Definition and Justification
Descriptively, global warming is mainly about the warming up of the earth whereby there is a gradual increase in temperature in the atmosphere. The attributing factors are greenhouse gas emissions alongside other pollutants such as chemicals from industries (Moore, 2008). It follows that human activity is central to promoting global warming and in turn, climate change across the globe. There is a divided reaction towards the impact of global warming, but little attention is paid towards potential benefits of the climate warming up in some regions. Moore (2008) stated that having a warmer climate would imply a longer farming season in all parts of the globe especially those that are vulnerable to frost and snow during winter. On the other hand, Tol (2018) stated that in hotter and low-lying countries, global warming is likely to plunge more individuals into poverty. They are likely to suffer drought and hunger thereby becoming vulnerable to diseases caused by malnutrition. The double-sided effect of global warming makes it hard to determine whether it is justifiable or not.
Effects
The effects of global warming are divided in that some are positive while others are negative. There are other underlying factors which ought to be considered when discussing the effects of the phenomenon in question. Tol (2018) cited that poorer countries are increased vulnerable and exposed as they depend on agriculture as one of their key economic activities. Global warming depletes water resources in such countries setting conditions that favor drought and consequently hunger. On the contrary, developed countries are mostly invested in manufacturing and other services, which means that they are protected from the extreme effects of global warming (Tol, 2018). Apart from such a disparity, Moore (2008) stated that a warmer climate might benefit Northern-based countries as it helps in reducing the number of season-related deaths. It is established that more individuals die from cold during winter compared to when the climate is hot during the summer. Therefore, the effects are somewhat divided.
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Argument For and Against
Thus far, the information reviewed demonstrates that the impact of global warming is unbalanced as there are positive and negative effects. However, Tol (2018) explained that the negative effects are generally considered to outweigh the positive ones. In this respect, his view of global warming is that it can reduce crop yields in hotter countries especially those in the African continent by about 50%. Climate change is the cause of the yield gap due to lack of access to high-quality seeds, pesticides, and irrigation (Tol, 2018). Thus, global warming has a massive negative impact on hotter countries which depend largely on agriculture for survival. On the contrary, Moore (2008) acknowledged that global warming could have positive effects. In most cases, the effects of cold seasons are ignored. For instance, a warmer climate in Greenland implies that winter is short allowing more time to graze sheep alongside growing crops, more time for outdoor activities among other outcomes (Moore, 2008). Thus, based on what Moore (2008) noted, global warming might not be a big issue as it is projected.
Impact on the Environment and Humans
The information provided above documents the effects of global warming on both the environment and human beings. Tol’s (2018) discussion shows that climate change affects the land’s fertility especially in hot regions such as Africa. That being the case, it becomes difficult for individuals to depend on farming as an economic activity. However, Moore (2008) stated that despite the negative effect on land, global warming provides individuals living in colder regions an opportunity to experience longer warm seasons; they are able to grow crops and increase their yield.
References
Moore T. G. (2008). Global warming. The good, the bad, the ugly and the efficient. EMBO reports , 9 Suppl 1 (Suppl 1), S41–S45. doi:10.1038/embor.2008.53
Tol, R. S. (2018). The Economic Impacts of Climate Change. Review of Environmental Economics and Policy,12 (1), 4-25. doi:10.1093/reep/rex027
