarios that could happen. The scenarios usually fall under geopolitical conflict, market and technological rescue, and effective global regulation. There are increasing ways to reduce the carbon footprint that is being emitted currently. There are solar panels, biofuels, wind turbines, and many other environmentally friendly ways to cut down on carbon emissions so our planet can continue to sustain life. The carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is higher than ever. In the past, the carbon dioxide in the air was approximately 180 parts per million back in around 1000 AD. Currently, it’s about 410 parts per million which equals to 3200 gigatons of carbon dioxide. The
National security, in the 21st century, has shifted from the focus on traditional threats (armed forces) (Siddiqi, 2013) to the integration of new threats and challenges, which have global consequences as the world evolves. Climate change has been increasingly identified as a serious contemporary security threat (McDonald, 2013), nationally and globally, instead of an environmental concern (Dupont & Pearman, 2008). This challenge presents a long-term global threat, with substantial human, national and transnational security repercussions (Wuebbles, Chitkara & Matheny, 2014). Furthermore, Wuebbles et al. (2014) acknowledge climate change as a threat multiplier, seen to exacerbate stresses (i.e. conflict, instability and poverty), enhancing the global importance of the issue as recognised as a critical national security risk. In perceiving climate change as a threat multiplier, this essay will recognise how the issues cumulative progression and consequences interacts with existing security issues, directly and indirectly challenging national security (Brown, Hammill & McLeman, 2007). Secondly, the long-term risk of climate change will be discussed, analysing the importance of implementing adaptation strategies for risk protection and vulnerability reduction. Finally, being a transnational security threat, global cooperation will be addressed, stressing the importance of internationalism and collaboration to protect against this evolving threat to national and
During the past several hundred years, civilization has made rapid progress in industries like air travel, automobiles, and energy production. These developments were made without consideration of the long-term effects that their emissions may have on the planet. Changing weather patterns are now wreaking havoc around the world, and scientists attribute this to human-caused climate change. During President Obama’s State of the Union address in 2015, he stated that, “No challenge poses a greater threat to future generations than climate change,” (“Remarks by the President”). Warming temperatures caused by anthropogenic climate change have disastrous consequences that pose a threat to humanity and the environment.
Global warming is defined as the recent increase in the world 's temperature that is believed to be caused by the increase of certain gases (such as carbon dioxide) in the atmosphere. There are many different theories on whether global warming is similar or not to climate change. Simplistically, climate change is different because climate change is defined as a change in global or regional climate patterns or, in particular, a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels, having been measured over long periods of time, due to the changes in Earth’s orbit and organic carbon which reflect sunlight. Global warming and climate change are not to be confused because global warming is caused mainly by anthropogenic factors like the emission of carbon dioxide gas and use of fossil fuels whereas climate change is completely natural, however, according to Milan Radovanovic, “it is clear that the anthropogenic factors dominate the increasing temperature and the natural ones have the maximum influence…” (Radovanovic). Therefore, “the contribution to global warming from natural forcings and from natural internal variability is in the range between -0.2 to 0.2 [degrees] celsius over the period 1951-2010…” (Radovanovic). Natural factors have had the most effect on global temperature in the past 59 years totaling a 0.4 degrees celsius increase in
Look around. Every day, everyone will witness some sort of carbonic emission in some form dispersing into the atmosphere. You hear enough about it on the news, whether you care or not. However, the question lingers: is it even that big of a deal? Most likely, if you are a Republican, you will say that Democrats are blowing the whole climate change situation out of the water, or that the warming of our earth is completely natural. Notice how they switched it from global warming to climate change; that is because their previous assumptions and models have not been completely accurate, right? On the other hand, if you are a Democrat, you are most likely seething over the statements you just read and want to do anything you can to prevent this possible catastrophic disaster. 97% percent of climate scientists agree that Climate Change is here and now, caused by all of us… right? Democrats are also more likely to target and blame carbon emissions on the rising temperatures. Nevertheless, William McDonough, a famous urban planner, says that targeting carbon is a purely political move. Further, carbon should be a useful resource for humans, and an imbalanced carbon cycle is to blame. In fact, McDonough claims this imbalance is the result of poor and inadequate urban designing. Are any climate change believers right? Or are Donald Trump and friends correct in pointing the finger at the problem and saying, “wrong!” First and foremost, let us explore the partisan views on the issue.
How does the rising use of fossil fuels impact the earth? The simple answer is that the earth’s temperature rises, otherwise known as global warming. Global warming then devolves into climate change. Global warming has been “proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented over decades to millennia” (“Climate Change Evidence: How Do We Know?”) because of the world’s increasing reliance on fossil fuels. World-wide natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, may be correlated to an increased risk in extreme weather events due to climate change. There has been efforts to curb climate change, such as pieces of legislation like the Paris Climate Accord, but beliefs of individual leaders such as Donald Trump, who “claims to think that links between carbon emissions and climate change are ‘a hoax’” (Steadman 19), has halted the fulfillment of such agreements between states. If there is not effective efforts to slow the emission rate, the earth will face devastating consequences. Therefore, the leaders of countries across the world must work together to develop a solution to slow climate change, or else the future will be disastrous.
At last, the author raises awareness with the support of specific statistics related to the topic. He claims that ‘507 billion dollar’ worth land will sink if the emission of Co2 remains constant at same pace until 2100. Moreover, Crop yields will decrease dramatically , North Dakota will have problems with ‘declining productivity’, and Arizona will face a ‘one-in –20 odds ‘ that each individual will have to pay 800 more dollars.
Climate change is one of the most important challenges of humankind in this century. The ability to adapt, mitigate and reduce carbon emissions will be decisive to preserve the world for future generations. The last IPCC report has provided more evidence regarding the rise in temperature and sea level. Apparently, additional 2°C above the pre-industrial average temperature levels is unavoidable, and it will continue at that level due the accumulation of gases in the atmosphere (Solomon 2009). Climate change will affect people all around the world in different ways, though the capacity to cope with it is different among regions and countries. The Latin America region is notably susceptible to climate change, due its geographical position, population location and its economy relying in natural resources (Vergara et. al. 2013a). The withdrawal of the coral biome, glaciers melting, jungles & forest savannization and strongest climate events are only some of the threats that will affect their inhabitants.
When you hear the words “climate change” what comes to mind? Probably weather and the changes. Many of us watch the news or use an app on our cellphones/electronic devices to keep an eye on the weather for the day, week, or even the month. But, there is actually a difference between weather and climate. Weather is actually “the changes we see and feel outside from day to day. It might rain one day and be sunny the next. Weather also changes from place to place” (Dunbar, 2014). Whereas “climate is the usual weather of a place. Climate can be different for different seasons. Different places can have different climates” (Dunbar, 2014). This paper will focus on the ins and outs of climate change, specifically focusing on what climate change
The concept of climate change has been around for quite a while. The earliest mention of climate change dates back to the 19th century. Swedish scientist, Svante Archenius was the first scientist to study the effect of CO2 on climate. (Rodhe et al 1997)
Climate change and Global Warming are out of control. This means that, no matter what policies, processes or actions are implemented, the Earth as we know it will never be the same again. There is significant evidence to support this hypothesis. The dilemma becomes whether we can limit the damage and adapt to a new status quo or not. Rising sea levels and the damage caused by this phenomenon has irreversible impacts on coastlines worldwide. Damage to sensitive reef systems cannot be fixed. This also has permanent impacts of the ecology not just of those immediate areas but also the ocean as a whole.
Global warming and climate change will cause health problems for future generations. Climate change and global warming affect everyone. Polar bears are losing their homes due to global warming, and humans are forced to adapt to a continually changing environment. According to John Balbus, he mentioned “With the climate change can cause exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity which are associated with social and demographic factors” (Balbus n.p). Also, increase susceptibility to higher rates of illness caused by climate change and global warming, which it is similar in some cases. Global warming may be a high risk of health consequences also heat-related disease, mental health consequences, and stress. Global warming gives several adverse health effects in both humans and animals.
Third, it explains that climate change may weaken states ability to provide resources and services to the people. And finally, it outlines further research that could be conducted on climate change human security (or the lack of) and violent conflict.
A meeting discussing global warming and the ongoing climate change (and the impact CO2 emissions have on the growing problem) has been in session in Peru for the past few days. Dozens of world leaders are gathering to discuss possible changes that can be implemented to halt the increase in temperature seen around the globe. However, many prominent scientists have stated that it may be too late for these world leaders to make any significant impacts (Associated). These scientists, and many other people around the world, believe that humans have contributed significantly to global warming, and as a result mankind needs to do whatever it can to combat this ongoing crisis. Nearly 3,500 miles away from Peru, United States Senator James Inhofe is in Washington D.C., representing Oklahoma in the United States Senate. Senator Inhofe is one of the loudest preachers of the belief that global warming is not the dire threat that so many scientists make it out to be. Inhofe has claimed that it is “arrogant for people to believe human beings are able to change what He (God) is doing in the climate” (Tashman). The Senator believes that only God controls the climate and the environment, and to even think that humans are impacting the earth’s climate is misguided (Tashman). These two opposing viewpoints bring with them questions of religion, politics, human responsibility, and ultimately the fate of the planet. On one side, there are those who say that the science is so concrete, and the
Earth is one of the most intriguing planets in our galaxy and especially in our universe. This planet is able to bear and sustain life on its surface and also has one of the most important compounds in the universe H2O. Earth has an abundant amount of water on its surface; making it the primary reason why life can survive. However, we humans that live on this planet are destroying it bit by bit. As human population continue to rise, the demand for fossil fuels also increases. The continuous use of fossil fuels has resulted in global warming and also pollution. Hydrocarbons when burned release CO2 into the atmosphere; in turn too much CO2 in the atmosphere heats up the planet. Global warming is slowly changing the earth’s climate at an alarming rate. Earth’s global temperature has risen 0.6 degrees Celsius since the 1900’s (Ahrens, 388). This steady increase in temperature has drastic effects on the hydrological, ecological, political, and economical systems all around the world. The issue of climate change and global warming isn’t centered on one nation or group; it is centered on all the nations around the world. So it is important to every citizen living on this planet. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential effects of climate change will have on the ocean, agriculture, eco-systems, increasing global population, and geopolitical systems.
In 2009 former NASA climate scientist James Hansen set a CO2 level of 350 part per million (ppm) as a threshold for Earth’s safety (Jill, p. 963). As such, according to James any level above the threshold will lead to dangerous warming (Jill, p.963). However,carbon dioxide measurement taken at an observatory in Mauna Loa, Hawaii show that global carbon dioxide concentration have climbed to 400 ppm (Weeks, p. 524). Jill U. Adams, conclude that, according to current projection, the planet 's temperature will rise to at least 2 degrees by the end of the century and an increase topping that could lead to a host of environmental crises, including flooding from rising sea level and catastrophic weather events (Jill, p.964).