In the field of physical sciences, global warming ranks among the key controversial topics and it has received significant attention in recent years. Based on the tremendous influence that global warming has on the environment as well as humans, scientists and lawmakers need to make sure they weigh the information they receive heavily (Maslin, 2015). Therefore, the paper will discuss the global warming debate by evaluating the scientific role of the phenomenon as well as the roles that humans play in global warming. It compares and contrasts natural as well as anthropogenic climate changes, determines whether global warming is taking place, evaluates the present global warming mitigation approaches, as well as speculates on the policy changes that would facilitate stabilizing global climate that would require more strict standards when it comes to the implementation of the policies. Concerning geological time, the planet has realized increasing temperatures than is the case of today. Nonetheless, it is crucial to realize that differences prevail between historical natural cycles and the present trends in global warming. The major distinction revolves around the notion that prior trends in global warming progressed over thousands of years whereas the present trend appears to be progressing at a significantly faster rate while it usually takes several decades. Furthermore, during the past natural cycle, humans did not serve as contributing forces to global warming (Hilderman, 2017). In the case of the natural cycle, for instance, the Sun’s orbital variations result in the initiation of global warming. The warming then activates the emission of greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, which lead to a rise in orbital warming. Here, the natural cycle of climate change results from greenhouse gases as well as orbital changes. Natural cycles have taken place for millions of years even before the human race. From the viewpoint of scientists, climate change is taking place while humans are playing an active role with respect to the rising global temperature, especially during the past century. Scientific discoveries reveal that the footprint of humans on the planet is overpowering natural processes, particularly owing to the growing utilization of fossil fuels, which lead carbon to overload the earth’s atmosphere (Hilderman, 2017). Regarding anthropogenic climate change, it entails the process of producing greenhouse gases by humans. After an evaluation of the core of polar ice, scientists have acknowledged that activities by humans have contributed to a significant rise in atmospheric greenhouse gases, which have reached an all-time high during the past few decades. Natural mechanisms do not lead to the emergence of the post-industrial increase in greenhouse gases. Here, anthropogenic change in climate has resulted from the activities of human beings (Hilderman, 2017). In this sense, therefore, while various differences exist between natural and anthropogenic Climate Changes, the key similarity between them is that they all contribute to global warming in the planet. In the media today, various discussions surrounding climate change stipulate that the fallacious logic, that “since temperatures during the Middle Ages were warmer as opposed to today, the present warming is quite natural, and that individuals have no reason to worry,” is misleading people. Present scientific evidence reveals that global warming is taking place. They reveal that global temperatures have realized a tremendous rise, oceans are warming, the ice sheets are shrinking, and glaciers are retreating to almost any part of the world. Moreover, the snow cover especially in the case of the Northern Hemisphere has declined during the last five decades. Sea levels have risen by around 8 inches during the past century while the thickness and extent of Arctic sea ice have reduced significantly during the last past few decades (Maslin, 2015). In this case, therefore, it is apparent that global warming is actually occurring as supported by overwhelming evidence. Mitigating climate change entails processes of minimizing the flow of greenhouse gases that usually trap the heat in the atmosphere. These comprise minimizing the sources of the gases, such as avoiding burning fossil fuels for producing heat, electricity, or transport. A different mitigation approach entails enhancing the sinks that are usually responsible for accumulating as well as storing the gases, including forests, oceans, and soil. Embarking on such mitigation approaches plays an essential role with regard to avoiding major interference of humans with the climate in line with stabilizing levels of greenhouse gases in a sufficient timeframe (NASA, 2017). These can make it possible for the ecosystems to adapt naturally to changes in climate, avoid threats to food systems, as well as facilitate the development of the economy in a sustainable manner. An appropriate policy that would facilitate stabilizing global climate change is one that entails the setting of performance standards. Performance standards target energy consumption standards of appliances, building codes, truck, and car fuel economy, as well as pollutant emission limits by power plants. As opposed to setting prices on the negative influences of activity on the economy, standards usually specify the anticipated minimal performance level. Policy on standards serves as an ideal tool when it comes to addressing issues related to laggards as well as eradicating the nastiest products from the marketplace. They assist in addressing split incentives while also minimizing the negative influences associated with a lack of sufficient information within the marketplace (Rissman, 2014). In implementing the policy, therefore, the nation would be held to more strict standards in China, mostly because of its popularity as a key polluter of the environment based on the diverse industries present in the country.
References
Hilderman, R. (2017). The role of natural and anthropogenic forces in climate change. Retrieved from http://www.motherearthnews.com/nature-and-environment/the-role-of-natural-anthropogenic-forces-in-climate-change
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Maslin, M. (2015). Six reasons that scientists are sure global warming is happening. Retrieved from http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/six-reasons-that-scientists-are-sure-that-global-warming-is-happening-a6753996.html
NASA. (2017). Responding to climate change. Retrieved from https://climate.nasa.gov/solutions/adaptation-mitigation/
Rissman, J. (2014). The three policies that can counter global warming. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/46401-three-policis-could-cut-global-warming.html
