What is done to curb Global Warming?
As you have seen, the main cause of global warming is actually due to the exponential increase in concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. So, in the natural state, what is the major sink for CO2? The major important sink for CO2 is ocean. This could be seen from the following diagram:
As you have seen, the main cause of global warming is actually due to the exponential increase in concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. So, in the natural state, what is the major sink for CO2? The major important sink for CO2 is ocean. This could be seen from the following diagram:
Because sea water is alkaline and CO2 is acidic, the oceans are vast reservoir of CO2 as reaction would occur. However only the surface layer of ocean, the top 75 meters, is in equilibrium with the atmosphere and its capacity to absorb CO2 is limited. Exchange of surface layer with deep oceans takes hundreds of years. The location of the remaining carbon dioxide has been a subject of considerable debate, but it is now widely accepted that vegetation absorbs much of the CO2.
But even with this natural sink sources, the CO2 level is continuously increasing resulting in global warming. Global warming can shift the climate zones and the existing forests may not be able to adapt, especially if the shift is rapid and again the result may be loss of biomass. Global warming may also lead to increased evaporation of water thereby reducing water available for agricultural, municipal, and industrial use.
Just a note, global leaders have also taken a step forward. International leaders gathered for the first time to address the emission of greenhouse gases during the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which only came into force only in 2005 due to lack of support by all countries. Kyoto Protocol recommends reduction in emission of greenhouse gases by 5.2% between 2008 and 2012. However, effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol depends on full co-operation from all countries – thus, due to the importance of fossil fuels in the development of many countries, and that many were concerned that the profits of their industries may be affected by strict emissions control that might eventually lead to job losses, the number of countries agreeing to the terms of the Kyoto Protocol was relatively small. As recently as 2005, many developing countries like China still refused the terms of the Kyoto Protocol, whereas Singapore only acceded to the agreement, joining the list of 141 countries committed to environmental protection in 2006.
Scientists have also worked hard to reduce carbon dioxide emissions due to the fear of the impending impacts of global warming on the Earth. Here is a video regarding some efforts on the reduction of carbon dioxide:
But even with this natural sink sources, the CO2 level is continuously increasing resulting in global warming. Global warming can shift the climate zones and the existing forests may not be able to adapt, especially if the shift is rapid and again the result may be loss of biomass. Global warming may also lead to increased evaporation of water thereby reducing water available for agricultural, municipal, and industrial use.
Just a note, global leaders have also taken a step forward. International leaders gathered for the first time to address the emission of greenhouse gases during the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which only came into force only in 2005 due to lack of support by all countries. Kyoto Protocol recommends reduction in emission of greenhouse gases by 5.2% between 2008 and 2012. However, effectiveness of the Kyoto Protocol depends on full co-operation from all countries – thus, due to the importance of fossil fuels in the development of many countries, and that many were concerned that the profits of their industries may be affected by strict emissions control that might eventually lead to job losses, the number of countries agreeing to the terms of the Kyoto Protocol was relatively small. As recently as 2005, many developing countries like China still refused the terms of the Kyoto Protocol, whereas Singapore only acceded to the agreement, joining the list of 141 countries committed to environmental protection in 2006.
Scientists have also worked hard to reduce carbon dioxide emissions due to the fear of the impending impacts of global warming on the Earth. Here is a video regarding some efforts on the reduction of carbon dioxide:
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